Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon Review: A Sipper’s Guide

As a bourbon enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for new expressions to add to my collection. One such bourbon that caught my attention is Four Roses Small Batch. This bourbon has been generating quite a buzz in the whiskey community, and I couldn’t resist the opportunity to try it for myself. Little did I know, this sipper would not only delight my taste buds but also spark my curiosity about its unique blend and tasting experience.

When I first poured a glass of Four Roses Small Batch, the rich aromas of oak, citrus fruit, and spice filled the room. The enticing scent took me on a sensory journey, preparing me for the flavors that awaited. As I took my first sip, the smoothness of the bourbon washed over my palate, leaving behind a velvety mouthfeel and a medley of flavors that danced on my taste buds. Notes of oak, summer fruits, cherries, caramel, and rye spice created a harmonious symphony of taste, perfectly balanced and utterly delightful.

Curiosity piqued, I decided to delve deeper into the story of Four Roses Small Batch. I discovered that this bourbon is crafted using a unique combination of four different recipes – OBSK, OESK, OBSO, and OESO. These recipes, each with its own distinct mashbill and yeast strain, are expertly blended together to create the final product. This careful blending process results in a bourbon that is not only complex but also well-rounded and approachable. It’s no wonder that Four Roses Small Batch is a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts.

What sets Four Roses Small Batch apart is not just its flavor profile but also its affordability. This bourbon delivers exceptional quality without breaking the bank. When compared to other bourbons in its price range, Four Roses Small Batch stands out as a true gem. It offers a balance of flavors that rivals more expensive options while remaining accessible to a wide range of whiskey lovers.

After experiencing Four Roses Small Batch firsthand, I can confidently say that it’s a bourbon worth savoring. Its unique blend, delightful tasting experience, and excellent value make it a standout choice for both seasoned bourbon enthusiasts and newcomers to the world of whiskey. So pour yourself a glass, sip slowly, and let the flavors of Four Roses Small Batch transport you to a world of bourbon bliss.

Key Takeaways:

  • Four Roses Small Batch offers a balance of flavors with notes of oak, summer fruits, cherries, caramel, and rye spice.
  • The bourbon is crafted using a unique blend of four different recipes, resulting in a well-rounded flavor profile.
  • Four Roses Small Batch provides exceptional quality at an affordable price, making it a great value for bourbon lovers.
  • Whether enjoyed neat or used in cocktails, Four Roses Small Batch promises a delightful sipping experience.
  • With its unique blend, exquisite flavors, and approachable character, Four Roses Small Batch is a standout choice among bourbons.

The Unique Blend of Four Roses Small Batch

Four Roses Small Batch is crafted using a unique blend of four bourbon recipes, resulting in a flavor profile that is truly one-of-a-kind. The blending process of Four Roses Small Batch combines the characteristics of each individual recipe to create a harmonious and well-rounded bourbon. Let’s explore the blending process and the distinctive recipes that make up this exceptional small batch blend.

Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon Blend

Four Roses Small Batch is meticulously crafted using four distinct bourbon recipes. These recipes are known as OBSK, OESK, OBSO, and OESO, each contributing its own unique characteristics to the final blend. The careful blending of these recipes results in a bourbon that offers a depth of flavors and complexity that is truly remarkable.

The first letter in each recipe designation represents the production facility, which is always the esteemed Four Roses Distillery. The second letter signifies the mashbill, with “E” indicating a mashbill of 75% corn, 20% rye, and 5% malted barley, and “B” indicating a mashbill of 60% corn, 35% rye, and 5% malted barley. The third letter indicates that the bourbon is a straight whiskey, and finally, the fourth letter represents the yeast strain used.

The Small Batch blend incorporates the following yeast strains:

  • V (Delicate Fruit)
  • K (Slight Spice)
  • O (Rich Fruit)
  • Q (Floral Essence)

The combination of these unique recipes and yeast strains creates a bourbon with a complex flavor profile, offering a range of delightful notes and aromas.

The Blending Process of Four Roses Small Batch

The blending process of Four Roses Small Batch is a meticulous art that requires expertise and precision. The Master Distiller carefully selects and blends the individual bourbon recipes in specific proportions to achieve the desired flavor profile. Each batch of Four Roses Small Batch is comprised of multiple batches of each of the four recipes, ensuring consistency and balance across every bottle.

Blending these distinct recipes together is like conducting an orchestra, each note contributing to the symphony of flavors in the final blend.

This unique blending process results in a bourbon that is greater than the sum of its parts. Each recipe brings its own unique qualities to the blend, creating a harmonious and well-rounded flavor profile that fans of Four Roses Small Batch have come to love.

The Four Roses Small Batch blend showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of the distillers at Four Roses, offering bourbon enthusiasts an exceptional sipping experience. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, Four Roses Small Batch delivers a complexity and balance that sets it apart from other bourbons on the market.

In the next section, we’ll delve into the tasting experience of Four Roses Small Batch, exploring its flavor profile, aroma, palate, and finish.

