Four Roses Single Barrel vs Small Batch

Four Roses is a well-known bourbon brand that has been around for over 130 years.

Their bourbon is made with a unique blend of mash bills and yeast strains, resulting in a complex and flavorful drink. Two of their most popular bourbons are the Single Barrel and Small Batch varieties.

Understanding the differences between Four Roses Single Barrel and Small Batch can be challenging, especially for those who are new to the brand. Both bourbons are made with high-quality ingredients and have distinct characteristics that set them apart from each other.

Four Roses Single Barrel is rye forward and aged longer than Small Batch, while Small Batch features bright grains and is a combination of mash bills and yeast strains.

Comparing Four Roses Single Barrel and Small Batch can help bourbon enthusiasts determine which one is best for them. By exploring the details of each bourbon, drinkers can get a better understanding of what makes them unique and how they differ from each other. Whether you prefer a more rye-forward taste or a combination of flavors, Four Roses has a bourbon that is sure to please.

Understanding the Basics

Four Roses Distillery History

Four Roses Distillery is a well-known bourbon distillery based in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The distillery has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century when it was founded by Paul Jones Jr.

The name Four Roses was chosen to represent the love that Jones had for a Southern belle, who was said to have worn a corsage of four roses. The distillery has changed hands several times over the years, but it has always maintained its commitment to producing high-quality bourbon.

Understanding Bourbon

Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is made primarily from corn and aged in charred oak barrels. To be considered bourbon, the whiskey must be made in the United States and contain at least 51% corn. The rest of the mash bill can be made up of other grains such as rye, wheat, or barley. Bourbon must also be aged in new, charred oak barrels and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof.

Four Roses produces a variety of bourbons, including their Single Barrel and Small Batch offerings. Single Barrel bourbon is made from a single mash bill and aged in a single barrel, while Small Batch bourbon is made from a blend of different mash bills and aged in a combination of barrels.

Both Single Barrel and Small Batch bourbons from Four Roses are highly regarded for their quality and taste. Single Barrel is known for its rye-forward flavor profile, while Small Batch is characterized by its bright grains. Single Barrel is aged longer than Small Batch and uses one yeast strain, while Small Batch is a combination of different mash bills and yeast strains.

Four Roses Single Barrel

Four Roses Single Barrel is a premium single barrel bourbon that is highly sought after by bourbon enthusiasts.

It is produced by Four Roses Distillery, a Kentucky-based distillery known for its high-quality bourbons. In this section, we will delve into the details of Four Roses Single Barrel, including its flavor profile, production process, and price and value.

Tasting Notes

Four Roses Single Barrel has a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other bourbons. It has a spicy and oaky nose, with hints of fruit and vanilla. On the palate, it is full-bodied and complex, with a long and smooth finish. It is best enjoyed neat, as the non-chill filtered 50% ABV allows for the full expression of the bourbon’s flavor.

Production Process

Four Roses Single Barrel is made using a unique production process that involves a mash bill of 60% corn, 35% rye, and 5% malted barley. The bourbon is then fermented using one of Four Roses’ proprietary yeast strains, OBSV or OBSK.

After fermentation, the bourbon is distilled and aged for a minimum of 8 years in charred oak barrels. The bourbon is then bottled as a single barrel, meaning that each bottle is unique and has its own distinct flavor profile.

Price and Value

Four Roses Single Barrel is priced higher than Four Roses Small Batch, but it is worth the premium price for bourbon enthusiasts. It is a high-quality bourbon that offers a unique flavor profile and a smooth finish.

Its price point is in line with other premium single barrel bourbons, making it a good value for those looking for a unique and high-quality bourbon.

Four Roses Small Batch

Four Roses Small Batch is a bourbon that has won several awards over the years, including the “Best Small Batch Bourbon” award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2015.

It is known for its balanced flavor profile, which includes notes of honey, spice, and fruit.

Tasting Notes

On the nose, Four Roses Small Batch has a pleasant aroma of oak, citrus fruit, and a hint of spice that lay atop a bed of caramel. It is light and approachable, but not characteristically unique. On the palate, the mouthfeel is nice and creamy, with flavors of sweet vanilla, caramel, and spice. The finish is long and warming, with a hint of fruit and spice that lingers.

Price and Value

Four Roses Small Batch is a reasonably priced bourbon, with a suggested retail price of around $30. It is an excellent value for the money, as it offers a unique flavor profile that is comparable to more expensive bourbons.

Production Process

Four Roses Small Batch is made using the same unique mash bill as Four Roses Single Barrel. It is a combination of four of the ten available mash bills, including the OESK, OESO, OBSK, and OBSO. The bourbon is aged for approximately 6-7 years in charred oak barrels and is bottled at 90 proof. It is non-chill filtered, which helps to preserve the flavors and aromas of the bourbon.

Comparing Four Roses Single Barrel and Small Batch

Flavor Profiles

Four Roses Single Barrel and Small Batch have distinct flavor profiles. Single Barrel is rye-forward, while 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. In addition, Four Roses Single Barrel is aged longer than Small Batch.

The aroma of Four Roses Single Barrel is delicate, with rich notes of baking spice, cherry, and honeyed vanilla. On the palate, this bourbon has a tingling rye spice up-front, with a hint of cinnamon that gives way to fruity notes, honey, vanilla, and a touch of oak. Four Roses Small Batch has a more balanced flavor profile, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak. The finish is long and smooth, with a hint of spice.

Price and Value

Four Roses Single Barrel is generally more expensive than Small Batch. The price difference can vary depending on the region and the store, but Single Barrel is usually around $10-$15 more expensive than Small Batch. However, Single Barrel is also aged longer and has a more complex flavor profile, making it a better value for those who appreciate a more nuanced bourbon.

Production Process

The production process for Four Roses Single Barrel and Small Batch is similar, but there are some differences. Both bourbons are made from a mash bill of 60% corn, 35% rye, and 5% malted barley. The grains are milled and mixed with water to create a mash, which is then fermented with yeast. The fermented mash is distilled twice in copper pot stills, and the resulting spirit is aged in charred oak barrels.

The main difference between the production process of Single Barrel and Small Batch is the selection process for the barrels. Four Roses Single Barrel is made from a single barrel, which is hand-selected by the master distiller for its unique flavor profile. Small Batch is made from a blend of several barrels, which are also hand-selected for their flavor profile, but the blending process allows for a more consistent flavor profile from batch to batch.

Ultimately, the choice between Four Roses Single Barrel and Small Batch comes down to personal preference. Those who prefer a more complex and nuanced bourbon with a higher price point may prefer Single Barrel, while those who prefer a more balanced and affordable bourbon may prefer Small Batch.