Four Roses Single Barrel

Bourbon Review #16: Four Roses Single Barrel

Category: “Go-To”

Price: $35

Availability: Everywhere, year-round.       

Proof: 100, 50% avb

Age: No Age Statement.

Mashbill: OBSV   

Distillery: Four Roses- Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.

     In my opinion, the Four Roses company produces some of the nicest bourbons on the market today! From their entry level “Yellow Label”, to their super premium “Limited Release” and “Private Selections”, Four Roses is top-to-bottom excellent bourbon! F.R. Single Barrel is the most popular single barrel bourbon in the state of Kentucky. I think that says a lot about this product, and the company!

     Several months ago, I reviewed the F. R. 2013, Limited Release- Small Batch.  In the written portion of that review I extensively covered the history of the F.R. Company. If you’re interested why F.R. is so special, I would recommend reading that entry. The subject for this review is the F.R. “regular” single barrel.

     I say “regular”, so that there won’t be any confusion. Each year in the spring, F.R. releases a limited edition single barrel. They also have a private selection single barrel. What makes the regular juice different from the limited release stuff? Well, to over-simplify it, price, allocation, mashbill, warehouse aging location, and proof, among other factors.

     By contrast, the “regular” single barrel can be found most anywhere at a reasonable price-point of $38. In fact, I found it in my town for $33. In my opinion, that’s a tremendous value when considering the quality of this juice!

      For a long time now, Elmer T. Lee has held the #1 spot of my favorite “go-to” bourbons. Up until now, everything that I’ve put up against it has fallen short.  Well folks, that’s about to change! Yes, the Four Roses Single Barrel has finely dethroned Mr. T. Lee, and is therefore the new heavyweight champion of the “go-to” bourbons! Subsequently, Elmer T Lee has moved down to the #2 spot.

     
     Overall: The F.R. Single Barrel is an incredibly unique and balanced bourbon. However, if you’re not a fan of rye forward bourbons, I would point you in other directions. I love it because it’s heavy in the mouth, the alcohol is very nicely integrated, and the finish is long and luxurious. Mid palate notes included: sweet maraschino cherries, bright oak and creamy vanilla. Finish notes included: Baking spices, (clove and cinnamon) soft wood and rye pepper. This expression strikes an interesting balance between big bold flavors mixed with soft creamy notes. In short, nothing taste like a Four Roses bourbon! Its just all-around great stuff!! The Colonel’s score is a very high 8 out of 10.