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With its first release in 2017, Four Roses Small Batch Select is the latest offering from the Lawrenceburg distillery. This whiskey is a blend of six of Four Roses’ ten distinct recipes, chosen by Master Distiller Brent Elliot.
During the 1950s, Seagram’s made a strategic decision to end the distribution of Four Roses whiskey in the United States due to diminishing interest in this type of spirit. Surprisingly enough, despite waning popularity domestically – other countries such as Japan continued strong demand for Four Roses bourbon. I found this bottle of Four Roses Single Barrel OBSV to be spicier than the Four Roses Small Batch, which I normally find to be a subtle balance of sweet and I often describe as a good beginner bourbon. I’d say a good description for the standard Single Barrel offering, is that it’s the grown-up version of their small batch product. The flavor is fuller, the finish is longer, and yes the price is higher, although justified in this case. Four Roses Small Batch Select is made of both their ‘Mash bill B’ and ‘Mash bill E’ ratios, containing a blend of 6 bourbon recipes. Each of these 6 bourbons uses different yeasts for a variety of flavours which are then individually matured in barrels for 6-7 years and later blended. This whisky is non-chill filtered. Corn, rye and barley grains used in both Four Roses’ grain recipes | Image credit: Four Roses Bourbon Small Batch: A subjective term signaling a bourbon made using a select number of barrels or recipes in a blended bottling. Combining the two mashbills with these 5 yeast strains results in their 10 bourbon recipes. Recipes 1-5 use Mashbill B and recipes 6-10 use Mashbill E. See a screenshot of all 10 of the Four Roses recipes in the diagrams below.
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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 Bottled in Bond: Under the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, a bottled-in-bond spirit must be produced by one distillery in the same distilling season, then aged under federal supervision and cut and bottled at 100 proof. Finish: The high-spice nature of the liquid remains with cinnamon and herbal flavors smoldering on my tongue. Fruity notes like citrus and cherry licorice offer a nice contrast, Tannins remain relatively light. Overall, the finish embodies the qualities the whole sip had – namely spice, fruit and herbal flavors. From a observational standpoint, Four Roses Single Barrel and Four Roses Single Barrel Private Selection bottles look almost the same. But if you look closer, the differences come into focus. For starters, all regular Single Barrels use the same recipe: OBSV. If you’re unfamiliar with the Four Roses recipe designators, the first and third letters (the O and S) always stay the same. The second and fourth letters change. E recipes use a mash bill of 75% corn, 20% rye and 5% malted barley while O recipes use a mash bill of 60% corn, 35% rye and 5% malted barley. The fourth letter identifies one of five different yeast strains: Q, V, F, O or K.
This is well known for being a great pour for the money and as one of the best pound for pound bourbons you can buy and I wholeheartedly agree with that. It’s got lots of flavors and enough complexity to keep you happy. It’s a perfect bottle to sit on your shelf as a daily drinker. It’s also a good bourbon to share with friends who may not have as refined a palate. Briefly, if you’re new to Four Roses, it’s worth knowing about their 10 unique bourbon recipes. Very simply, they use 2 signature mash bill ratios which are used with 5 different yeast strains. This produces their 10 bourbon recipes which are used to concoct their whiskies. The Small Batch Select is the premium choice for an extraordinary culinary experience. This liquor offers a harmonious blend of spicy rye, sweet caramel and powerful oak notes that make it incredibly versatile. Serve with grilled steak or smoked salmon to savour its full-bodied flavour; the sweetness in this bourbon will mirror the smokiness of both meats while adding contrast from its spicier rye undertones.If you’re a bourbon fan, both the Four Roses Small Batch Select and Single Barrel expressions are worth your consideration. Both of these bourbons provide exceptional flavour profiles that can be appreciated by any level of connoisseur! While each one offers an enjoyable drinking experience on its own, they offer something distinct – making them great choices for those looking to broaden their bourbon taste experiences. The Small Batch Select is part of Four Roses’ permanent product line. With a great price and steady availability, it’d make an excellent gift for any occasion. Containing a unique blend of six bourbon recipes, it would make a great addition to any whisky collection. Comparing Four Roses Single Barrel vs Four Roses Small Batch Select The bottle I’m reviewing today is from the second tier, so it was very close to the floor. That means that it was probably lower in proof and might have had less wood interaction. Will the taste of the distillate come through more? Let’s find out. 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. With its extraordinary success, this whiskey has earned the respect and admiration of whisky connoisseurs and critics everywhere. In 2017 it was declared as “Best in Class” by the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, followed by 2018’s esteemed honor of receiving the “Chairman’s Trophy” at that same event. Furthermore, it scored a remarkable 91 points from Beverage Testing Institute along with being named one of Whiskey Advocate’s Best Bourbons for 2018!
