Four Roses Bourbon Review: An Expert Take on an Exceptional Whiskey

Whether you’re a bourbon enthusiast or a novice, Four Roses is a delectable whiskey fit for every occasion. Crafted from a unique blend of two mash bills and five yeast strains, it boasts 10 distinct recipes, each with its own flavor profile. Versatile in its consumption, you can relish it neat, on the rocks, in cocktails, or even incorporate it into your culinary creations.

Awards? Four Roses bourbon whiskey has racked up several – gold medals at the American Whiskey Masters, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, New York International Spirits Competition, Ascot Awards, and many more.

There’s a lot to unpack here — from the intriguing origins of the brand to the meticulous artistry behind each bottle. So, allow us to guide you through the labyrinth of flavors that Four Roses offers. Let’s take a swig of its history, savor the tasting notes, and discover why this bourbon is a melody for your palate and a legend in its own right.   

A Quick Look at Four Roses Bourbon Whiskey

Welcome to the express lane of our Four Roses bourbon tour! Here’s a quick snapshot to get you revved up before we delve into the nitty-gritty:

Overall Rating	4.5/5
Flavor	5/5
Value	4/5
Tasting Notes	Fruit, Floral Essence, Honey, Vanilla, Caramel
Classification	Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery	Four Roses Distillery
Proof	80 (40% ABV)
Aged	Minimum 5 Years
MSPR	$20 – $60

Pros And Cons of Four Roses Bourbon

Four Roses bourbon is among the most popular Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys, with its fair share of fans and critics. Here’s a table that summarizes its pros and cons:

PROS	CONS
10 Unique Flavor Profiles	Hard to Find in Some Areas
Versatile; Can Be Enjoyed in Different Ways	Can Be Too Sweet or Mild for Some
Smooth and Pleasant Finish	Limited-Edition Bottles Can Be Costly
Hall of Fame Member With Numerous Awards
Good Value for the Price

What Is Four Roses Bourbon?

Four Roses is more than bourbon. It’s a love story aged to perfection, like a well-matured Kentucky straight. Its history dates back to 1888, when Paul Jones Jr. founded the brand. He named it after the corsage of four roses his love interest wore when she accepted his marriage proposal.

This whiskey weathered storms – Prohibition, World War II, ownership changes – and emerged as a global sensation, especially in Europe and Asia, with a cult following in Japan. It was reintroduced to the US market in 2002 after being discontinued for several decades.

The secret to Four Roses’ allure is its complex recipe featuring 10 distinct bourbon formulas, each with its own mash bill and yeast strain. As a result, we get to taste a symphony of flavors — caramel, vanilla, and whispers of oak, honey, and citrus. It’s got this perfect balance of amber hues and lingering essence that deliver unparalleled warmth and sweetness.

Neat, on the rocks, or in a creative concoction — this Hall of Fame bourbon is a classic and versatile spirit that’s sure to please, sip after sip.

Is Four Roses Bourbon Real Liquor?

Absolutely; Four Roses bourbon is as genuine as its rich history. Since 1888, it has navigated through time, emerging resilient against various challenges. Meeting all the criteria for an authentic Kentucky straight bourbon, Four Roses stands proudly in the whiskey family, leaving no room for skepticism.

What Does Four Roses Bourbon Taste Like?

Four Roses bourbon is a complex and flavorful whiskey with much to offer. As you approach a glass of Four Roses, the aroma unfolds with a delicate mix of floral essences, spice, and a whisper of honey.

Dive into the sip, and you’ll find the honey taking the spotlight, weaving a velvety sweetness into the experience. The finish? It’s a smooth, prolonged affair that leaves a pleasant impression.

What Is the Alcohol Content in Four Roses Bourbon?

Here’s a quick overview of the alcohol content of Four Roses based on its four primary expressions:

• Four Roses Bourbon: 80 proof, or 40% alcohol by volume (ABV).
• Four Roses Small Batch: 90 proof, or 45% alcohol by volume (ABV).
• Four Roses Single Barrel: 100 proof, or 50% alcohol by volume (ABV).
• Four Roses Small Batch Select: 104 proof, or 52% alcohol by volume (ABV).

These are the regular bottlings of Four Roses bourbon sold in the US, Europe, and Japan. Keep in mind that limited editions may have different proofs and ABVs.

Is Four Roses Bourbon Good?

In the world of bourbon, Four Roses is among the top-tier choices. It delivers rich flavor, versatility, and quality, all at an affordable price. Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or a whiskey newcomer, it’s a fair pick, especially if you prefer a smoother taste and less alcohol content.

Is Four Roses Bourbon the Best Liquor?

Declaring a single liquor as the “absolute best” is a near-impossible feat. Four Roses bourbon is undoubtedly a commendable choice, but it’s not the lone star in the whiskey galaxy. It brings its unique charm to the table, appealing to diverse tastes and occasions.

Yet, like any whiskey, it has its nuances. The sweeter notes might be intense for some, and expressions like the Single Barrel and the Small Batch Select can be pricier and less accessible.

How Is Four Roses Bourbon Packaged?

Four Roses exudes classic elegance, packaged in a distinctive glass bottle with a round base, long neck, and a touch of a curve. The bottle features an engraved rose cluster on the cork — a nod to its rich history — topped with a wooden cap and cork finish. The label, with a bright, gilded border, contrasts beautifully with the deep bourbon hue.

How Should You Drink Four Roses Bourbon?

There are various ways to enjoy this exquisite spirit. It’s best enjoyed neat, preferably at room temperature. For a refreshing twist, add a couple of ice cubes to your glass — perfect for warm evenings or when you’re in the mood for a more relaxed sip.

