Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 07:29 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 Blanton’s vs Four Roses Single Barrel 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
Blanton’s vs Four Roses Single Barrel: Comparison
Blanton’s Single Barrel: Offers a luxurious experience with a blend of honey, caramel, and leather, smoothly transitioning into a creamy palate with a hint of rye spice. The finish is long and sweet, marked by honey and brown sugar, making it a standout choice for those seeking smoothness and complexity.
Four Roses Single Barrel: Embodies a spiced and fruity profile, with an aroma rich in baking spices and vanilla, leading to a palate that balances rye spice with sweet cinnamon and vanilla. The finish is warm and satisfying, showcasing its unique character and depth.
Verdict: Blanton’s Single Barrel and Four Roses Single Barrel each present a distinct bourbon experience. Blanton’s excels in delivering a smooth, luxurious sip with a complex balance of flavors, ideal for those appreciating refinement and subtlety. Four Roses offers a bold taste with its high rye content, appealing to those who enjoy a spicy kick alongside their bourbon’s sweetness. The choice between them hinges on personal preference for smoothness versus spice, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Single Barrel Whiskey List
Blanton’s Single Barrel: Smooth & Luxurious, with a Hint of Mystery
- Nose: Vanilla, caramel, oak, old leather
- Palate: Creamy vanilla, honeyed, baking spice, oak
- Finish: Long, honey, brown sugar, caramel
- Alcohol content: 93 proof (46.5% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Blade and Bow
Intriguing Nose: Dive into an aroma of rich honey, caramel, and aged leather, subtly warmed by oak. A hint of mystery lingers, waiting to be unveiled.
Luxurious Palate: Expect classic bourbon flavors like butterscotch and vanilla, elevated by a smooth and creamy texture that outshines many. A touch of rye spice adds a playful kick, creating a balanced and intriguing sip.
Lingering Warmth: The finish is long, sweet, and pleasantly warm, leaving a lasting impression. However, a whisper of a medicinal note might surprise some.
Is it Worth the Hype?
Smoothness Champion: Blanton’s lives up to its reputation for exceptional smoothness. It’s perfectly balanced and full-bodied, offering a truly rewarding experience.
Accessible Luxury: Despite its luxurious feel, Blanton’s is reasonably priced and widely available, making it an attainable treat.
Enjoy it Pure: This bourbon shines neat, no water or ice needed. Savor it slowly to appreciate its full complexity.
Blanton’s by the Numbers:
- Exact mash bill unknown, but contains around 15% rye.
- Aged between 6-8 years (no official age statement).
- Double Gold Medal winner at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
- Dubbed “liquid gold” by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.
Remember: While undeniably smooth and well-respected, the NyQuil note might not be for everyone. Consider trying it neat to see if it appeals to your palate!
A Spiced & Fruity Delight: Uncorking the Four Roses Single Barrel
- Nose: Baking spice, cherry, vanilla, honey
- Palate: Cinnamon, rye spice, vanilla, honey
- Finish: Medium, caramel, baking spice, cinnamon
- Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Michter’s
Unforgettable Aroma: Imagine baking cookies laced with warm spices, cherries, and creamy vanilla. That’s the inviting nose of the Four Roses Single Barrel.
Flavorful Journey: First comes a tingle of rye spice, like a playful wink, then sweetness unfolds with cinnamon, hints of fruit, honey, and a touch of oak. The texture is smooth and creamy, making it easy to savor.
Warm & Satisfying Finish: The medium-length finish leaves you with lingering sweetness and cinnamon warmth, a pleasant farewell from this delicious dram.
More Than Just Spice: Don’t let the rye fool you! This bourbon balances the spice with rich fruit notes, vanilla, and honey, creating a complex and satisfying experience.
A Sipping Gem: While it packs a slight punch at 100 proof, the interesting flavor layers more than make up for it. This is an excellent choice for sipping and savoring neat.
Value Champion: Among Four Roses offerings, the Single Barrel shines! Its exceptional quality and unique profile make it a fantastic value for your money.
Fun Facts:
- 60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley for a unique character.
- Aged 8-9 years in single barrels for concentrated flavor.
- Proprietary yeast adds those enticing fruity notes.
- Gold Medal winner at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
- Historic distillery built in 1910, adding to the mystique.
So, if you’re looking for a flavorful, balanced bourbon with a touch of spice and a whole lot of charm, give the Four Roses Single Barrel a try. You won’t be disappointed!
How do they differ?
The difference lies in the mash
| Bourbon | Proof | Rye |
| Blanton’s | 93 | 15% |
| Four Roses | 100 | 25% |
Buffalo Trace keeps its mash bills under wraps, but it is believed that Blanton’s contains around 15% rye, while Four Roses goes as high as 25%.
As a result, Four Roses will have a significantly spicier profile compared to Blanton’s.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Bourbon | Price |
| Blanton’s Single Barrel | $147 |
| Four Roses Single Barrel | $53 |