Four Roses Bourbon is a renowned distillery known for its exceptional quality and unique approach to crafting bourbon. With a selection of 10 different recipes, each distinguished by its mash bill and yeast strain, Four Roses offers a diverse range of flavors and profiles. In this ultimate guide, we will delve into the world of Four Roses Single Barrel bourbons, exploring each recipe and uncovering the secrets behind their exceptional taste.
The Story of Four Roses Bourbon
Before we dive in, let’s take a moment to appreciate the history and craftsmanship behind Four Roses Bourbon. The distillery has a rich heritage dating back to the late 19th century when it was founded in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The name “Four Roses” itself has its roots in a romantic tale, where the founder, Paul Jones Jr., proposed to his love and she responded by wearing a corsage of four roses. This romantic symbolism remains a part of Four Roses’ identity to this day. You can read the entirely sappy but actually kind of interesting account of their naming and history here.
Four Roses’ reputation proceeds it, and their lineage routinely tops lists of best-value bourbons. It is also regarded as one of the best bourbons for beginners.
The Ten Recipes of Four Roses Bourbon
Four Roses has a totally unique and actually very cool system for naming and classifying their bourbons. They utilize two different mash bills, designated as “B” and “E.” The “B” mash bill consists of 60% corn, 35% rye, and 5% malted barley, while the “E” mash bill contains 75% corn, 20% rye, and 5% malted barley. These mash bills form the foundation of Four Roses’ diverse range of bourbons.
In addition to the mash bills, Four Roses employs five different proprietary yeast strains, each denoted by a single letter: V, K, O, Q, and F. These yeast strains impart distinct flavors and aromas to the bourbon, ranging from delicate fruit and floral notes to rich spices and herbal undertones. The combination of mash bills and yeast strains results in ten possible recipes, each offering a unique tasting experience.
Four Roses Recipes
- OBSV: This delicate fruit and rye recipe offers a subtle balance of flavors. With notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice, OBSV is a classic choice.
- OBSK: Known for its rye and baking spice characteristics, OBSK is a bold and flavorful recipe. Expect hints of oak, dark fruit, and caramel.
- OBSO: Rich in fruit flavors, OBSO showcases the perfect harmony of caramel, dark fruit, and vanilla. It offers a smooth and indulgent drinking experience.
- OBSQ: With its rye and light floral character, OBSQ is a refreshing and delicate recipe. Look for subtle grain notes and a touch of floral essence.
- OBSF: Combining delicate rye and mint, OBSF offers a unique and refreshing flavor profile. Enjoy the interplay of herbs, mint, and caramel.
- OESV: Delicate fruit and caramel are the hallmarks of OESV. This recipe boasts a rich and complex flavor profile with notes of wood, dark fruit, and vanilla.
- OESK: Baking spice takes the spotlight in OESK. With layers of oak, spice, and caramel, this recipe is warm and inviting.
- OESO: Rich fruit and vanilla profile. Expect notes of dried fruit, wood, and a touch of sweetness.
- OESQ: Delicate grains and light floral character define OESQ. This recipe offers a nuanced combination of flavors, including hints of floral essence and light grains.
- OESF: Known for its herbal notes and minty freshness, OESF is a unique and vibrant recipe. It showcases flavors of herbs, mint, and caramel.
Which Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon is The Best?
Ultimately the answer to this question depends on the taste of the drinker, but Four Roses OESO and OESV tend to be the most coveted, while OBSK is regarded as a close contender.
Tasting Notes and Reviews
Now, let’s delve into the tasting notes and reviews for each of the Four Roses recipes. We will explore the nose, palate, and finish of each bourbon, providing insights into their unique flavors and overall quality.
1. Four Roses Single Barrel – OESO
Average Retail Price: $89.99
Average Proof: 110
What Reviewers Say:
Nose: Oak, caramel, dried strawberries, spice, vanilla, and a rich bourbon character.
Palate: Wood, dried fruit, light spice, vanilla, caramel, and toasted nuts.
Finish: Wood and fruity notes that fade into a sweet allspice.
2. Four Roses Single Barrel – OESV
Average Retail Price: $113.48
Average Proof: 110
What Reviewers Say:
Nose: Rich and thick caramel notes dominate, accompanied by dark fruit, leather, spice, and wood.