Four Roses Bourbon plays exceptionally well in both classic and modern cocktails, such as the old-fashioned, mint julep, and whiskey sour, to name a few. In fact, the distillery has shared several cocktail recipes for you to try out. You can pair it with food and use it for baking and cooking.

How Much Does Four Roses Bourbon Cost?

The price of Four Roses bourbon depends on the type, availability of the bottle, the retailer or the bar, and their location. In general, the cost range for a 750ml bottle is as follows:

• Four Roses Bourbon: $20 to $30
• Four Roses Small Batch: $30 to $35
• Four Roses Single Barrel: $35 to $40
• Four Roses Small Batch Select: $40 to $60

If you intend to try it out in a bar or restaurant, expect to pay around $10 to $15 per serving. Also, remember that limited-edition and seasonal expressions of Four Roses can be more expensive.

What Types of Four Roses Bourbon Are There?

Four Roses Bourbon offers several options for different tastes and needs. We've gathered their products below to make it easy to stock your home bar.

Four Roses Bourbon 

Four Roses's flagship bourbon, Four Roses Bourbon, is a simple and elegant option. It's perfect for new bourbon drinkers and people who already have a well-developed palate. Aged for a minimum of five years, it offers a perfect combination of flavor and smoothness with every sip. Plus, it's bottled at 80 proof, so you’re getting a 40% ABV bourbon that will help you catch a buzz.

For the tasting notes, you'll find crisp fresh fruit, pear, as well as apple. Gentle spices and honey are also found in the nose, and it all finishes off with a smooth spicy finish – perfect for those who love a kick with their bourbon.

Four Roses Bourbon is also an award-winning bourbon whiskey. In 2023, Four Roses won the Gold Medal at the American Whiskey Masters and another Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

 

Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon

Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon is one of the best bourbon whiskey products you can find. Only available in small batches, you never have to worry about Four Roses compromising quality to make too much bourbon.

The attention to detail for this bourbon is like no other, with high-quality ingredients including rye and baking spices, rich fruit, and even hints of vanilla. The flavor notes you get from this include rich fruits with hints of vanilla and caramel that follow you from the nose to the long and smooth finish.

Four Roses Small Batch also doesn't hold back with its alcohol content. Bottled at 90 proof, you’re getting a 45% ABV bourbon that goes down smooth. Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon is aged for six or seven years as well, so you’re getting a quality bourbon all around.

Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon

Like other distilleries, Four Roses doesn't skip out on special whiskey products. This is evident through the Four Roses Single Barrel. It's a 100-proof bourbon (50% ABV), that embodies the uniqueness of the master distiller who brews it each time. The result is a pronounced, elegant, and smooth flavor that's destined to impress. Furthermore, Four Roses Single Barrel is aged for a minimum of seven to nine years, so a lot of time and attention is put into the whiskey.

When it comes to flavor, Four Roses Single Barrel is bound to impress. You'll find hints of ripe cherries and plum, along with a nose that welcomes you with hints of fresh cinnamon, maple syrup, and vanilla. The finish is smooth, long, and delicate. Four Roses Single Barrel also won the 2024 World Whiskies Award for best single barrel bourbon.

Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon

We know that we covered Four Roses Small Batch already, but the brand also has a Small Batch Select. This small batch whiskey is an expertly crafted bourbon that's made with a non-chill-filtered distilling process that adds the perfect amount of flavor to each sip. Bottled at 104 proof, it's also one of Four Rose's most potent bourbon whiskey options.

When it comes to the palate, you can expect a wide range of flavors on this one. You'll be met with apricots, berries, and other fresh fruits. The nose welcomes you with nutmeg, cloves, and raspberries, and it finishes everything off with a light touch of cinnamon and spearmint.

Where Can You Buy Four Roses Bourbon?

Finding Four Roses bourbon is a breeze — your local liquor store will likely have it in stock. Many bars and restaurants also feature it on their menus as a neat pour or as a cocktail ingredient. Finally, if convenience is your game, you can even find it with trusted online retailers that provide doorstep delivery options.

Is Four Roses Bourbon a Good Gift?

Four Roses bourbon is an outstanding gift choice. Its high-quality craftsmanship, versatile flavor profile, and elegant packaging make it a thoughtful and appreciated present for any occasion. It’s available at various prices, making it a good gift for people with different budgets.

What Are Some Alternatives to Four Roses Bourbon?

If you're exploring alternatives to Four Roses bourbon, the world of whiskey offers diverse options. Here are a few worth considering:

Pinhook High Proof Bourbon: It's an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more intense bourbon experience. With a higher proof, it offers a powerful palate with rich caramel, vanilla, and spice notes. 

Eureka Gold Straight Bourbon: This is a small-batch bourbon made with a blend of straight bourbons that are aged for at least 4 years. It's known for its smooth flavor and long finish.

Frey Ranch Straight Bourbon: Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this bourbon has a rich and smooth profile with notes of oak, citrus, vanilla, caramel, banana chips, and dried hay. It tastes great on its own and can work wonders for cocktails.

Whether you're drawn to bold and intense or prefer a more balanced and nuanced sip, there's a bourbon to quench your thirst. All you need to do is explore.

Four Roses Is an Endless “Bouquet” of Bourbon

Four Roses stands tall as the show’s star as we twirl through the intoxicating ballroom of bourbons. Its narrative, woven with a love story and aged to perfection, is a captivating tale that unfolds with each nip.

Cheers to its irresistible taste – sparking conversations and creating moments of pure enjoyment that only Four Roses can deliver!