Four Roses 2016 Elliott's Select Barrel Strength Limited Edition Bourbon Whiskey 750mL
Four Roses 2016 Elliott's Select Barrel Strength Limited Edition Bourbon Whiskey 750mL
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey | Barrel Strength (ABV & Proof Vary by Barrel) | 750mL | Kentucky, USA | Aged 14 Years | OESK Recipe | 75% Corn, 20% Rye, 5% Malted Barley | 2016 Limited Edition Single Barrel
Process & Profile
Four Roses 2016 Elliott's Select Barrel Strength Limited Edition Bourbon Whiskey 750mL is an exceptionally rare and collectible Kentucky straight bourbon released to celebrate the beginning of Brent Elliott's tenure as Master Distiller at Four Roses Distillery. Introduced in June 2016, this prestigious single-barrel expression marked Elliott's first limited-edition release as Master Distiller, following his appointment in September 2015.
Personally selected by Brent Elliott, this remarkable bourbon was aged for 14 years and produced using Four Roses' distinctive OESK recipe, one of the distillery's ten signature bourbon formulations. The OESK recipe combines a lower-rye mash bill of 75% corn, 20% rye, and 5% malted barley with Four Roses' proprietary K yeast strain, known for producing elegant baking spice characteristics.
After 14 years of maturation in new charred American oak barrels, Elliott's Select developed an exceptionally refined flavor profile balancing mature oak, delicate floral aromas, ripe stone fruit, and warming spices. Bottled at natural barrel strength, with proof varying between individual barrels, this expression captures the distinctive character of each selected cask.
The bourbon opens with inviting aromas of peach jam, magnolia blossoms, and light oak, followed by beautifully balanced flavors of spiced vanilla, fresh nutmeg, and ripe fruit. A lingering finish of honey and delicate apricot creates an elegant conclusion to this mature Kentucky bourbon.
With approximately 10,000 hand-numbered bottles announced for the limited U.S. release, Four Roses Elliott's Select 2016 remains a highly desirable expression for collectors and bourbon enthusiasts seeking a significant release in the distillery's history.
Tasting Notes
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Color: Rich golden amber with warm copper highlights, reflecting 14 years of maturation in charred American oak barrels.
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Nose: Delicate and inviting aromas of sweet peach jam, fresh magnolia blossoms, and lightly toasted oak. Subtle vanilla sweetness and ripe fruit contribute depth and elegance to the aromatic profile.
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Palate: Exceptionally balanced and complex, featuring layers of spiced vanilla, freshly grated nutmeg, and delicate ripe fruit. Gentle baking spices complement the bourbon's mature oak character, while soft stone fruit sweetness adds richness and refinement.
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Finish: Long, elegant, and pleasantly warming, with lingering honey sweetness, light apricot, subtle spice, and delicate oak. The finish maintains an impressive balance between mature barrel character and refined sweetness.
What Makes It Special
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Historic 2016 Limited Edition: Released in June 2016 as the first limited-edition bourbon personally selected by Brent Elliott after becoming Four Roses Master Distiller.
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14-Year Age Statement: Aged for 14 years, allowing extended barrel maturation to develop remarkable complexity, mature oak character, and concentrated flavor.
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Exclusive OESK Recipe: Features Four Roses' lower-rye mash bill of 75% corn, 20% rye, and 5% malted barley, paired with the proprietary K yeast strain known for its distinctive baking spice profile.
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Single Barrel, Barrel Strength: Each individually selected barrel was bottled at its natural strength, preserving the distinctive characteristics and proof of the selected whiskey.
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Approximately 10,000 Bottles: Released in limited quantities with individually numbered bottles, making it a desirable collectible among Four Roses enthusiasts.
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Personally Selected by Brent Elliott: Represents an important milestone in Four Roses history, highlighting Elliott's individual barrel-selection philosophy and approach to bourbon production.
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Distinctive Floral and Fruit Profile: Showcases elegant notes of peach jam, magnolia blossoms, spiced vanilla, fresh nutmeg, honey, and apricot.
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Highly Collectible Legacy Release: Its historical significance, extended aging, single-barrel designation, and limited availability make it an important addition to collections of rare Four Roses bourbon.
How to Enjoy
Four Roses 2016 Elliott's Select Barrel Strength Limited Edition Bourbon is best enjoyed neat in a Glencairn glass or premium bourbon tasting glass to appreciate its delicate floral aromas, mature fruit characteristics, and refined complexity.
Allow the bourbon several minutes to rest after pouring, giving the aromas of peach jam, magnolia blossoms, spiced vanilla, and lightly toasted oak time to develop. Sip slowly to experience the balance between ripe fruit sweetness, warming nutmeg, and the richness developed through 14 years of barrel maturation.
Because this expression is bottled at barrel strength, a few drops of water may help reveal additional layers of stone fruit, honey, and baking spice while softening the alcohol intensity.
For dedicated Four Roses collectors, Elliott's Select provides an exceptional opportunity to explore the distillery's OESK recipe at an advanced age and compare it with other limited-edition single-barrel expressions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Four Roses 2016 Elliott's Select Barrel Strength Limited Edition Bourbon?
Four Roses 2016 Elliott's Select is a limited-edition Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey released in June 2016. Personally selected by Master Distiller Brent Elliott, this 14-year-old single-barrel bourbon features the distillery's OESK recipe and was bottled at natural barrel strength. It marked Elliott's first limited-edition release as Master Distiller.
2. What is the mash bill of Four Roses 2016 Elliott's Select Bourbon?
Four Roses Elliott's Select uses the OESK recipe, consisting of 75% corn, 20% rye, and 5% malted barley. The recipe incorporates Four Roses' proprietary K yeast strain, which contributes distinctive baking spice characteristics while allowing mature fruit and oak flavors to develop.
3. What is the proof of Four Roses 2016 Elliott's Select Bourbon?
Four Roses 2016 Elliott's Select was bottled at barrel strength, meaning its alcohol content and proof vary depending on the individual barrel. Each bottle's specific proof is identified on its label rather than standardized across the entire release.
4. What makes Four Roses 2016 Elliott's Select rare and collectible?
Elliott's Select was the first limited-edition bourbon released under Brent Elliott's leadership as Four Roses Master Distiller. The expression features 14-year-old OESK bourbon, individually selected barrels, natural barrel-strength bottling, and approximately 10,000 hand-numbered bottles announced for the limited release. Its age, production history, and significance within the Four Roses portfolio make it highly collectible.
5. Where can I buy Four Roses 2016 Elliott's Select Barrel Strength Limited Edition Bourbon Whiskey 750mL?
You can buy Four Roses 2016 Elliott's Select Barrel Strength Limited Edition Bourbon Whiskey 750mL directly from The Barrel Tap, your destination for rare, limited-edition, and collectible Kentucky bourbon whiskey.
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