Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Four Roses is one of the brands hailing from Kentucky, home to the industry’s most recognizable and solid bourbons for centuries.
Here’s our Four Roses Single Barrel review and price guide. Let’s see how it compares to other leading brands in the market.
All About Four Roses Single Barrel Price
Four Roses Single Barrel bourbon was introduced in 2004. It is generally an affordable top-shelf spirit, aged in new American charred oak casks for seven to nine years and bottled at 100-proof.
Single barrels have a varying flavor profile in every batch release, but this product has an undeniable sweetness and floral notes that mixes well with any cocktail.
Noteworthy Facts
Brief History
Paul Jones Jr. founded the Four Roses brand in 1888. But a short while after Seagram bought the company in 1943, they decided to discontinue selling straight bourbons locally [1].
It only changed in 2004 when Kirin Brewery reintroduced the brand in the American market.
How It’s Made
After the fermentation and distillation processes, the blend spends at least seven to nine years in new American charred oak casks. These barrels are stored in a single-story rickhouse, helping to minimize the temperature variances of maturing blends.
Ingredients & Alcohol Content
It uses the 35% high rye mash bill, 60% corn, and 5% malted barley. Out of five yeast strains of the Four Roses brand, this expression only utilizes the “delicate fruit” yeast and has a high alcohol content of 50% ABV.
Who Owns It
The current owner of Four Roses Distillery is the Kirin Brewery. They bought the company in 2002 and reintroduced the straight bourbon products to the United States in 2004. The previous owners of the brand include Seagram, Vivendi, and Diageo.
Price & Value
Four Roses offers an affordable premium single barrel spirit for around $40 to $50. But it is slightly more expensive than its Four Roses siblings, such as the Four Roses Small Batch and Four Roses Yellow Label.
Read: Four Roses Small Batch vs Single Barrel
Tasting Notes
Palate
The first sip of this product is surprisingly smooth and complex but with delicate and full-bodied flavors. You can taste caramel, honey, and floral sweetness, followed by wood, clove, cinnamon, and spices.
Nose
The nose has a rich aroma of toasted oak, sweet fruit, and dried rye spice. There are also subtle cocoa, citrus, and wood hints in the background.
Color & Viscosity
Four Roses bourbon has a golden caramel color imparted from the wood used during maturation.
Finish
It has an unbelievably mellow and long finish, with some spicy black pepper notes and dried oak.
Common Four Roses Single Barrel Price
| Type | Size | Alcohol By Volume | Average Price |
| Four Roses Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey | 750ml | 50% ABV | $40 – $50 |
Compared to Other Bourbons
Jim Beam
Jim Beam’s Single Barrel offers a cheaper price range than Four Roses, from around $30 to $40. It has a strong dose of ethanol, rye, and oaky vanilla in the nose. However, the alcohol disappears on the palate and proceeds into a well-balanced spiciness and sweetness towards a lingering finish.
Bulleit
The Single Barrel Whiskey bottle from Bulleit is more expensive, around $60 to $65. Bulleit and Four Roses were once under the Diageo company, which makes a lot of people compare the two brands.
But these two bourbons have different tastes as Four Roses are more floral with some sweetness, while Bulleit tends to be a solid and spicy whiskey.
Evan Williams
The Evan Williams Single Barrel is another brand more affordable than Four Roses, with prices ranging from $30 to $35. It has a light funky aroma with dried citrus peel, tobacco, and cinnamon in the nose.
At first taste, there are flavors of baked peach and apple, vanilla, honey, and nutmeg on the palate. The sip ends with a little smokiness in the finish.
Read: Nulu Single Barrel Bourbon Guide
Popular Four Roses Single Barrel Cocktails
Autumn Leaves
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1¼ ounce bourbon
- ¼ Sweet Vermouth (Carpano Antica)
- ½ bitter liqueur (Ramazzotti Amaro)
- One dash of Angostura Bitters
- Lemon
Instructions:
Prepare a cocktail mixer to mix all the ingredients. Next, transfer the blend into an old-fashioned double glass filled with ice. Garnish the drink with lemon. Serve and enjoy.
Serving: 1
Collins
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1½ ounce bourbon
- ½ ounce lemon juice
- One tablespoon sugar
- Club soda
- Lemon slice
- Cherry
Instructions:
Pour the whiskey, lemon juice, and one tablespoon of sugar into a highball glass filled with ice. Add club soda and stir. Garnish with cherry and lemon.
Serving: 1
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Four Roses Single Barrel hard to find?
No, it is not hard to find a Four Roses Single Barrel bottle at your local liquor store. Unlike the Small-Batch Select expression that is only available in some states. Check out other Four Roses recipes here.
