Four Roses Single Barrel vs Small Batch Select: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 12th April 2024, 01:25 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 Small Batch Select 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

Four Roses Small Batch Select vs Single Barrel: Which to Choose?

Four Roses Small Batch Select: Offers an intense and complex flavor profile, with a high proof and non-chill filtration enhancing its richness. Ideal for those seeking depth and a robust bourbon experience, it presents a great balance of sweetness and spice.

Four Roses Single Barrel: Stands out for its spicy kick that smoothly transitions into a sweet and creamy finish. With a slightly lower proof but still packing plenty of flavors, it’s perfect for bourbon lovers who enjoy a spicy start with a sweet finish.

Verdict: If you’re after a bold, full-bodied bourbon, Small Batch Select is your go-to, offering complexity and a layered tasting experience. For a spicy yet sweet profile with exceptional smoothness, Single Barrel provides an excellent choice at a slightly lower price point, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Four Roses Best Bourbon

Four Roses Small Batch Select: Bold Flavor, Smooth Delivery

Alcohol content: 104 proof (52% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Four Roses Small Batch

A Step Up from the Standard: The Four Roses Small Batch Select takes the classic Small Batch experience to a bolder level, boasting a higher proof (104) and non-chill filtration for a fuller flavor profile.

Caramel & Spice on the Nose: The aroma unfolds with rich caramel notes intertwined with a touch of cinnamon, followed by subtle hints of vanilla and oak.

Bold & Balanced Palate: The taste is a punch of caramel sweetness, complimented by rich flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg alongside a subtle oak presence.

Long & Warming Finish: The experience concludes with a long and warm finish, showcasing a harmonious blend of baking spices and charred oak.

Smooth Despite the Proof: Despite its higher proof, the Small Batch Select remains smooth, offering a pleasing, buttery mouthfeel.

Enjoyment Options: Savor it neat to appreciate its full character, or add a few drops of water to mellow the warmth and accentuate oak notes.

Ideal for Bourbon Enthusiasts: This bourbon is a perfect choice for those seeking a more robust flavor profile compared to the standard Small Batch.

Balanced and Value-Driven: The Small Batch Select offers a well-balanced and flavorful profile, delivering both quality and value in every bottle.

Four Roses Small Batch Select Facts:

Aged for a minimum of 6 years.
A blend of Four Roses’ 10 Bourbon recipes.
Introduced in 2019, marking the brand’s first extension in 12 years.
Produced by Kirin Brewery Company, headquartered in Japan.

Learn more: Four Roses Small Batch Select Website

Four Roses Single Barrel: A Spicy Journey to Sweet Bliss

Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel

Aromatic Delights: Four Roses Single Barrel opens with an inviting nose, brimming with baking spices, cherry, and honeyed vanilla.

Spicy First Sip, Sweet Transformation: The initial taste presents a tingling rye spice alongside a touch of cinnamon. As you delve deeper, delightful sweet fruitiness, honey, vanilla, and subtle oak emerge. A creamy texture adds to the experience.

Lingering Warmth: The medium-length finish leaves a lasting impression of rich caramel sweetness and cinnamon, offering a warm and satisfying sensation.

Beyond the Initial Bite: Despite the initial rye spice, this bourbon transforms into a smooth journey, revealing layers of rich fruit, vanilla, and honey. It remains smooth despite its 100-proof strength.

A Top Choice for Neat Sipping: The complex and nuanced flavor profile makes Four Roses Single Barrel ideal for savoring neat.

Exceptional Value: Its remarkable quality and affordability solidify its position as one of the top five bourbons under $50, even contending with premium single barrel bourbons.

Four Roses Single Barrel Facts:

Crafted with a mash bill of 60% corn, 35% rye, and 5% malted barley.
Bottled from casks aged between 8 and 9 years.
Features a proprietary yeast culture contributing to its rich fruity notes.
Awarded a Gold Medal at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Produced at the historic Four Roses distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.