Are you a bourbon enthusiast looking to explore the world of Four Roses? With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose between the Single Barrel and Small Batch varieties. Both are high-quality bourbons with distinct characteristics that set them apart from each other.
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. Each variety has its own unique mash bill and yeast strain combinations, contributing to their individual taste profiles. Whether you are a seasoned bourbon drinker or a newcomer to the category, understanding the differences between these two Four Roses varieties can enhance your drinking experience.
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History of Four Roses
Four Roses is a brand of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that has been around for over 130 years. The brand has gone through many changes and ups and downs over the years, but it has always been known for its unique and flavorful bourbon.
Four Roses Single Barrel’s History
photo credit: www.fourrosesbourbon.com
Four Roses Single Barrel was first introduced in 2004 and quickly became a fan favorite. It is made from a single barrel of bourbon that has been aged for at least seven years. The bourbon is made using the brand’s unique mash bill, which includes 60% corn, 35% rye, and 5% malted barley.
Four Roses Single Barrel has won numerous awards over the years, including the “Best Bourbon” award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2013. The bourbon is known for its smooth and complex flavor profile, which includes notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice.
Four Roses Small Batch’s History
photo credit: www.fourrosesbourbon.com
Four Roses Small Batch was first introduced in 2006 and quickly became a popular choice among bourbon enthusiasts. It is made from a blend of four different bourbons, each aged for at least six years. The bourbon is made using the same unique mash bill as Four Roses Single Barrel.
Four Roses Small Batch has won numerous awards over the years, including the “Best Small Batch Bourbon” award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2015. The bourbon is known for its balanced flavor profile, which includes notes of honey, spice, and fruit.
Production Process
When it comes to Four Roses Bourbon, the distillery is known for its unique production process that involves ten different recipes, two mash bills, and five proprietary yeast strains. Let’s take a closer look at the production process for Four Roses Single Barrel and Four Roses Small Batch.
Four Roses Single Barrel’s Production Process
Four Roses Single Barrel is made using the mash bill B, which is 60% corn, 35% rye, and 5% malted barley, and one proprietary yeast strain. The mash bill is cooked and fermented before being distilled in a single barrel. The barrels are then aged for at least 8 years, and each bottle is filled from a single barrel, resulting in a unique flavor profile for each bottle.
Four Roses Small Batch’s Production Process
Four Roses Small Batch, on the other hand, is a blend of four of the ten unique recipes, including two mash bills (B and E) and two proprietary yeast strains. The mash bills are cooked and fermented separately before being distilled and aged in barrels for at least 6 years. The barrels are then selected by the master distiller and blended to create the final product.
Taste Comparison
When it comes to taste, both Four Roses Single Barrel and Small Batch are exceptional bourbons. However, they do have some differences that set them apart.
Four Roses Single Barrel has a delicate aroma 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. The finish is long and warm with a pleasant sweetness that lingers on the tongue.
In contrast, Four Roses Small Batch features bright grains with a more citrusy and floral aroma. On the palate, this bourbon is smooth and easy-drinking, with a balance of sweet and spicy flavors. You’ll taste notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak, along with a hint of pepper and cinnamon. The finish is medium-length and slightly dry, with a subtle spiciness that leaves a pleasant aftertaste.
Price Comparison
When it comes to price, Four Roses Single Barrel is slightly more expensive than Four Roses Small Batch. A bottle of Four Roses Single Barrel usually costs around $40 to $50, while a bottle of Four Roses Small Batch costs around $30 to $35.
While Four Roses Single Barrel is more expensive, it is important to note that it is a premium single barrel bourbon. It is aged longer than Four Roses Small Batch and uses a single mash bill and yeast strain, resulting in a unique flavor profile.
On the other hand, Four Roses Small Batch is a combination of different mash bills and yeast strains, resulting in a more approachable and easy-to-drink bourbon. It is a great choice for those who are new to bourbon or who prefer a lighter flavor profile.
Conclusion
So, which Four Roses bourbon is right for you? Here’s a quick recap of the main differences between Four Roses Single Barrel and Four Roses Small Batch:
- Flavor Profile: Four Roses Single Barrel has a rye-forward flavor profile, while Four Roses Small Batch features brighter grains.
- Mash Bill and Yeast Strains: 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.
- Price: Four Roses Small Batch is generally less expensive than Four Roses Single Barrel.
If you’re looking for a more complex, layered flavor profile with a higher price point, Four Roses Single Barrel may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with a brighter, more approachable flavor profile, Four Roses Small Batch might be the better choice.
Regardless of which one you choose, both Four Roses Single Barrel and Four Roses Small Batch are excellent bourbons that are sure to please any whiskey lover. Cheers!