The Tasting Experience of Four Roses Small Batch

Four Roses Small Batch offers a delightful tasting experience with its balanced flavors and approachable character. The nose of this bourbon reveals notes of oak, citrus fruit, and spice, layered over a bed of caramel. On the palate, there is a creamy mouthfeel and a range of flavors, including oak, summer fruits, cherries, caramel, and rye spice. The flavors are well-balanced and complement each other, creating an enjoyable sipping experience. The finish is long and complex, with the flavors of oak, summer fruits, caramel, rye spice, and seasoned oak lingering on the palate.

Overall, Four Roses Small Batch is a bourbon that offers a balance of flavors without any single element overpowering the others, making it a crowd-pleasing choice for bourbon enthusiasts.

Tasting Notes:

  • Notes: Oak, citrus fruit, spice, caramel
  • Aroma: Oak, citrus fruit, spice, caramel
  • Palate: Oak, summer fruits, cherries, caramel, rye spice
  • Finish: Oak, summer fruits, caramel, rye spice, seasoned oak

I must say, the layers of flavors in Four Roses Small Batch truly make it a standout bourbon. The combination of oak, citrus fruit, spice, and caramel on the nose immediately captivates the senses. As soon as it touches the palate, the creamy mouthfeel and the harmonious blend of oak, summer fruits, cherries, caramel, and rye spice create a symphony of flavors that dance on the tongue. The finish is the grand finale, leaving you with a long and complex aftertaste of oak, summer fruits, caramel, rye spice, and seasoned oak. It’s truly a well-crafted bourbon from start to finish.

four roses small batch

The Value of Four Roses Small Batch

Four Roses Small Batch is a bourbon that stands out not only for its exceptional quality but also for its affordability. While it may not offer the same depth of flavor as some higher-priced bourbons, it provides excellent value within its price range. For bourbon enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded and satisfying sipping experience without breaking the bank, Four Roses Small Batch is a top choice.

When comparing the price of Four Roses Small Batch to other bourbons in the $30 range, it becomes evident that this bourbon offers a great value proposition. Despite its affordable price, it delivers a balanced flavor profile that rivals more expensive options. Whether enjoyed neat or used as a base in cocktails, Four Roses Small Batch consistently provides a pleasant and enjoyable drinking experience.

Here’s a price comparison showcasing the affordability of Four Roses Small Batch:

Bourbon Price
Four Roses Small Batch $30
Bourbon A $40
Bourbon B $35
Bourbon C $45

As seen in the table above, Four Roses Small Batch offers a competitive price point while still providing a high-quality bourbon experience.

With its affordability and impressive flavor profile, Four Roses Small Batch is an exceptional choice for bourbon lovers who value both taste and value. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or new to the world of whiskey, this bourbon delivers on its promise of quality, making it a worthwhile addition to any collection.

The Verdict on Four Roses Small Batch

Four Roses Small Batch is undoubtedly a bourbon that stands out for its consistent quality, balanced flavors, and affordable price point. While it may not possess the utmost complexity or adventurousness found in some high-end bourbons, this expression offers a reliable and enjoyable sipping experience that rivals others in its price range.

The key to Four Roses Small Batch’s success lies in its unique blend of four distinct bourbon recipes. This carefully crafted combination results in a harmonious flavor profile that appeals to both seasoned bourbon enthusiasts and those new to the world of whiskey. The aging process further enhances the depth and complexity of the final product, resulting in a bourbon that delivers on all fronts.

Whether enjoyed neat or as the foundation of your favorite cocktail, Four Roses Small Batch manages to strike a perfect balance between value, consistency, and approachable character. It is a standout choice that never disappoints, making it a must-have for bourbon lovers seeking a satisfying sip without breaking the bank.

FAQ

What is Four Roses Small Batch made of?

Four Roses Small Batch is crafted using 2 different mashbills and 5 different yeast strains, resulting in 10 unique bourbon recipes. For the Small Batch expression, four of these recipes – OBSK, OESK, OBSO, and OESO – are blended together.

How long is Four Roses Small Batch aged?

Four Roses Small Batch is aged in single-story rickhouses, and the barrels used are typically 6 to 7 years old, with an average age per batch of around 6 ½ years old.

What flavors can be found in Four Roses Small Batch?

The nose of Four Roses Small Batch offers notes of oak, citrus fruit, spice, and caramel. On the palate, there is a creamy mouthfeel with flavors of oak, summer fruits, cherries, caramel, and rye spice. The finish is long and complex, with flavors of oak, summer fruits, caramel, rye spice, and seasoned oak.

Is Four Roses Small Batch a good value for its price?

Four Roses Small Batch is known for its balanced flavor profile and affordability, making it a popular choice among bourbon enthusiasts. It offers good value for its price range.

How does Four Roses Small Batch compare to other bourbons?

While Four Roses Small Batch may not have the same depth of flavor as some higher-priced bourbons, it delivers a balanced flavor profile and offers excellent value for its price range. It is a worthwhile addition to any bourbon collection and can hold its own against other bourbons in its category.

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