Veteran Bourbon Review: Four Roses Single Barrel

“Support Us By Purchasing Four Roses Single Barrel from Caskers!”

Official Product Website

History – I have to say that I have been excited about reviewing this bourbon for a while. It has a name and behind it that is very reputable and has been known to be one of the best single barrels on the market for its value. “Four Roses is the only Bourbon Distillery that combines 5 proprietary yeast strains with two separate mashbills to handcraft 10 distinct Bourbon recipes, each with its own unique character, spiciness, and rich fruity flavors. Up to all 10 recipes are mingled by hand to create Four Roses Bourbon. Six are mingled for Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon. Four are mingled for Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon. One recipe is hand selected for Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon.” – fourrosesbourbon.com

Now Single Barrel Bourbon is not exactly hard to find nowadays. This bourbon is part of their premium product line outside of the Four Roses Single Barrel Strength offering that I have also heard rave reviews about. Most Single Barrels are unique in that it states where the bottle came from. In this case this bottle is Warehouse No. KE and Barrel No. 3-5S. This is a sediment to the uniqueness that single barrels offer where one barrel may be slightly different from the next. This bottle is different from bottled at a standard 100 proof wish that fits many people’s taste profiles.

Value – At $35 who could argue with this price. Especially in a Single Barrel offering this bourbon is a superior value to bourbon enthusiasts wanting more out of a bourbon for a lower price point.

Appearance – Mahogany in color. The bottle shape is top notch due to the symbolism of the distillery on the front and its unique overarching cork top that covers the bottle neck. It has a classy look and feel to it that really makes you feel like this bottle is way more expensive than what it is.

Nose – Dry / fresh wood / prune / honey and a low Ethanol.

Palate – Smooth / creamy / caramel / nutty, a definite rye and a little bit of maple syrup to follow. It has a lot of flavor that you would expect for a great brand’s single barrel offering. It’s full of flavor and not shy to show you.

Finish – Slight burn but not overwhelming as the lingering taste is that rye and maple syrup slowly moving down the back of your throat while resting and releasing all of the flavor onto your tongue just hanging out to stay awhile. The burn stays for a good 7-10 seconds without leaving a strong overpowering heat. It’s very balanced as it settles.

Summary – In summary I would have to say that this bourbon really blew me away for the price that it comes in and the flavor and proof that it brings to the drinker. Not only does it drive a unique experience with the Four Roses Blending process, history and brand but it delivers on the expectation of what a single barrel should look and feel like.

Uniqueness – 1-10 – 6

Nose- 1-20 – 18

Appearance- 1-10 – 10

Palate- 1-20 – 16

Finish- 1-20 – 14

Value- 1-20 – 20

8.4

“Support Us By Purchasing Four Roses Single Barrel from Caskers!”