Is Four Roses Single Barrel discontinued?
No, Four Roses Single Barrel is not discontinued. It is still part of the company’s available products along with their Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Small-Batch, and limited-edition releases.
How old is 4 Roses Single Barrel?
Four Roses Single Barrel does not carry an age statement, as the focus is on selecting the best barrels for each bottling, resulting in a range of ages. However, the brand typically selects barrels aged between 7 and 10 years for their Single Barrel expression, ensuring a well-matured and flavorful whiskey.
Is Four Roses a good whiskey?
Four Roses is highly regarded among whiskey enthusiasts for its exceptional quality and unique flavor profile. With a heritage dating back to the late 19th century and a commitment to producing high-quality bourbon, Four Roses has earned numerous awards and accolades, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier whiskey brand.
What proof is Four Roses Single Barrel?
Four Roses Single Barrel is typically bottled at barrel strength, which varies from batch to batch. However, it generally falls within the range of 100 to 120 proof (50-60% ABV), offering a robust and intense flavor profile that showcases the whiskey’s complexity and depth.
Is Four Roses Single Barrel good for an Old Fashioned?
Four Roses Single Barrel is an excellent choice for an Old Fashioned cocktail, thanks to its bold and robust flavor profile. The high proof and well-balanced blend of sweet and spicy notes make it ideal for standing up to the other ingredients in the cocktail, such as sugar, bitters, and citrus zest. Its complexity adds depth and character to the drink, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying Old Fashioned experience.
Which is better, Four Roses Single Barrel or Small Batch?
The choice between Four Roses Single Barrel and Small Batch ultimately depends on personal preferences; the Single Barrel offers a more intense and individual flavor profile due to being drawn from a single barrel, while the Small Batch combines select barrels for a well-balanced and nuanced taste, making it a matter of whether one prefers depth and intensity or harmony and complexity in their bourbon.
Why is it called Four Roses?
The name “Four Roses” has its origins in the brand’s history; founded by Paul Jones Jr. in the late 19th century, the distillery’s name was inspired by a romantic gesture. Legend has it that Jones proposed to a Southern belle, and she responded by wearing a corsage of four red roses, symbolizing her acceptance. The name was subsequently chosen for the distillery, reflecting both the romantic origin and the significance of the number four.
Is Four Roses considered top shelf?
Four Roses is often considered a top-shelf bourbon, particularly for expressions like the Single Barrel and Limited Edition releases. Its commitment to quality, unique production process, and well-regarded flavor profiles have elevated the brand’s standing in the bourbon world, making it a sought-after choice for those seeking premium and distinctive whiskies.
What type of whiskey is Four Roses?
Four Roses produces straight bourbon whiskey, known for its adherence to strict bourbon production regulations. Bourbon, a subset of whiskey, must be made in the United States, contain at least 51% corn in its mash bill, and be aged in new charred oak barrels. Four Roses’ dedication to these standards, along with its use of two different mash bills and five yeast strains, contributes to the complexity and variety of its bourbon offerings.
Is Four Roses Single Barrel Sweet?
Four Roses Single Barrel exhibits a well-balanced flavor profile that combines sweetness with complexity; while it does have sweet elements like caramel and vanilla, the overall taste is characterized by a richness and depth that includes spicy and fruity notes, providing a nuanced and satisfying experience.
How long is Four Roses aged?
The aging process for Four Roses varies depending on the expression. For the standard releases, the bourbons are typically aged between 5 and 7 years, contributing to a well-matured and flavorful profile. However, limited-edition releases may include older barrels, showcasing the brand’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
How old is Single Barrel?
Four Roses Single Barrel does not carry an age statement on the bottle; instead, the focus is on selecting the best barrels for each bottling, resulting in a range of ages. However, it is generally understood that the selected barrels for Single Barrel expressions fall within the 7 to 10 years age range, ensuring a well-matured and sophisticated bourbon.
How old is Four Roses?
Four Roses, as a brand, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1888 by Paul Jones Jr. While the brand itself has a longstanding heritage, individual expressions within the Four Roses lineup may vary in age due to the brand’s meticulous barrel selection process. The emphasis is on achieving a desired flavor profile rather than adhering to a specific age statement for each bottle, showcasing the brand’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship over time.
Key Takeaways
Four Roses Single Barrel bourbon is a top-shelf spirit first introduced in 2004 during the time of the legendary Jim Rutledge. It has more affordable pricing than some Four Roses products available for $40 to $50 with 50% ABV.
Despite being affordable, it has enough complexity and robust taste that it is enjoyable to drink straight or on the rocks. You can also try our favorite cocktail recipe listed above.
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