Four Roses Single Barrel OBSF 750ML

Four Roses Single Barrel OBSF 750ML is a 100 proof (50% ABV) Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey drawn from a single barrel using the distillery's high-rye OBSF recipe. What distinguishes this expression is the F yeast strain, which imparts herbal, minty, and delicate floral characteristics rarely found at this intensity in bourbon.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof)  |  Origin: Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, USA  |  Straight Bourbon Whiskey  |  Distillery: Four Roses Distillery

Production & Heritage

Four Roses Distillery, founded in 1888 in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, and currently owned by Kirin Holdings, is unique among major bourbon producers for maintaining ten distinct recipes — the result of combining two mashbills with five proprietary yeast strains. The OBSF recipe uses the distillery's high-rye "B" mashbill of 60% corn, 35% rye, and 5% malted barley, fermented with the "F" yeast strain. This particular strain is known for generating delicate, herbal, and minty flavor compounds during fermentation, which when paired with the elevated rye content creates a bourbon that reads as spicier and more herbaceous than many of its siblings in the Four Roses family. Each barrel is individually selected and bottled as straight bourbon at 100 proof without blending.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with herbal and floral aromas, followed by bright rye spice, honeycomb, and a hint of fresh apple. Deeper exploration reveals nutmeg, mint leaf, and baking spices that reflect the F yeast strain's signature character.

Taste: The entry is smooth with vanilla sweetness that quickly yields to a mid-palate surge of clove, cocoa, and cinnamon stick. Rye spice builds steadily through the peak, joined by dry oak, leather, and dried apple. The 35% rye mashbill and herbal yeast strain combine to create an impression of even higher rye content than the grain bill suggests.

Finish: Long and satisfying, with lingering cocoa, clove, baked apple, and light rye spice that persist well past the final sip. White peppercorn and faint oak emerge late, accompanied by a pleasant, controlled warmth appropriate for the 100 proof strength.

How to Drink Four Roses OBSF

Neat or with a few drops of water is the ideal way to appreciate the F yeast strain's herbal nuances; the 100 proof bottling holds up well with slight dilution without losing complexity. In an Old Fashioned, the mint and clove notes add layered depth beneath the sugar and bitters. A Boulevardier benefits from the OBSF's rye-forward spice, which cuts through Campari's bitterness with authority. In a Mint Julep, the bourbon's inherent mint-leaf character creates a natural synergy with fresh spearmint.

Best For

• Bourbon enthusiasts exploring Four Roses' ten-recipe system for the first time
• Side-by-side tastings comparing different Four Roses yeast strains and mashbills
• Gifting to a whiskey collector who values single barrel individuality
• After-dinner sipping alongside dark chocolate or rich desserts

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Four Roses OBSF taste like? Four Roses OBSF delivers a rye-forward bourbon experience dominated by clove, cocoa, vanilla, and herbal mint notes, with a long finish of baked apple and white peppercorn. The F yeast strain gives it a distinctly herbaceous and minty quality that sets it apart from other bourbon profiles.

How does Four Roses OBSF compare to OBSV? Both recipes use the same high-rye B mashbill (60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley), but they differ in yeast strain — the V strain produces more delicate fruit and creamy vanilla, while the F strain leans herbal, minty, and spice-driven. The OBSV recipe is the one used in the standard Four Roses Single Barrel release, making OBSF a less commonly encountered variation with a noticeably more savory profile.

Is Four Roses OBSF good for sipping neat? At 100 proof, OBSF is well-suited for neat sipping, delivering substantial flavor without excessive alcohol burn. A few drops of water can further open up the herbal and floral aromatics from the F yeast strain.

Where is Four Roses OBSF made? Four Roses OBSF is produced at the Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, a facility that has been operating since 1888. The bourbon is aged in single-story rickhouses at the distillery's Cox's Creek warehouse facility, also in Kentucky.

What foods pair well with Four Roses OBSF? Dark chocolate truffles complement the cocoa and clove notes on the palate. Smoked brisket or pulled pork stands up well to the rye spice and oak tannins. Sharp aged cheddar mirrors the bourbon's dry, spicy character. Pecan pie echoes the nutty sweetness in the mid-palate. Apple-based desserts like tarte tatin resonate with the baked apple notes on the finish.

What sizes does Four Roses OBSF come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle at 100 proof (50% ABV).

Is Four Roses OBSF worth the price? Four Roses OBSF positions as a premium single barrel bourbon that offers genuine individuality through its specific recipe code, sitting above entry-level bourbons but remaining accessible within the broader single barrel category. The combination of a unique yeast strain, high-rye mashbill, and barrel-by-barrel selection provides strong value for drinkers seeking distinctive character over mass-produced consistency.

Why Four Roses OBSF?

The OBSF recipe represents one of the more compelling expressions in Four Roses' ten-recipe portfolio. The F yeast strain's ability to produce herbal and minty compounds works in remarkable concert with the 35% rye mashbill — each ingredient amplifying the other to create a bourbon that tastes as if it contains significantly more rye than it actually does. As a single barrel product, each bottle reflects the individual character of one specific barrel, making it a window into the craft that has defined Four Roses for over 130 years. For anyone looking to understand how yeast selection shapes bourbon flavor in ways as dramatic as grain or aging, OBSF is one of the clearest demonstrations available.