A Tasting With Brent Elliott at OBC Kitchen | Master Distiller of Four Roses

September 30, 2016

four roses bourbon obc kitchen

I was on facebook last week, when I saw an event pop-up in my newsfeed. It was for a pop-up tasting for Four Roses with Master Distiller Brent Elliott. Like I mentioned before, when I met Jimmy Russell, it’s not everyday that you get to hang out a Master Distiller from one of the distilleries. So, when an opportunity presents itself (especially if bourbon is something you enjoy), you should take it!

There was a catch with this event. It was at a “secret” location, and the location wouldn’t be disclosed until that day around noon. Also, only the first fifty people in attendance would be allowed for the event. I made sure to gather my clothes, my camera, and everything I needed the night before. I wanted to be prepared and not be running around like a chicken with its head cut off hours before the event. I set my alarm, so I could be awake way before they announced the location. I wanted to be one of the first there, and I didn’t want to miss this opportunity.

Once the location was announced, I began getting ready and was on my way. I was there about four hours early, and I was first in line, and as in the words of Ricky Bobby,

“If you aren’t first, you’re last!”

I ended up sitting in my car for about two hours, and then I moved to a bench outside the restaurant, until it opened. This particular restaurant opens at 4pm. It began sprinkling the rain and it was pretty cold outside, but I had my umbrella and my coat. I didn’t want to go back to my car, so I just kept waiting where I was.

obckitchen

OBC Kitchen is where the tasting was going to take place. OBC Kitchen (Old Bourbon County) is part of the Bluegrass Hospitality Group (They own Malone’s and among other top-knotch restaurants. Malone’s is one of the top steakhouses in North America). OBC Kitchen is a local, chef-driven restaurant that houses an extremely rare bourbon collection, eclectic craft beer selection and extensive wine list. They have over 300 bourbons to choose from. For example, they have the extremely rare 2014 Pappy Van Winkle 23-year for $270 (just for 2 ounces!).

obckitchen_chickenwaffles

When OBC opened at 4pm, I still had about 1.5 hours to kill. At least I was inside and they knew that I was there for the tasting. so I was guaranteed a spot. I did what any normal person would do… I ordered some food. I ordered the Chicken and Waffles, because you can never can go wrong with that dish. Their Chicken and Waffles were different from any others that I have eaten. Theirs was spicy buttermilk brined, fried, candied walnuts, vanilla bourbon sorghum, hot pepper honey, cornmeal cheddar-chive waffles. It was absolutely delicious, and I probably ate it all in about ten to fifteen minutes.

2016limitededitionfourroses

This was kind of a big deal event, because it wasn’t just any ordinary tasting. At the tasting, we were able to try the 2016 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon, which featured three of the distillery’s ten unique bourbon recipes.

Sorry, but you won’t be able to get your hands on a bottle, unless you want to pay a premium price. It’s already sold out! The bottles went on sale in mid-September, and my friend told me that they sold out within an hour!

With the 2016 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon, there were only 9,258 hand-numbered bottles in existence. Also, each year, the Limited Edition is something completely different, so if you didn’t get a chance to try this, then sadly you never ever will. Next year’s won’t be like this one.

If you saw my post, when I visited the Four Roses Distillery, you would have seen me mention that Four Roses combines two mashbills with five proprietary yeast strains to produce ten distinct recipes. For 2016’s Limited Edition Small Batch, Master Distiller Brent Elliott selected a 12-year-old OESO recipe, a 12-year-old OBSV, and a 16-year-old OESK. This is also the first time in more than seven years that the OESO recipe has appeared in the Limited Edition Small Batch.

You may be wondering what all of those letters mean? In case, you don’t know what these letters mean or if you haven’t read my previous post about Four Roses, I’ll explain:

With Four Roses Bourbon, each bourbon recipe has four letter designations. The first letter and third letter will always stay the same (The first letter indicates that is was produced at the distillery in Lawrenceburg. The third letter designates straight bourbon distillation). The second letter and fourth letter will change depending on the mash bill and yeast strain used.

So, that means…

  • Recipe OESO uses Mashbill E, which is 75% corn, 20% rye, and 5% malted barley. The fourth letter is an O, which means: rich fruitiness, light vanilla, caramel, and full-bodied.
  • Recipe OBSV uses Mashbill B, which is 60% corn, 35% rye, and 5% malted barley. The fourth letter is a V, which means: light fruitiness, light vanilla, caramel, and creamy.
  • Recipe OESK uses Mashbill E, which is 75% corn, 20% rye, and 5% malted barley. The fourth letter is a K, which means: light spiciness, light caramel, and full-bodied.

Here’s a description of 2016’s Limited Edition Small Batch:

Bottled at barrel strength with a proof of 111.2, the remarkably balanced 2016 Limited Edition Small Batch introduces bright notes of sweet cherry and crisp green apples, mingled with rich apricot and structured rye aromas. Tart citrus flavors greet the palate, then give way to hints of sweet molasses, peppery spices and decadent crème brûlée. The finish is long and gentle, with delicate honey and light mint.”

