10 Best Four Roses Recipes: Crafting Bourbon Cocktails
Last Updated on October 9, 2023 by Lydia Martin
Not all bourbons are created equal, with some brands implementing unique recipes. And speaking of special bourbon recipes, there’s no other like Four Roses Bourbon.
Four Roses has perfected the art of distillation, aging, and blending – with ten original recipes in their arsenal.
I didn’t miss out on this ten recipe tasting experience, so if you want to glimpse the tasting notes and know which will suit your palate, here’s the best Four Roses recipe you should try next.
Top 10 Four Roses Recipes (Based on Blind-Tasting)
1. OBSV: Delicate Fruit and Rye
Nose: Toffee, black tea, vanilla, and a subtle floral character
Palate: Blend of sweetness, oak, and a hint of spice
Mash Bill Percentages: 35% rye, 60% corn, 5% malted barley
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why I Like It: OBSV’s balanced flavors and gentle spice make it a versatile bourbon. It’s one of the two mash bills used in the Small Batch LE and Select.
“The creative blending of our ten signature recipes is what sets us apart.” – Brent Elliot, Master Distiller
The V yeast strain imparts delicate fruit, balancing the tasting notes. Actually, this recipe is what makes the Four Roses Single Barrel.
2. OBSF: Delicate Rye and Mint
Nose: Aroma of dark fruits, oak, and a hint of leather
Palate: Rich and complex notes of cherry, tobacco, and a lingering spice
Mash Bill Percentages: 60% corn, 5% malted barley, 35% rye
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why I Like It: I like the depth and complexity of this recipe. It stands out among the 10 recipes for development in every sip. This is one of the six recipes of the Four Roses Small Batch Select.
3. OBSK: Rye and Baking Spice
Nose: Dark choco and maraschino cherry notes with a hint of leather
Palate: Nice notes of dark fruit, oak, and a touch of black pepper spice
Mash Bill Percentages: 60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why I Like It: Rye OBSK is rich and complex. The lingering spice adds to the experience due to using K yeast strains. If you like a rye-forward whiskey, this is for you!
4. OESF: Light Grain and Mint
Nose: Butterscotch, toasted oak, and a subtle floral undertone
Palate: Balanced caramel, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon, culminating in a warm finish
Mash Bill Percentages: 75% corn, 5% malted barley, 20% rye
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why I Like It: OESF’s balance of sweetness and spice makes it a versatile choice that pairs well with various flavors.
The F yeast strain gives herbal and minty notes, and the E mash bill provides a soft profile.
5. OBSQ: Rye and Light Floral Character
Nose: Ripe orchard fruits and vanilla, with a subtle hint of baking spices
Palate: Balanced caramel sweetness and oakiness, followed by a touch of fruity notes
Mash Bill Percentages: 60% corn, 5% malted barley, 35% rye
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why I Like It: OBSQ exudes a harmonious blend of flavors and aromas. It’s a standout choice if you’re seeking a well-rounded bourbon experience.
6. OESV: Delicate Fruit and Caramel
Nose: Floral notes, citrus zest, and a delicate touch of honey
Palate: Honeyed sweetness balanced by a gentle rye spiciness
Mash Bill Percentages: 75% corn, 5% malted barley, 20% rye
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why I Like It: Mint OESV accompanies floral and citrus notes, bringing a refreshing twist and making it an excellent choice for sipping on a warm evening. It’s one of the recipes in the Small Batch.
7. OESO: Rich Fruit and Vanilla
Nose: Mix of ripe peaches, apricots, and a touch of honey
Palate: Stone fruit sweetness, complemented by a subtle vanilla note
Mash Bill Percentages: 20% rye, 75% corn, 5% malted barley
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why I Like It: This recipe from the Four Roses Distillery exudes a fruit-forward profile. Among the ten recipes, OESO is an ideal choice for anyone on the sweeter side of bourbon.
8. OESK: Baking Spice
Nose: Bold aroma of toasted oak, toffee, and a hint of baking spice
Palate: Brown sugar and vanilla, followed by a warming spiciness
Mash Bill Percentages: 75% corn, 5% malted barley, 20% rye
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why I Like It: This recipe boasts robust flavors and balanced spice due to the K propriety yeast used. And among the 10 recipes from the Four Roses Distillery, OESK blends well with other recipes.
9. OESQ: Delicate Grains and Floral Character
Nose: Orange peel, dried apricot, honey, and a touch of mint
Palate: Burst of citrus zest and honey sweetness with a subtle herbal note
Mash Bill Percentages: 75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malted barley.
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why I Like It: OESQ’s bright and refreshing profile provides a lighter, more citrusy bourbon experience. This recipe is one of the blends in Four Roses bourbons and single barrels (barrel strength).
10. OBSO: Rich Fruit
Nose: Sugarplum, vanilla, and a hint of toasted oak
Palate: Rich caramel sweetness with notes of dark chocolate and a subtle spice
Mash Bill Percentages: 35% rye, 5% malted barley, 60% corn
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why I Like It: Among the 10 recipes, I like OBSO’s balance of sweetness and complexity due to the 0 propriety years used.
“Sip, savor, and discover the perfect Four Roses recipe for you.” – Liquor Laboratory
Some single barrel (cask strength) expressions use this recipe, though it’s not the most frequently selected recipe in the Single Barrel program, alongside the OBSK and OESO.
Quick Fact: The first letter refers to the distillery, and the second letter is the mash [1] bill used. The third letter means “Straight Bourbon Whiskey,” and the fourth letter refers to the propriety yeast used.
FAQs
What is the best way to drink Four Roses Bourbon?
The best way to drink Four Roses depends on your preference. To fully appreciate its flavors, you can savor it neat or on the rocks.
Is Four Roses a good mixer?
Four Roses is a good mixer as it’s versatile. The 10 recipes exude well-balanced flavors, greatly influenced by the mash bills and five proprietary yeast strains, which can enhance a wide range of drink recipes.
Is Four Roses good for an Old-Fashioned?
Four Roses Bourbon Whiskey [2] is an excellent choice for an Old-Fashioned. Its rich and complex flavors, with a balanced sweetness, create a perfect base for this classic cocktail.
Final Thoughts
Four Roses’ two different mash bills and five yeast strains create distinct recipes offering various flavors to cater to every Four Roses fan.
While I like the OBSF and OBSK for their depth and complexity, the best Four Roses recipe is the OBSV. It’s rye-forward, but the delicate fruit notes balance the flavor profile overall.
I’m not surprised why the OBSV is among the most frequently used recipes among the 10 recipes. But remember – taste is subjective. You’re free to explore and find the one that resonates most.
References:
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/mash
- https://www.timeout.com/newyork/bars/things-you-never-realized-about-bourbon-whiskey
