Description

OBSQ combines our rye-forward “B” mashbill with our floral “Q” yeast strain. The Q yeast strain is of particular interest because of how it changes during maturation. Here’s how our Master Distiller, Brent Elliott, describes the Q strain and how it pairs with the B mashbill:

The Q yeast strain’s expressed character is quite different from our other strains, and it is especially interesting how it evolves over time in the barrel. Historically, Q batches were only used at a low formulary percentage for “top notes” in Four Roses Bourbon. The delicate and fresh notes of honeysuckle, rose and lavender – which are very apparent on the nose at younger ages – contribute to the complexity and final character of Four Roses Bourbon.

However, once we started aging Q batches longer for our Private Selection Single Barrel Program, the taste changed, melding oak tones from the extra maturation with floral tones to create a candied and rich Bourbon with much more depth and complexity than expressed at younger ages.

It’s worth mentioning that either the high-rye B mashbill or the floral Q yeast strain are capable of defining a Bourbon on their own. But when the two are combined to create OBSQ, the result is a very robust, spicy and floral Bourbon – no matter the age.