Four Roses Single Barrel 750ML

Four Roses Single Barrel 750ML is a 100 proof (50% ABV) Kentucky straight bourbon drawn from the distillery's signature OBSV recipe in a 750ml bottle. A Double Gold Medal winner at the 2014 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and named No Age Statement Single Barrel Bourbon of the Year in Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2012, this expression showcases what a high-rye mashbill can deliver when matured under carefully controlled conditions.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof)  |  Origin: Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, USA  |  NAS Single Barrel Bourbon  |  Distillery: Four Roses

Production & Heritage

Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, operates with a production philosophy unlike any other major bourbon house: ten distinct bourbon recipes derived from two mashbills and five proprietary yeast strains. The Single Barrel expression uses exclusively the OBSV recipe — 60% corn, 35% rye, and 5% malted barley fermented with the "V" yeast strain, known for producing delicate fruit, spice, and creamy characteristics. Equally important is the distillery's use of single-story rickhouses, which eliminate the dramatic temperature variations found in multi-story warehouses. This means every barrel matures at a consistent temperature, reducing the risk of over-oaking and producing a remarkably balanced bourbon without the bitterness that can plague barrels stored on upper floors of taller warehouses.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Vanilla and brown sugar arrive first, followed by citrus zest and a subtle floral quality that distinguishes Four Roses from heavier, grain-forward bourbons. Underneath, there is a gentle dry oak and a tobacco-like sweetness that adds depth without heaviness.

Taste: The entry is bright with honey, ripe cherry, and orange oil, giving way at mid-palate to a pronounced rye spice that carries peach, vanilla cream, and light brown sugar. As it develops further, layered notes of leather, dried raisins, mint, and old wood emerge, creating a complexity that rewards slow sipping. There is a tart quality — almost grapefruit-like — that balances the sweetness and keeps the bourbon from feeling cloying at full proof.

Finish: Medium-long and lightly drying, with orange and lemon citrus gradually mellowing into vanilla cream. A peppery warmth emerges late and lingers alongside the citrus, providing a clean and satisfying close.

How to Drink Four Roses Single Barrel

At 100 proof, this bourbon is best appreciated neat or with a few drops of water, which opens up the floral and fruit notes without diluting the rye-driven structure. Its proof and flavor density also make it a strong cocktail backbone. An Old Fashioned built with this bourbon benefits from its natural cherry and orange character, requiring minimal sweetener. A Boulevardier leverages the rye spice against Campari's bitterness for a balanced, full-bodied result. A Whiskey Sour showcases the citrus-forward profile, with the bourbon's vanilla cream qualities complementing fresh lemon juice beautifully.

Best For

• Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who appreciates high-proof single barrel selections
• Side-by-side tastings comparing single barrel bourbons or exploring Four Roses' different recipes
• After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or a cigar
• Building cocktails where a spice-forward, full-proof bourbon is needed

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Four Roses Single Barrel taste like? Four Roses Single Barrel delivers bright cherry, honey, and vanilla sweetness balanced by assertive rye spice, orange citrus, and dry oak, with a peppery, medium-long finish.

How does Four Roses Single Barrel compare to Blanton's Single Barrel? Both are single barrel bourbons with fruit-forward profiles, but Four Roses Single Barrel runs at a higher proof (100 vs. Blanton's 93) and offers more pronounced rye spice and oak complexity due to its 35% rye mashbill. Blanton's tends toward a more delicate, lighter fruit character with less spice intensity.

Is Four Roses Single Barrel good for sipping neat? Yes — at 100 proof it carries enough structure and complexity to reward neat drinking, though a splash of water helps open up its floral and citrus aromatics for those sensitive to higher-proof spirits.

Where is Four Roses Single Barrel made? Four Roses Single Barrel is produced at the Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, and matured in the brand's distinctive single-story rickhouses in Cox's Creek, Kentucky.

What foods pair well with Four Roses Single Barrel? Smoked pork or brisket pairs well with the bourbon's rye spice and vanilla sweetness. Dark chocolate benefits from the cherry and brown sugar notes. Aged cheddar or Gruyère complements the oak and leather undertones. Pecan pie echoes the bourbon's honey and caramel character, and charcuterie with dried fruit mirrors its layered dried raisin and spice profile.

What sizes does Four Roses Single Barrel come in? The standard release is widely available in 750ml bottles, with 50ml miniatures also found in some markets.

Is Four Roses Single Barrel worth the price? Four Roses Single Barrel positions as a mid-premium bourbon that punches well above its price tier, delivering single barrel character and 100 proof intensity at a cost significantly below many allocated competitors of comparable quality and acclaim.

Why Four Roses Single Barrel?

The OBSV recipe is not a marketing label — it represents a specific combination of mashbill and yeast strain chosen from among ten possible Four Roses recipes, and it was selected as the sole recipe for the Single Barrel expression because of its balance of fruit, spice, and cream. The single-story rickhouse maturation is genuinely rare in the bourbon industry, where multi-story warehouses dominate, and it produces a consistency that many single barrel programs struggle to achieve. Multiple awards — including a Double Gold Medal at the 2014 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and recognition from Whisky Magazine, which named Four Roses American Whisky Distiller of the Year three consecutive years (2011, 2012, 2013) — confirm this is not just a well-made bourbon but a benchmark for the single barrel category at its price point.