05/08/2026
The journey to Four Roses Distillery was far more than a bourbon buying trip — it was an opportunity to step inside one of the most respected and detail-driven whiskey programs in the world.
Four Roses has built a cult following among bourbon enthusiasts because of its incredibly unique production system. Unlike most distilleries that produce only a handful of recipes, Four Roses creates ten distinct bourbon recipes by combining two different mash bills with five proprietary yeast strains. Each recipe develops its own personality, flavor profile, and character during aging, which is why Four Roses Private Selections are considered some of the most sought-after barrel picks in modern bourbon.
For Tricounty Discount Liquors, being selected to choose not one, but two private barrels was already an honor. What made the experience even more special was selecting two legendary recipes highly regarded among collectors and bourbon enthusiasts nationwide: OBSK and OBSQ.
Inside the historic Four Roses rickhouses, the tasting process was incredibly hands-on and detail-oriented. Barrel samples were pulled directly from aging warehouses, allowing us to experience how climate, warehouse location, barrel placement, proof, and aging conditions influenced each bourbon individually. Every barrel carried its own identity despite sharing the same recipe designation.
The OBSK selection immediately stood out with its bold spice-forward profile and rich structure. Known for its high-rye mash bill combined with Four Roses’ “K” yeast strain, OBSK delivers layers of baking spice, cinnamon, dark caramel, toasted oak, and peppery complexity while maintaining exceptional balance and smoothness. It carries the kind of bold, full-bodied character bourbon enthusiasts actively hunt for in premium barrel picks.
The OBSQ barrel brought a completely different experience to the table. Using the same high-rye mash bill but paired with the delicate “Q” yeast strain, OBSQ is celebrated for its elegant floral notes and refined complexity. Our selected barrel opened with aromas of ripe fruit, honey, vanilla, and subtle oak before evolving into softer spice, delicate sweetness, and an exceptionally long finish. The contrast between the two barrels made the pairing incredibly special — one showcasing bold spice and intensity, the other delivering finesse, depth, and layered sweetness.
The selection itself took hours of side-by-side tasting, note comparisons, and discussion. We weren’t simply choosing good bourbon — we were searching for barrels that represented the absolute best expression of what Four Roses is known for. Balance, uniqueness, mouthfeel, finish, aroma, and how the whiskey evolved in the glass all played a role in the final decision.
What makes these bottles truly unique is that they are genuine single-barrel releases. No blending, no mass production, and no reproductions. Once these barrels are gone, the exact whiskey profile can never be recreated again.
For Tricounty Discount Liquors, this experience reflects how far South Florida’s bourbon community has grown and how deeply customers now appreciate authentic, high-level whiskey selections. Being trusted with two Four Roses Private Selections — especially OBSK and OBSQ recipes during one of the most competitive eras for bourbon allocations — represents a milestone not only for the store, but for bourbon enthusiasts throughout the region.
After traveling from the legendary rickhouses of Kentucky back to South Florida, both exclusive Four Roses Private Selection barrels have officially arrived and are now available exclusively at Tricounty Discount Liquors.
