4 Roses Single Barrel vs Small Batch

Four Roses is a renowned bourbon brand that has been producing high-quality bourbon for over a century.

Two of their most popular and highly-rated bourbons are Four Roses Single Barrel and Four Roses Small Batch. Both of these bourbons share many similarities, yet they differ in some key aspects that set them apart.

Four Roses Single Barrel is known for its rye-forward flavor profile, aged longer than the Small Batch. On the other hand, Four Roses Small Batch is a combination of four unique recipes, resulting in a well-balanced and easy-drinking bourbon. Bourbon enthusiasts often debate which one is better and which one is worth the price.

Comparing Four Roses Single Barrel and Small Batch can help bourbon enthusiasts determine which one is best for them. By delving into the details of each bourbon, bourbon enthusiasts can explore what makes each of them unique and decide which one suits their taste and preference. In this article, we will compare Four Roses Single Barrel vs Small Batch and provide a comprehensive guide to help you choose the right bourbon for your palate.

Four Roses: A Brief History

Four Roses is a well-known bourbon brand that has been around for over 130 years. The distillery is located in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, and has a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s.

The brand was first introduced in 1888 by Paul Jones Jr., who named it after a girl he had fallen in love with. The bourbon quickly gained popularity and became one of the top-selling bourbons in the United States.

During Prohibition, the Four Roses brand was sold to a pharmaceutical company, which used it to produce medicinal whiskey. After Prohibition ended, the brand was sold to Seagram’s, a Canadian distillery. Under Seagram’s ownership, Four Roses switched to producing blended whiskey instead of bourbon.

In 2002, the brand was sold to Kirin Brewery Company, a Japanese brewery. Kirin decided to bring back Four Roses bourbon and began producing it at the Lawrenceburg distillery. Today, Four Roses is known for its high-quality bourbon and has won numerous awards for its products.

The Lawrenceburg distillery is one of the oldest operating distilleries in the United States and is known for its unique production process. Four Roses uses two mash bills and five proprietary yeast strains to create ten different bourbon recipes. These recipes are then blended together to create the final product.

Understanding Bourbon

Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is made primarily from corn. The United States Congress declared bourbon as a “distinctive product of the United States” in 1964.

To be called bourbon, the whiskey must meet specific criteria. The mash bill, which is the recipe of grains used to make the whiskey, must contain at least 51% corn. The whiskey must be aged in new, charred oak barrels, and it cannot contain any additives.

Rye, barley, and wheat are other grains that can be used in the mash bill, but corn is always the primary ingredient in bourbon. The amount of each grain used in the mash bill affects the flavor profile of the bourbon.

Yeast is also an essential component in the bourbon-making process. Yeast is responsible for converting the sugars in the mash into alcohol. Different strains of yeast can produce different flavors in the finished product.

Four Roses is a bourbon brand that offers two different types of bourbon: Single Barrel and Small Batch. The mash bill and yeast strains used in each product differ slightly, resulting in distinct flavor profiles.

In Four Roses Single Barrel, the mash bill is primarily made up of corn and rye, with a smaller amount of barley. The whiskey is made using one specific yeast strain, which produces a rye-forward flavor profile.

Four Roses Small Batch, on the other hand, uses a combination of four different recipes, each with a unique mash bill and yeast strain. The result is a well-balanced bourbon with bright grains and a smooth finish.

Four Roses Single Barrel

Four Roses Single Barrel is a premium quality bourbon that is aged for a longer time than Four Roses Small Batch. It is a full-bodied bourbon with a rich and complex flavor profile that is sure to please even the most discerning bourbon aficionado.

With a nose that is both sweet and spicy, Four Roses Single Barrel has a distinct aroma that is sure to tantalize the senses. The rye spice is evident on the palate, along with notes of vanilla, caramel, and honey. The finish is smooth and non-chill filtered, which allows the flavors to linger on the tongue long after the last sip.

Four Roses Single Barrel is aged in new charred oak barrels, which gives it a distinct oak flavor that is characteristic of premium bourbons. The aging process also imparts a deep amber color to the bourbon, which is a testament to the high-quality ingredients and expert craftsmanship that goes into making this bourbon.

At 50% ABV (100 proof), Four Roses Single Barrel is a high-proof bourbon that packs a punch. However, the alcohol content is well-balanced by the sweetness of the bourbon, making it a smooth and enjoyable drinking experience.

While Four Roses Single Barrel is a premium bourbon, it is still considered a good value for the price. It has won several awards for its quality and flavor profile, including the Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Four Roses Small Batch

Four Roses Small Batch is a premium quality bourbon that has won numerous awards over the years. It is a blend of four different bourbons, each aged for at least six years, and made using the same unique mash bill as Four Roses Single Barrel.

With a nose that is light and approachable, Four Roses Small Batch has an aroma of oak, citrus fruit, and a hint of spice, all laid atop a bed of caramel. The palate is full-bodied and smooth, with just the right amount of spice derived from rye, making it an excellent choice for sipping. The taste is sweet and rich, with notes of vanilla, spice, and honey, which all come together to create a complex and enjoyable drinking experience.

Four Roses Small Batch is aged in single-story rickhouses, which allows for a more consistent aging process. The barrels have undergone a 45-second burn, resulting in a char level that falls between #3 and #4. This aging process gives the bourbon a smooth finish, with a perfect balance between sweet and spicy flavors.

At 90 proof (45% ABV), Four Roses Small Batch has a good alcohol content that is neither too strong nor too weak. It is non-chill filtered, ensuring that all the high-quality ingredients are preserved, and the flavor profiles are not altered in any way.

Four Roses Small Batch is a good value for a premium quality bourbon, with a price point that is reasonable for the quality of the product. It is an excellent choice for those who enjoy a smooth, complex, and spicy bourbon that is full of flavor.

Comparison: Single Barrel vs Small Batch

Four Roses is a respected bourbon brand that offers two of its most popular bourbons,

Single Barrel and Small Batch. Each of these bourbons has its unique flavor profile, making it challenging to choose one over the other. In this section, we will explore the differences between Four Roses Single Barrel and Small Batch.

Unique Flavor Profile

One of the most significant differences between Four Roses Single Barrel and Small Batch is their flavor profile. Four Roses Single Barrel is rye-forward, while Four Roses Small Batch features bright grains. Single Barrel uses the mash bill B and one yeast strain, while Small Batch is a combination of mash bill B, E, and two yeast strains. Single Barrel is also aged for a minimum of eight years, while Small Batch is aged for a minimum of six years.

Combination of Flavors

Four Roses Single Barrel is a full-bodied and smooth drink with a hint of plum and cherry taste with fruits, spicy, herbs, and cocoa. It is created by mixing different ingredients like corn, rye, malted barley, and yeast version “V” or other. On the other hand, Four Roses Small Batch is a bourbon that strikes a perfect balance between sweet and spicy flavors, derived from rye, which is complemented by enjoyable hints. The bourbon is full-bodied and smooth, with just the right amount of spice, making it an excellent choice for sipping.

Price Comparison

When it comes to price, Four Roses Single Barrel is more expensive than Four Roses Small Batch. The reason for this is that Single Barrel is aged longer and uses a higher percentage of rye in its mash bill. The price difference may not be significant, but it is something to consider when choosing between the two bourbons.

Bourbon Enthusiasts

For bourbon enthusiasts, the choice between Four Roses Single Barrel and Small Batch is a matter of personal preference. Single Barrel offers a more complex flavor profile, while Small Batch is a well-balanced bourbon that is easy to drink. Both bourbons are excellent choices for sipping, and it ultimately comes down to the individual’s taste.