Palate: Dark fruit, wood, spice, brown sugar, vanilla, and a hint of acetone (nail polish remover). The acetone note may seem odd, but it adds an interesting contrast to the sweeter woody flavors.
Finish: Wood, mineral water, dark fruit, and burnt citrus. The finish is complex and layered.
3. Four Roses Single Barrel – OBSK
Average Retail Price: $100
Average Proof: 106
What Reviewers Say:
Nose: Melon rind, Fig Newton’s, mild oak, dark fruit, and a touch of spice. The aroma is pleasant but feels a little washed out.
Palate: Oak, dark fruit, vitamins, spice, caramel, vanilla, and dust. While not exceptional, it is a decent bourbon.
Finish: Woody and spicy, with notes of cardamom, caramel, and a light touch of maple syrup.
4. Four Roses Single Barrel – OBSO
Average Retail Price: $84.79
Average Proof: 108
What Reviewers Say:
Nose: Overall, a bit light on the nose, with notes of caramel, wood, spice, citrus, vanilla, dried strawberries, and a hint of floral.
Palate: Oaky dark sweets with a bit of leather and spice. There is a “green” aspect, reminiscent of fresh herbs that have been refrigerated.
Finish: Sour, vegetal, and chalky, with pronounced notes of spice and wood.
5. Four Roses Single Barrel – OBSV
Average Retail Price: $73.99
Average Proof: 109
What Reviewers Say:
Nose: Caramel, raw grain, vanilla, Twizzlers, and spice. While the aroma is not particularly striking, it offers a solid baseline.
Palate: Big spice with layers of leather, dark fruit gummies, and grain. Although not exceptional, it is a respectable bourbon.
Finish: Wood, Twizzlers, and spice. The fruity and waxy quality of Twizzlers lingers on the palate.
6. Four Roses Single Barrel – OESK
Average Retail Price: $85.74
Average Proof: 123
What Reviewers Say:
Nose: Woody and spicy with pleasant notes of char, fruit, and dark sweets.
Palate: Dark fruit, wood, caramel, vanilla, a light bit of spice, and a hint of black tea.
Finish: Wood, spice, vanilla, and grains that fade out sweetly.
7. Four Roses Single Barrel – OBSQ
Average Retail Price: $95.39
Average Proof: 118
What Reviewers Say:
Nose: Big dark sweets, dark fruit, spice, and oak, with hints of toasted nuts and vanilla.
Palate: Oaky and spicy, with caramel, vanilla, and dark fruit.
Finish: Wood, mint spice, and a light touch of dark sweets.
8. Four Roses Single Barrel – OESQ
Average Retail Price: $105.99
Average Proof: 113
What Reviewers Say:
Nose: Sugar Daddys, dark fruit, Smarties, fresh mint, and a medley of dark sweets, with a touch of vanilla and oak.
Palate: Woody, darkly sweet, with layers of spice and a slight earthy character.
Finish: Spice, wood, dark sweets, and earth.
9. Four Roses Single Barrel – OBSF
Average Retail Price: $73.99
Average Proof: 109
What Reviewers Say:
Nose: Dark juicy fruit, oak, spice, and vanilla. One of the fruitiest Four Roses I’ve encountered.
Palate: Oak, rich dark fruit, caramel, vanilla, and a touch of citrus.
Finish: Sweet and darkly fruity, with notes of dark sweets and wood.
10. Four Roses Single Barrel – OESF
Average Retail Price: $150.52
Average Proof: 106
What Reviewers Say:
Nose: Caramel, oak, blackberry compote, and a plethora of baking spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and anise.
Palate: Oak, complex baking spices, caramel, vanilla, and a light bit of dark fruit leather.
Finish: Wood, dark fruit, and vanilla, fading into baking spices.
Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbons showcase the exceptional craftsmanship and diversity of flavors that the distillery is known for. Each recipe offers a distinct taste experience, with a range of aromas, flavors, and finishes to satisfy even the most discerning bourbon enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the delicate fruitiness of OBSV or the bold spiciness of OBSQ, Four Roses has something to offer for every bourbon lover.
As you embark on your own journey through the Icons of Whiskey, remember that taste is subjective, and what one person may love, another may not. Discovering your personal favorite among these 10 unique recipes is part of the joy and adventure of exploring the world of Four Roses Bourbon.
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