2016-09-30_0001

During the tasting, OBC brought everyone several different appetizers for us to enjoy. Probably one of the biggest hits was Bacon in a Glass, and it is exactly what it sounds like. It has a honey bourbon, sugar glaze, peanut butter accompaniment. Some people may think dipping bacon in a peanut butter sauce is weird, but it is really yummy. It just works. Trust me.

kentuckymule

We also received two drink tickets to enjoy (with Four Roses Bourbon, of course), while we were there as well. Most opted for it on the rocks, a Manhattan, a Kentucky Mule, or an Old-Fashioned. OBC has some really cool fancy drinks on their menu, and they change them each month. This month’s drink themes were bad guys, and these are the names of them: Garagmel, Dr. Klotzenstein, Cruella deVille, Bowser’s Flame, Side Show Bob, Ramsey Bolton, I’ll Get You…My Pretty…, Miss Trunchbull, Keyser Soze, and He Who Must Not Be Named.

fourrosesflask

We all were given a Four Roses flask for attending the event, which was pretty cool!

signedbottle

Of course, I brought a bottle for the Master Distiller to sign, so I can add it to my husband and mine’s collection.

fourrosesbarmat

I was given a Four Roses Bourbon bar mat, since I was first in line. This will be a great addition to our collection of bottles, glasses, and decanter. It was incredibly nice, and I wasn’t even expecting it!

I ended up staying about 1.5 hours longer after the event was over. I was just talking and getting to know people. I love attending events like this. The bourbon and foodie events are by far my favorite events to attend. Whether the events are free or I’m purchasing a ticket with my own money to attend, it doesn’t matter. They all are incredibly enjoyable. The food and drinks are always great. Plus, the people that you meet at these events are always nice. It’s that Southern hospitality. In my experience, when talking to people at these events (complete strangers, by the way), it’s like you have known each other for years. There is no awkwardness. You’ll always leave with the memory of a wonderful experience, great conversations, and new friends.

  • Felicita_Moncada September 30, 2016 at 11:10 am

    What an incredible experience. I’m not a bourbon girl but would love to just taste those premium, premium drinks! That bacon though. Wow. I need to find these kind of events near me!

  • Chelsea Damon September 30, 2016 at 12:57 pm

    This is great! What a cool thing to get to do. The food also looks amazing!

  • Pam @ Hodge Podge Moments September 30, 2016 at 2:50 pm

    Such a cool event! Glad that you found it and got the chance to participate!

  • Brittany September 30, 2016 at 3:20 pm

    Wow it looks and sounds like you had an amazing experience. Good for you for persevering through the 4 hours beforehand 🙂 I don’t know that I could have waited that long.

    • Whitney @ Fabulous in Fayette September 30, 2016 at 8:31 pm

      It was such a great time! I had my phone with me, so I just played around on FB, twitter, and snapchat, and I walked to some of the stores nearby.

  • Terri Steffes September 30, 2016 at 5:07 pm

    You ALONE are going to get me to move to Fayette! Wow! I love the mystery location idea!

    • Whitney @ Fabulous in Fayette September 30, 2016 at 8:32 pm

      Aww yay! 🙂 If you ever come, let me know!

      Fayette is referring to the county that Lexington is in. Lexington is where I live 🙂

  • Debra Hawkins September 30, 2016 at 8:51 pm

    I don’t drink but the appetizer look great! That was a long time to wait though.

  • Blythe A. September 30, 2016 at 11:01 pm

    This sounds like an amazing event. I’ve done wine tastings but never bourbon. I would love to check one out sometime. I had my first Moscow mule tonight and it wasn’t bad, but a Kentucky mule sounds even better.

    • Whitney @ Fabulous in Fayette October 3, 2016 at 9:41 pm

      I’m not a wine person (all of it tastes so bitter and sour to me – no matter what people have recommended). Kentucky Mules are awesome! Instead of using vodka, they use bourbon!

  • Esme Sy September 30, 2016 at 11:06 pm

    All the food looks awesome. I don’t drink, but most of the men in my family are drinkers. I will share this with them.

  • Julie DenOuden October 1, 2016 at 12:29 am

    When I first started reading the post I was in love with the chicken and waffles…and then I saw the Bacon in a Glass…wow!!!!

  • jillconyers October 1, 2016 at 3:28 am

    I must show my daughter the bacon in a glass. She will be so shocked and will love it.

    • Whitney @ Fabulous in Fayette October 3, 2016 at 9:42 pm

      It was so good! I think whenever I go back, I’m going to order it, so my husband can try it!

  • Jeanine @ sixtimemommy.com October 1, 2016 at 9:09 am

    This looks amazing. Bacon in a glass like that? Its a gorgeous photo, and really looks neat. Bacon is my weakness so this is really cool!

