I’ve already reviewed a Four Roses Single Barrel, but the bourbon in this glass comes from a different barrel. How different? Well that’s what this post is about. I don’t typically take notes on something I’ve already tasted and taken notes unless one of two criteria are met.
- It’s an entirely new batch or barrel. Batch for “small batch” whiskey and barrel for single barrel whiskey.
- It’s an older or newer bottle than what I already have notes on and it’s significantly different.
This bottle hits the first criteria square on the head and is why this review is being written. It’s also quite a bit different than the other Four Roses Single Barrel so it also hits the second requirement as well. It’s a re-revew double whammy.
Four Roses Single Barrel: ME 7-6G Info
Region: Kentucky, USA
Distiller: Four Roses
Mashbill: OBSV: 60% Corn, 35% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
Cask: New American Oak (charred)
Age: NAS
ABV: 50%
Warehouse: ME
Barrel: 7-6G
Price: $45
Four Roses Single Barrel: ME 7-6G Review
EYE
Caramel with a hint of orange
NOSE
Caramel, brown sugar, butterscotch, brittle, toffee, maple, etc.; this thing is a smorgasbord of dark sweets. Layered in with those dark sweets are notes of rye spice, oak, vanilla and a mild cough syrup like quality.
PALATE
Caramel and rye spice dominate with heavy notes of vanilla and oak moving through right after and carrying with them some lighter notes of cinnamon, pepper, brown sugar, maple and a mild dark fruit.
FINISH
Caramel and spice on a long fade with light notes of oak and vanilla
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Decent balance with a warm buttery character that feels smooth and warm.
OVERALL
Four Roses Single Barrel: ME 7-6G isn’t as good as DN 1-2T (first 4r SiB I reviewed). It had a richer overall character that enveloped the senses and put a big ol’ smile on my face. It’s also not quite as multi-faceted as DN 1-2T with the dark sweets taking up a lot of room and threatening to knock the whole thing off balance, but stopping just short. Still, it’s a great whiskey and I’m happy to sip on it any day.
SCORE: 89/100
Four Roses Single Barrel Review - Score Breakdown
Value
Four Roses Single Barrel is always a great value.
Overall
- Nose - 89
- Palate - 89
- Finish - 89
- Balance, Body & Feel - 89
how do I find out the mash bill based upon the barrel #? 76-5i was in the local store, it is a SB, but not cast strength?
If it’s not cask strength and it’s just 100 proof then it’s always OBSV. Cheers!
Glad I read this post, as I’d been scratching my head a bit. I’ve read such good reviews about the 4 roses single barrel (especially at Whisky Jug) that I decided to pick up a bottle, and was quite underwhelmed … its not bad, but nothing remarkable.
I guess I got a $40 lesson in barrel aging, and some decent bourbon (not exceptional)
Hey Darren,
That’s the mild risk you get with single barrel products. I’d say on the whole I’ve had more good 4R SiBs than mediocre, but I’ve definitely tasted a couple mediocre and one terrible 4R SiB in the past. Same with Knob Creek SiBs. I’ve had some amazing ones, but I’ve also had some duds. It’s part of the game :) Cheers!
I see why you would do another review… I tried my first Four Roses SB-my birthday present. My husband and I lived it! I enjoyed the smooth, sippable-ness. It was pleasurable to drink.
…then I bought another bottle. Different barrel and warehouse. I couldn’t believe it was the same Four Roses. The first bottle was delicious, wish I had a dozen bottles. The second was/is a completely different story. It’s harsh. It has an intense introduction flavor (woolen carpet? -weird) I can’t get past. I can hardly find any other flavors. Single Barrels are so interesting.
Again, thank you for all your reviews!
And thank you for sharing. Cheers!
Isn’t all the standard SB an OBSV? Personally I love this stuff. I try to buy a new bottle when the one I’m working on has about 20% left so I can pour a dram of each and compare/contrast the two. I’ve had 4 bottles and never had two that were identical. My first bottle was old leather and tobacco leaf notes abound(I wish I bought a case of that one), the second was more classic bourbon with a little rye kick, the third was all rye(2-3 shades lighter in color too) and the one I just opened was a good balance between the rye spice and the corn sweetness. Every bottle different, and every bottle I thoroughly enjoyed, but some more than others.
It is indeed all OBSV. I love it too and always have a bottle of the standard or a store bottle. It’s always a great value.
How do you figure out the mashbill for these?
Taste and smell… just kidding (I wish). Four Rose has all of their mashbills listed on their site. http://fourrosesbourbon.com/four-roses-bourbon-infographic/
Cheers!
Thanks man.
Josh, who was this bottled for,
Thanks
Hey FG,
This was just a normal SIB release, not bottled for any store in particular. I picked it up at K&L in Los Angeles a few months back.