The 2021 Four Roses Visitor Selection 20 Year Old Single Barrel OBSV Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is an ultra-rare and remarkable release that embodies the pinnacle of Four Roses’ bourbon craftsmanship. Selected exclusively for the distillery’s Visitor Center, this single-barrel expression features the highly sought-after OBSV recipe, renowned for its high-rye content and delicate balance of rich, spicy, and fruity flavors. Aged for an extraordinary 20 years, this bourbon is a true gem, offering deep complexity and unparalleled smoothness, making it a must-have for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

On the nose, this 20-year-old bourbon greets you with an intoxicating array of aromas. Notes of dried dark fruits like black cherries and raisins are immediately present, complemented by the warm scent of rich caramel and vanilla. The long aging process in oak barrels lends a layer of spiced oak, toasted almonds, and a hint of tobacco, with just a whisper of leather and dark chocolate. A touch of floral sweetness, characteristic of Four Roses’ yeast strains, rounds out the bouquet, inviting you to dive deeper into its complexities.

The palate is a masterclass in balance and depth. The high rye content (60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley) gives this bourbon a bold spiciness, with initial notes of cinnamon, clove, and black pepper dancing on the tongue. As it opens up, the spice is complemented by luxurious flavors of toffee, brown sugar, and honey, creating a rich sweetness that balances perfectly with the oak and rye spice. The mouthfeel is incredibly smooth and full-bodied, delivering a velvety texture that coats the palate.

Further into the tasting, subtle flavors of dried apricot, orange peel, and dark cocoa emerge, adding complexity to the already robust profile. The influence of two decades in oak barrels is evident, with deep layers of charred wood, vanilla bean, and a smoky undertone. Despite the long aging, the oak presence is well-integrated, never overpowering the whiskey’s core sweetness and fruitiness.

The finish is long, warm, and satisfying, with lingering notes of spiced oak, caramel, and a hint of dark chocolate. A gentle spice continues to build, leaving a lasting impression of toasted rye, vanilla, and a touch of sweetness that remains long after the final sip. The finish is both bold and elegant, a testament to the meticulous care put into aging and selecting this rare single-barrel bourbon.

Best enjoyed neat to fully appreciate its rich, layered flavors, the 2021 Four Roses Visitor Selection 20 Year Old Single Barrel OBSV is a bourbon that demands attention and admiration. It’s a stunning expression that perfectly showcases the unique balance of spice, sweetness, and oak that Four Roses is known for. With only a handful of bottles available, this bourbon is a true collector’s piece, offering an unforgettable experience with every pour.