Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 02:09 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 Four Roses Single Barrel vs Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select in this head-to-head comparison and decide which whiskey 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
Four Roses Single Barrel vs Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select: Comparison
Four Roses Single Barrel: A symphony of baking spice, cherry, and vanilla unfolds into a sweet and spicy palate, culminating in a warm, caramel-laced finish.
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel: Unique banana and caramel aromas lead to a rich palate of vanilla, cherry, and oak, ending in a balanced finish of spice and sweetness.
Verdict: Both Four Roses Single Barrel and Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel offer distinctive and enjoyable bourbon experiences. Four Roses delights with its complex spice and sweet harmony, perfect for enthusiasts seeking depth. Jack Daniel’s impresses with its unique flavor profile and smooth finish, appealing to those who favor a nuanced approach to traditional Tennessee whiskey, states spirits expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Single Barrel Bourbon Best Choices
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: Old Forester Single Barrel
Dive into Delicate Depths: Four Roses Single Barrel isn’t your average bourbon. Instead, it offers a layered complexity that starts with a delicate aroma and blossoms into a satisfyingly sweet and spicy sip.
Intriguing Aromatics: Prepare for a dance of delightful scents – warm baking spices, ripe cherries, and honeyed vanilla mingle, inviting you in for a closer look.
Flavorful Journey: On the palate, a lively rye spice greets you first, followed by a subtle cinnamon tingle. Then, it unfolds into a delightful tapestry of sweet fruit, honeyed vanilla, and a touch of oak, all enveloped in a creamy texture.
Warm & Rewarding Finish: The medium-length finish brings a pleasant warmth, leaving you with lingering notes of sweetness and cinnamon.
Beyond the Spice: Don’t be intimidated by the initial rye kick. While noticeable, it gracefully evolves into a sweet and complex experience. This intriguing interplay is what makes this bourbon a standout among Single Barrels.
More Than Just Hype: Despite a slight bite (expected from its 100-proof bottling), the layers of flavor win over many palates. In fact, many consider it the crown jewel of Four Roses and one of the finest Single Barrels available.
Value Champion: Considering its price point, it’s a remarkable value that delivers an exceptional sipping experience. You might be hard-pressed to find a comparable single barrel at this price.
Four Roses Single Barrel Facts:
- Made with 60% corn, 35% rye, and 5% malted barley
- Aged 8-9 years in single barrels
- Signature yeast culture creates fruity notes
- Gold Medal winner at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
- Crafted in the historic Lawrenceburg, Kentucky distillery
Ready to embark on a flavor adventure? Four Roses Single Barrel might just be the perfect spirit to guide you. Its delightful complexity and exceptional value make it a top contender for your next sipping bourbon.
Also read: Four Roses Single Barrel Drinking Guide
Four Roses Single Barrel facts:
- It is made from a mash of 60% corn, 35% rye, and 5% malted barley.
- Single Barrel is bottled from casks aged between 8 and 9 years.
- Uses a proprietary yeast culture used to ferment the mash producing rich fruity notes.
- Won the Gold Medal at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
- The Four Roses distillery is located in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, was built in 1910 with Spanish Mission-style architecture, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel

- Nose: Banana, caramel, oak
- Palate: Vanilla, caramel, cherry, oak
- Finish: Medium length, cherry, caramel, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 94 proof (47% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Jim Beam Single Barrel
Aromatic Intrigue: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel starts with a unique aroma. While ripe bananas take center stage, they’re balanced by sweet caramel and a touch of smoky oak. It’s a bold but intriguing introduction.
Textured & Full-Bodied: On the palate, it offers a satisfying weight without feeling overly creamy. Vanilla and caramel lead the charge, followed by a surprising cherry cough syrup note and hints of toasted oak.
Finishing Warm: The medium-length finish brings oak spice char, lingering touches of the cough syrup note, and some caramel sweetness. A pleasant warmth adds to the experience.
Enjoyment Options: You can savor it neat to appreciate the full depth, or add a touch of water to bring out more caramel and oak.
Beyond the Ordinary: Compared to the classic Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7, the Single Barrel is a crafted selection hand-picked from the top shelves of the warehouse. Aged between 4 and 7 years, it boasts a higher proof and a more textured, well-rounded experience. Some find it avoids the unusual notes associated with the popular brand.
But Is it the Perfect Sip? Opinions on the Single Barrel’s “cough syrup” note can vary. While some find it intriguing, others might prefer a different flavor profile. Remember, taste is subjective!
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Facts:
- Aged 4-7 years
- 80% corn, 8% rye, 12% malted barley mash bill
- Charcoal-filtered for smoothness
- Crafted by Brown-Forman, makers of Old Forester and Woodford Reserve
So, if you’re looking for a Jack Daniel’s experience with more depth and complexity, the Single Barrel might be worth a try. Just keep an open mind about that banana and cherry cough syrup combo!
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Four Roses Single Barrel | $50 |
| Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select | $55 |