Nose, Palate, and Finish I rank regardless of cost. Value (recent addition) is ranked based on taste vs price. High Rye: A bourbon with a higher than normal percentage of mash bill made up of rye (as opposed to using more corn, wheat, or barley, the other main grains used in bourbon mash). This tends to produce spicier flavors in the bourbon. Four Roses uses two different mashbills and five different yeast strains to create ten different bourbon recipes. Their standard 100 proof Single Barrel Bourbon uses one recipe, their standard Small Batch blends together four of the recipes, and Small Batch Select blends together six of the recipes. Limited releases and private selections can vary from the standard products, but generally maintain the same number of recipes as their standard counterpart. Wheated: A bourbon with a higher than normal percentage of mash bill made up of wheat (the main grain remains corn). This tends to produce a softer, less spicy whiskey. Balance: Solid. I wouldn’t say I’m necessarily wowed, but it is certainly well-blended and just works.
Tasting Notes
When it comes to the finest whiskies, Four Roses is something that springs to mind for many aficionados. This iconic American whisky brand has won countless hearts with its supreme quality and unmistakable characteristics; a perfect recommendation for any connoisseur looking for premium whisky. The Single Barrel is by nature, less complex due to it’s single recipe, single cask maturation. But as far a single-barrel bourbons go, this has to be one of the best we’ve tried. With a lengthy ageing period of eight years, it offers bold flavours of toffee, dried cherries, and oak.If you’re looking to try your first single-barrel bourbon, this would be a magnificent entry to the category. As one of the oldest single-barrel bourbons on the market, this would make an excellent foray into this style of American whiskey. For a truly tantalizing pairing, try the Single Barrel whisky with smoked meats. The smokiness of both elements perfectly combine and will make your taste buds sing. From succulent brisket to juicy pork ribs or even fragrant smoked salmon – it’s sure to be a hit at any dinner table. Taste/Palate: Mild heat & Medium Mouthfeel. Barrel Char hits first. Fruity and Floral hits on the midpalate. Tart Apple, Pear, Apricot, & Herbal Tea.
The main differences between Four Roses Single Barrel vs Four Roses Small Batch Select are fairly distinct, coming down to their mash bills, proof, maturation and filtration process. In this article, we’ll compare and contrast Four Roses Single Barrel vs Four Roses Small Batch Select to help you decide which one is the best fit for you.No More: An herbal quality is starting to emerge the further I get into the glass, taking over the bitter component, but still letting the sweetness talk. I find this additional complexity refreshing and welcome, and look forward to how it continues to grow as I continue to sip. Single Barrel: A bourbon made using single barrels, providing a higher range of variation in flavor and the chance at specific, unique characteristics. Four Roses have 10 different bourbon recipes which are created with 2 different mashbills and various yeasts. The Four Roses Single Barrrel is from the OBSV recipe. The mashbill is 60% corn, 35% rye, and 5% malted barley. On the palate, its full-bodied texture is nothing short of smooth. Vanilla, cocoa and honey notes dominate the flavour profile while a gentle smokiness and subtle cinnamon hint leave an unforgettable impression. The finish trails long with sweetness that lingers in warmth; aromas and flavours collaborate to offer a complex indulgence. As caramel sweetens delicately against oak’s smoky spice & cinnamon tang, you’re presented with a pleasing, lingering aftertaste.
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