How to Drink Four Roses Single Barrel

Last Updated on: 25th April 2024, 05:39 pm

Discover the best way of drinking Four Roses Single Barrel: Ideas for tasting, pairing, and enjoying this whiskey.

Written by: J Highland

Key Takeaways

• Adding a small amount of water reduces the heat and brings out caramel notes, mentions bourbon expert Neil Coleman.
• The high rye content provides a spicy kick with a sweet, complex profile.
• Ideal for sipping, the bourbon is bottled at 100-proof.
• A Glencairn glass is recommended for the best experience.
• The bourbon features flavors of baking spice, cherry, and honeyed vanilla, with a creamy texture.
• Suitable for cocktails like a Spicy Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Bourbon and Ginger.
• Pairs well with barbecue pork ribs, dark chocolate desserts, sharp cheddar cheese, spicy chicken wings, and grilled steak.
• 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.

Best Way to Drink Four Roses Single Barrel

“Adding a dash of water to Four Roses Single Barrel reduces the heat and brings out caramel notes, enhancing the tasting experience.”, suggests Bourbon expert, Neil Coleman.

Its high rye content delivers an initial spicy kick that smoothly transitions into a sweet, complex profile, ideal for sipping.

Though its 100-proof strength brings some bite, the rich layers of flavor more than make up for it, positioning it as the Four Roses’ best bottle and one of the top Single Barrel Bourbons.

Given its price, it offers exceptional value that’s hard to beat.

Related: Discover the Best Single Barrel Bourbons

Adding Water

The method of adding water to bourbon varies with individual taste.

Hence, I suggest first trying it as is from a neck pour and then adding water drop by drop until you discover the flavor that perfectly matches your palate.

Adding Ice

Alternatively, if you like your drinks cold, you can add a large ice ball to the Four Roses Single Barrel.

However, for a better experience, I recommend using chilled glasses or a set of stainless steel whiskey rocks.

Selecting the Right Glassware

The Four Roses Single Barrel’s rich aromatic profile is best enjoyed in a Glencairn glass, making it the preferred choice for drinking.

If you’re hesitant to spend in one – though it’s a must-have for any serious whiskey enthusiast – a whiskey rocks glass is a suitable alternative.

Tasting Notes

The nose of Four Roses Single Barrel displays subtle hints of baking spice, cherry, and honeyed vanilla.

Tasting it, you’ll find a vibrant rye spice and a whisper of cinnamon, complemented by sweet fruitiness, honey, vanilla, and a hint of oak, resulting in a creamy texture.

Its finish is of medium to long length, providing soothing warmth with caramel and cinnamon flavors.

Four Roses Single Barrel in Cocktails

Spicy bourbon brings a unique twist to cocktails with its robust flavor profile.

Here are three cocktail recipes that are ideal for a spicy bourbon like the Four Roses Single Barrel:

Spicy Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 1 Sugar Cube (or 1/2 tsp sugar)
• 2-3 dashes Angostura Bitters
• Orange Peel
• Ice
• Club Soda (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place the sugar cube in an old-fashioned glass and saturate with bitters.
2. Add a dash of club soda (optional) to help dissolve the sugar.
3. Muddle the sugar until dissolved.
4. Fill the glass with ice cubes and add the spicy bourbon.
5. Stir well.
6. Garnish with an orange peel, twisting over the drink to release its oils.

Spicy Bourbon Manhattan

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• Maraschino Cherry for garnish
• Ice

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters with ice.
2. Stir well until chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled martini glass or serve on the rocks in a lowball glass.
4. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Bourbon and Ginger

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bourbon
• Ginger Beer
• Lime Wedge for garnish
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour the spicy bourbon over the ice.
3. Top with ginger beer to taste.
4. Gently stir to combine.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.

These cocktails leverage the spiciness of the bourbon, enhancing the overall flavor experience. They are perfect for showcasing the unique character of a spicy bourbon.

Pairing with Food

Pairing food with a spicy bourbon like Four Roses Single Barrel can enhance the drink and the dish.

Here are five food pairings that complement the rich and spicy profile of this bourbon:

Barbecue Pork Ribs

• The sweet and smoky flavors of barbecue ribs pair beautifully with the spicy notes of the bourbon. The richness of the pork and the tanginess of the barbecue sauce complement the bourbon’s robust character.

Dark Chocolate Desserts

• The bitterness of dark chocolate balances the sweetness and spice of the bourbon. Chocolate desserts, like dark chocolate tart or brownies, can bring out the vanilla and caramel notes in the bourbon.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

• Aged, sharp cheddar cheese offers a bold flavor that can stand up to the spiciness of the bourbon. The creamy texture and tangy taste of the cheese pair well with the warm, spicy notes of the bourbon.

Spicy Chicken Wings

• The heat from spicy chicken wings is a great match for the spicy bourbon. The combination of spicy food and spicy drink creates a harmonious balance, enhancing the flavors of both.

Grilled Steak

• With its rich and savory flavors, a well-seasoned grilled steak pairs excellently with spicy bourbon. The char on the steak and the warmth of the bourbon complement each other, making for a satisfying pairing.

Preserving the Bottle

• Store in a cool, dimly lit area.
• Ensure the seal is tight to avoid oxidation.
• Drink ASAP once the quantity falls below 25% to preserve the consistent flavor.

About Four Roses Single Barrel

• Bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV).
• This bourbon is crafted from a mash containing 60% corn, 35% rye, and 5% malted barley.
• It’s aged in casks for 8 to 9 years before bottling.
• A unique yeast strain is used in fermentation, yielding rich fruity flavors.
• It earned a Gold Medal at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• The Four Roses distillery, situated in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, was established in 1910, featuring Spanish Mission-style architecture and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Four Roses bourbon is owned by Japan’s Kirin Brewing Company.