Last Updated on: 11th April 2024, 04:19 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between 1792 Small Batch vs Four Roses Small Batch in this in-depth comparison and decide which Bourbon is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
1792 Small Batch vs Four Roses Small Batch: Comparison
1792 Small Batch: Offers a unique blend of charred oak, banana, and rye spice on the nose, leading to a palate that’s straightforward with cinnamon and fruit notes. Its medium-length finish of cinnamon and pepper provides a simple yet enjoyable sipping experience. An approachable option for those who prefer a spicy profile in their bourbon, suitable for rocks or cocktails.
Four Roses Small Batch: Delivers aromatic vanilla, cherry, and oak, with a palate that balances vanilla, oak, and baking spice. The long finish of burnt caramel makes it exceptionally smooth and pleasant to sip. This bourbon is known for its creamy texture and balanced sweetness and spice, making it a great choice for neat drinking or with a splash of water for those seeking depth and smoothness.
Verdict: Both 1792 Small Batch and Four Roses Small Batch present unique tasting experiences within the bourbon category. 1792 Small Batch caters to those looking for a spicier sip with a straightforward profile, while Four Roses Small Batch appeals to those who appreciate a smoother bourbon with complex flavors and a longer finish, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Whiskey under $30
1792 Small Batch: A Straightforward Sipping Experience
- Nose: Charred oak, banana, rye spice
- Palate: Cinnamon, oak, banana, ripe fruit
- Finish: Medium-length, cinnamon, pepper, oak
- Alcohol content: 94 proof (47% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar to: 1792 Single Barrel
Intriguing Aroma: 1792 Small Batch opens with a unique combination of aromas. Expect notes of burnt oak, ripe banana, and a hint of green apple, creating an earthy and creamy scent.
Smooth Start, Spicy Finish: The taste starts smooth and pleasant, with hints of cinnamon spreading across the palate. However, the cinnamon intensifies over time, joined by bitter oak notes. While hints of fruit are present, they are overshadowed by the spice, leading to a somewhat one-dimensional flavor profile.
Lingering Warmth: The finish is medium-length, leaving behind a lingering spiciness of cinnamon and dry oak. It carries a slight warmth, but it’s manageable.
A Straightforward Choice: The 1792 Small Batch is an easy-to-drink bourbon that doesn’t require much contemplation. While it offers some interesting flavors, it lacks complexity and balance.
1792 Small Batch: Unveiling the Story
- Previously Aged: Before 2013, this whiskey boasted an 8-year age statement.
- Rye Influence: The high rye content in the mash contributes to the prominent spice notes.
- Celebrating Kentucky: 1792 commemorates the year Kentucky became a state.
- Award-Winning: It received a Double Gold Medal at the 2011 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
- Crafted in Barton: Owned by Buffalo Trace, 1792 is produced at its own distillery in Barton.
Looking for a complex and nuanced bourbon? This might not be your top choice. But if you seek a simple and easy-going sipper, 1792 Small Batch could be worth exploring.
Four Roses Small Batch: A Smooth and Flavorful Bourbon
- Nose: Vanilla, cherry, oak
- Palate: Vanilla, oak, baking spice
- Finish: Long, burnt caramel
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Small Batch Select
Aromatic Delights: The Four Roses Small Batch greets your nose with a sweet and inviting aroma, hinting at vanilla, ripe cherries, and a touch of oak.
Flavorful Journey: On the palate, this bourbon boasts a creamy and smooth texture, delivering rich flavors of vanilla, caramel, and a hint of rye spice. A subtle oak undertone adds complexity to the experience.
Lingering Pleasure: The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a delightful touch of burnt caramel that lingers on the palate. Notably, there’s minimal burn, making it easy to sip neat.
Beyond the Basics:
- Balanced Sweetness & Spice: This bourbon strikes a pleasing balance between sweet and spicy notes, thanks to its high rye content.
- Smooth Operator: The creamy texture and just the right amount of spice make it a great choice for sipping.
- Daily Delight: Enjoy the Four Roses Small Batch neat, as its smoothness eliminates the need for ice or water.
- Upgrade from Yellow Label: If you’re familiar with the Four Roses Yellow Label, you’ll appreciate the Small Batch’s deeper flavor profile and smoother drinking experience, all at a great value.
Four Roses Small Batch: Unveiling the Blend
- Unique Combination: This bourbon is a blend of four distinct Kentucky bourbons, each with its own flavor profile.
- Rye Influence: Two of the bourbons use a higher rye content (35%), contributing to the spicy notes.
- Proprietary Yeasts: Each bourbon is fermented with a unique yeast strain, adding further complexity to the final blend.
- Aged to Perfection: All bourbons are aged for at least 4 years in single-story rickhouses for optimal flavor development.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| 1792 Small Batch | $33 |
| Four Roses Small Batch | $40 |