So, as we already know by now, Four Roses has ten different bourbon recipes in use. Their Yellow Label uses all ten recipes, while their Small Batch uses four recipes. However the Four Roses Single Barrel uses just one recipe: OBSV. This acronym stands for:

• O = indicates, that it was produced at the Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, KY
• B = 75% corn, 20% rye and 5% malted barley (mashbill)
• S = indicates “straight” whisky
• V = light fruitiness, light vanilla, caramel and creamy (yeast strain)

which can be looked up on their website. I find this refreshingly transparent and would encourage everyone to have a look at their site in order to find out more about their different recipes.

A last note, before we start: There are also “limited editions” of the Four Roses Single Barrel which are bottled at barrel strength and are non chill filtered, so do not confuse both. Maybe I will get lucky enough to review one of those “Limited Edition Single Barrel” (SBLE) releases in the future. Although this undertaking might be too ambitious, not only because those limited releases are extremely hard to come by (at least here in Germany), but also because there will be no further annual SBLE releases in the future due to the “bourbon shortages” Four Roses has to deal with. However, there will be SBLEs for special commemorative bottling occasions. The annual “Small Batch Limited Edition” is not effected by this decision.

Facts

Four Roses Single Barrel

Nose

A light tang of coconut that evaporates very quickly. Then rather alcoholic, although surprisingly smooth for the relative high strength. Very discreet sweetness and spiciness. Overall very balanced.

Taste

The alcohol is noticeable but again surprisingly smooth. Followed by a lot of vanilla. Maybe some honey, too. Dried cherries and milk chocolate. Ends with some spiciness.

Finish

Medium. Once again, surprisingly smooth

Conclusion

On the one hand vibrant and intense, on the other hand surprisingly smooth, almost mellow. Very good bourbon, knows how to delight.

Score: 91 / 100

But now it is time for Four Roses Small Batch. Four Roses uses four of their ten bourbon recipes “to create a perfectly balanced Small Batch”. It is not known how Four Roses defines “Small Batch” and the term does not have a legal definition (yet) so this is open for speculation I guess. What can be said with certainty is that a “small batch” is a limited selection of barrels that are “batched” together before bottling. This means that the flavor profile could vary a bit over the years.

A last note, before we start: Four Roses also releases from time to time “limited editions” of their Small Batch which are bottled at barrel strength and are non chill filtered, so do not confuse both. Maybe I will get lucky enough to review one of those hardly to get “Limited Edition Small Batch” releases in the future.

Facts

Four Roses Small Batch

Nose

Evident but not obtrusive vanilla with hints of nutmeg.

Taste

The entry to the palate is creamy, soft and honey-sweet. Ripe and sweet fruits which are quickly replaced by toasted oak.

Finish

Medium. A hint of vanilla hovers over toasted oak.

Conclusion

This small batch bourbon has a good balance between sweetness and spiciness but lacks a bit of character.

Score: 84 / 100

Facts

Four Roses Yellow Label

Nose

A beguiling scent of vanilla infused honey. Somewhere far away in the background hints of cereals, hardly noticeable but an interesting counterpoint nonetheless.

Taste

Rather Strong. Honey pushes its way into the foreground – a true honey bomb! Again cereals, now clearly identifiable as spicy rye. This spiciness forms a beautiful contrast to all the honey sweetness.

Finish

A touch of vanilla, almost too short.

Conclusion

A well-made bourbon with the right balance between honey and rye. Surprising complex for an entry level bourbon. If the finish could keep up with the rest…

Score: 87 / 100