Vanilla | Dried apple | Cork board | Fresh oak | Hints of grain | Light

Golden raisin | Vanilla syrup | White peppercorn | Light baking spices | Hint of oak | Pleasing

Light rye spice | Oak | Vanilla powder | Mellow

Four Roses’ standard 100 proof single barrel has always been OBSV, however, at the end of 2024, the company announced that they would be releasing a new Single Barrel Collection to coincide with their 20th anniversary. Their intention is to expand on their current single barrel product. The company states that “The Single Barrel Collection will feature the first three new 100 proof Single Barrel bourbons  – OBSF, OESK, and OESO – alongside the flagship Single Barrel, OBSV.” The company goes on to state that “Following this first Single Barrel Collection, which will be available throughout 2025, Four Roses will continue to introduce a new set of Single Barrels each year, rotating between the nine unique recipes that complement the flagship Single Barrel recipe.”

Four Roses uses two different mashbills and five different yeast strains to create 10 unique bourbon recipes. The OBSV mashbill consists of 60% corn, 35% rye, and 5% malted barley. The strain of yeast used is version “V” which is described as containing flavors of delicate fruit and rye. Like the other bottles in the single barrel collection, the bourbon in the review was aged between 7-9 years. Of note, Four Roses releases single barrel, barrel proof versions of all 10 of their recipes, however, these are only available via private selection.

It’s been several years since reviewing Four Roses standard OBSV Single Barrel, and in that time, not much has changed. The nose on delivery is still incredibly light, but the midpoint puts things on a more upward trajectory thanks to a pleasing set of flavors, including golden raisin, vanilla syrup, and baking spices. The finish is on the mellow side, delivering standard bourbon flavors of rye spice, oak, and vanilla. Being a single barrel product, each barrel will be unique, however, for the most part, Four Roses standard OBSV offering is a straightforward affair that is a good introduction to the brand's single barrel lineup.