  • Karen Yannacio Morse October 1, 2016 at 9:43 am

    What a really fun opportunity and love how you got all ready for the location the night before! That bacon in a glass looks so fabulous – I want it right now!

  • Angela Campos October 1, 2016 at 12:06 pm

    This sounds absolutely fabulous! I think I would love it too. Love the bacon in a glass…Yum! Great photos too 🙂

  • Teresa | Simply Made Fun October 1, 2016 at 1:06 pm

    What a fun opportunity! Not going to lie, I want some of that bacon in a glass! Looks so yummy!

  • Taylor Smith October 1, 2016 at 1:10 pm

    That sounds awesome! Bacon in that glass?! I have never even heard about that! Such a fun opportunity.

  • Megan McCoig October 1, 2016 at 5:13 pm

    This sounds like such a cool experience. I would love to try bacon in a glass haha. Glad you had a lovely time ?

  • Jennifer L. | Modern Chic Mag October 1, 2016 at 6:38 pm

    This place sounds amazing! The Bacon in the glass looked interesting…I know a ton of friends who would love that.

  • Karen Coghlan October 1, 2016 at 7:02 pm

    I love the rustic look of the place, not much of an Alcohol person, but everything looked good, I want to try the bacon in a glass.

  • Julie October 1, 2016 at 11:45 pm

    This sounds awesome! I’ve never been to a pop up event or an event at a secret location. You’re pictures are fantastic! And I love the flask you were given.

  • Swanky Recipes October 2, 2016 at 3:27 am

    I have got to try the chicken and waffles! I always order them in NOLA and I bet yours were just as great! Beautiful pictures!
    xoxoJess

    • Whitney @ Fabulous in Fayette October 12, 2016 at 12:59 am

      Thanks so much! 🙂 It was so delicious! You can never go wrong with chicken and waffles!

  • Heather October 2, 2016 at 9:19 am

    This looks like so much fun! That bacon in a glass – yes I would have been all over that!

  • Rebecca Bryant October 2, 2016 at 6:50 pm

    This sounds awesome! I’ve never been to a pop up event or an event at a secret location. This looks like so much fun!

  • Amanda Love October 3, 2016 at 4:15 am

    It’s nice that you got there early. I think it’s awesome that you ordered a classic favorite and it sounds so good the way you described how it tasted. Looks like you had a great time tasting what they had to offer.

  • Becca Wilson October 3, 2016 at 1:59 pm

    This sounds like such a great place to visit. My husband and I would have a great time I’m sure.

  • songbirdsandbuttons October 3, 2016 at 3:36 pm

    How cool – I love the centerpieces on the tables. It’s theme is clear and pretty! And I love those drinks – so delicious! [Kendall Rayburn Blog]

  • Whitney @ Fabulous in Fayette October 3, 2016 at 9:41 pm

    Thanks so much!

  • Lesha October 3, 2016 at 11:32 pm

    I love the name! They may not have what I eat or drink (strict vegetarian that seldom drinks alcohol), but I still love the look of this place. 🙂 – HilLesha

  • Kristin & Megan October 4, 2016 at 12:30 am

    Did you just quite Ricky Bobbie? I do that at least once a week. Bwah! Sounds like a very cool event!

  • DT October 4, 2016 at 2:52 am

    Looks like a great place.. love the food and drinks pictures!

    — DT | Here I Scribble

  • Winifred Jac October 4, 2016 at 12:09 pm

    As always, everything looks so good. This place looks like a good time! Very nice.

  • […] 10. Gift card to the BHG (Bluegrass Hospitality Group) restaurants: If you buy a gift card for the BHG restaurants, you will be able to use it at any of their restaurants, which include Malone’s, Drake’s, Harry’s, Aqua Sushi, or OBC Kitchen. Malone’s is one of my favorite restaurants, and they are in the top ten for steakhouses in North America. Harry’s makes a killer Philly Cheesesteak. OBC Kitchen is known for their variety of bourbon, their bacon in a glass, and their chicken and waffles (Check out the event at OBC  where I met Master Distiller Brent Elliott: here) […]

  • […] teamed up for another pop-up tasting! When I heard about it, I knew I had to go! You may remember the last time I went back in September, when I had the opportunity to taste the 2016 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon with Master […]

  • About Me

    About Me

    Hi, y'all!

    Hey y'all! My name is Whitney, and I'm the founder of Fabulous in Fayette. I've been living in Lexington since 2008. I'm in love with my city of Lexington and love all the amazing local businesses and restaurants. It's seriously one of the best places to live!

    Not to be confused with Fayetteville, North Carolina. Fabulous in Fayette celebrates the fabulous city of Lexington, the great state of Kentucky, and Southern Living. In case you are not from here, Fayette refers to the county where Lexington is located!

    xoxo, Whitney

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