Four Roses Bourbon is the comeback kid of the bourbon boom. Jim Rutledge rescued the neglected brand by focusing on quality above all else. Here we are today and Four Roses has one of the most sought after limited releases every fall as well as drove of fanatics who hunt down their single barrel barrel strength expressions. These Four Roses fans have favorite spots in the single-story warehouses Four Roses is known for as well as locations within that warehouse. It can get intense. I’ve included a section on the single barrel barrel strength below, but my plan is to put together another article review all ten recipes. Something to keep an eye out for.

But it all started with their standard offerings — the Four Roses yellow, Four Roses Small Batch, and Four Roses Single Barrel. These are all fantastic bourbons in their own right based on price, availability, and taste.

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Four Roses Single Barrel Review

Nose – 92 out of 100 Points

The nose offers beautiful tart red fruit alongside baking spice, Ruby chocolate, vanilla yogurt, and subtle charred oak.

Taste – 89 out of 100 Points

Four Roses Single Barrel has a solid mouthfeel. There’s more fruit on the front palate but more crisp apple than the red fruit on the nose. The mid-palate is oaky with white pepper and cinnamon and baking chocolate to round things out. The palate is missing some of the richness of the nose. The flavor blooms then drops off.

Finish – 88 out of 100 Points

It’s a medium finish with oak and cinnamon as the standouts. Just hints of the fruit sweetness and brown sugar.

Complexity – 91 out of 100 Points

The nose offers superb complexity. The palate is good but just a step-down — muted slightly compared to the aroma. The finish lacks the bold complexity I would hope for from a Four Roses.

Value – 93 out of 100 Points

For $40 plus, Four Roses Single Barrel is an insane value. The color is a light copper but with thick, oily legs. Great flavor. Solid drinker.

Verdict – Silver 90.6 out of 100 Points

Four Roses Single Barrel Barrel Proof

As the name indicates, Four Roses Single Barrel Barrel Proof are only offered as single barrel selections. Let me tell you it’s a rabbit hole to dive into Four Roses’ 10 recipes. These recipes consist of two mash bills and five yeast strains. The two Four Roses mash bills are:

• Mashbill E = 75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malted barley
• Mashbill B = 60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley

The five Four Roses yeast strains are:

• Yeast K = Slight Spice
• Yeast Q = Floral Essence
• Yeast O = Rich Fruit
• Yeast F = Herbal Notes
• Yeast V = Delicate fruit

How to Read a Four Roses Label

Four Roses labels don’t have to be confusing. In order, from left to right:

• Warehouse Number – Warehouse on the Four Roses property where the barrel was stored
• Side of the Warehouse – N, S, E, W, etc
• Rick Number – Rick which barrel was stored
• Tier Number – Tier/level of the rick which barrel was stored
• Position Number – The position of the barrel within the tier. The first barrel is A, the second is B, the third is C, and so on.

Four Roses Small Batch Select Review

I’m a huge Four Roses fan. I’m one of those guys who’s hunting all 10 recipes. For those who don’t know Four Roses has two mash bills and five yeast strains to make 10 available recipes. They mature their bourbon in single-story warehouses so there’s more consistent maturation but they add the variety of flavors many distilleries get from higher warehouses with the 10 recipes.

Their standard Small Batch is a blended whiskey (containing four of the B recipes OBSK, OESK, OBSO, and OESO), their single barrels are OBSV, and their bottom shelf yellow label is a blend of all 10 recipes. You won’t see the five E recipes or the four other B recipes on their own unless you keep your eyes open for store pick single barrels.

That’s part of what makes this release special. This small batch blends three of the B recipes and three of the E recipes (OBSV, OBSK, OBSF, OESV, OESK, and OESF). What’s even more exciting is this release is over 100 proof and unfiltered (non-chill filtered) bourbon. Now I’m not an NCF snob, but it’s a smart move for a line expansion that’s high proof to appeal to a broader audience.

Nose – 91 out of 100 Points

Sweet cherries, candied apple, and floral spice. Buttered pie crust.

Taste – 92 out of 100 Points

Sweet vanilla pop on tip of the tongue. Signature Four Roses Single barrel spice on side of the palate with hints of tart apple and caramel. Toasted cinnamon and oak warms the mouth. Long and oily

Finish – 91 out of 100 Points

Medium finish with cinnamon, oak, & dark chocolate.

Complexity – 92 out of 100 Points

This bourbon is only 104 proof with complex and easily definable flavors without palate fatigue or burnout. Brent Elliott, Four Roses Master Distiller, described their objective:

“We wanted to add something to our lineup that brings that pure experience you get with a non-chill filtered Bourbon, while also showcasing some of our recipes and flavors that aren’t as forward-facing in our other existing bottles. While Small Batch Select can certainly be one of your special occasion Bourbons, we want it to be more accessible so you don’t hesitate to open up that bottle and enjoy it any time.”

With that stated objective, I would say this new bourbon is a major success. It’s a bourbon I’m always keeping stocked. If you’re already a fan of Four Roses, it’s a must-buy.

Value – 94 out of 100 Points

I’ll jump the gun and say this (hold onto your butts): in my opinion, this is one of the best values for over 100 proof bourbons when considering availability, price, and flavor. Now hear me: I’m not saying it’s the best over 100 proof I’ve ever had — but again availability and price considered.

Verdict – Silver 92 out of 100 Points

Four Roses Small Batch Review

Nose – 90 out of 100 Points

Caramel, baking spice, charred oak, and a pop of vanilla. Maybe some butterscotch and orange and walnut as well.

Taste – 87 out of 100 Points

Creamy mouthfeel more walnut, charred oak, a more muted caramel. Baking spice. Black pepper.

Finish – 87 out of 100 Points

Short to medium finish. Caramel walnuts. Black pepper. Cinnamon.

Complexity – 88 out of 100 Points

The nose was complex but some of the depth was lost on the palate and finish.

Value – 91 out of 100 Points

While small batches like Buffalo Trace and Wild Turkey 101 get a lot of love, Four Roses Small Batch doesn’t get enough shine. Maybe it’s because Four Roses Single Barrel is so darn good. But don’t sleep on the small batch. It’s a smooth operator with good flavor and for $30 you can hardly beat it.

Verdict – Silver 88.6 out of 100 Points

Four Roses Yellow Review

Full Review Coming Soon

Which Four Roses Bourbon is the best?

Start shopping for bourbon clothing and accessories for your journey. The Bard’s Shop has custom tees and hoodies, books, barrels, and more.