A Deep Dive into Four Roses Bourbon: Tasting Notes and History

Introduction: A Taste of Four Roses and the Episode

Welcome back to the blog, fellow enthusiasts! In our latest episode, titled Four Roses, $775 Million, and Thunder Snow; Ep. 23, we embarked on a journey that, while diverse in its conversational threads, found a significant anchor in the delightful world of Four Roses bourbon. This post is dedicated to expanding on that segment, delving deeper into the history of this iconic distillery and, most importantly, dissecting the nuanced flavors that make their bourbons so special. If you haven't had a chance to listen yet, I highly recommend it – we not only uncorked some fantastic drams but also discussed intriguing topics like the rare phenomenon of thunder snow, the ever-anticipated Super Bowl, and the exciting growth of our YouTube channel. So, grab a glass, settle in, and let's explore the rich tapestry that is Four Roses.

The History of Four Roses: From Origins to Today

The story of Four Roses is as rich and layered as the bourbon it produces. Its origins trace back to the late 19th century, a period of immense growth and innovation in the American whiskey landscape. Paul Jones Jr. is credited with founding the brand in 1888. The legend surrounding the name "Four Roses" is a romantic one, suggesting that Jones, smitten by a beautiful Southern belle, proposed to her. She purportedly replied that if her four sisters wore corsages of four roses to the grand ball, he would know she accepted. He attended the ball, and indeed, four beautiful women each wore a corsage of four roses. Jones, inspired, named his bourbon "Four Roses" in honor of this supposed love story. While the romantic tale is captivating, it’s important to note that historical records suggest the name might have also been inspired by a more pragmatic business decision related to Jones’s father's distilling interests.

From its inception, Four Roses aimed for a premium position in the market. The brand quickly gained popularity, particularly in the Southern United States. However, the turn of the century and the subsequent passage of Prohibition presented significant challenges, as they did for all distilleries. Following the repeal of Prohibition, Four Roses was acquired by Seagram & Sons in 1943. Under Seagram's ownership, Four Roses underwent a significant shift in its marketing strategy. It was primarily positioned as a blended whiskey for the American market, while the single-barrel and small-batch expressions, which are now so highly sought after, were predominantly exported to Europe and Asia. This decision, while perhaps commercially sound at the time for Seagram, meant that American bourbon drinkers were largely missing out on the exceptional quality of Four Roses' straight bourbons for decades.

A pivotal moment in the brand's modern history occurred in 1999 when Seagram sold its spirits portfolio, including Four Roses, to Diageo. Then, in 2002, a Japanese company, Kirin Brewery Company, acquired Four Roses Distillery. Kirin's ownership marked a turning point. They recognized the immense potential and heritage of the Four Roses brand and made a concerted effort to bring its full range of bourbons back to the American market. This was a monumental undertaking, involving significant investment in the distillery and its operations. In 2003, after nearly half a century of absence, Four Roses Straight Bourbon Whiskey was finally reintroduced to American shelves. This homecoming was met with widespread acclaim from bourbon enthusiasts and critics alike.

What truly sets Four Roses apart, and what we touched upon in the episode, is their unique approach to bourbon production. Unlike many distilleries that use a single mash bill and yeast strain for all their products, Four Roses employs a system of ten distinct mash bills, each paired with specific yeast strains. This is achieved by using two different mash bills and five proprietary yeast strains. The mash bills are: OBSV (60% corn, 35% malted barley, 5% rye), OBSK (60% corn, 35% malted barley, 5% rye), OBST (60% corn, 35% malted barley, 5% rye), OBSO (60% corn, 35% malted barley, 5% rye), OBSF (60% corn, 35% malted barley, 5% rye), OESV (75% corn, 20% malted barley, 5% rye), OESK (75% corn, 20% malted barley, 5% rye), OEST (75% corn, 20% malted barley, 5% rye), OESO (75% corn, 20% malted barley, 5% rye), and OESF (75% corn, 20% malted barley, 5% rye). The 'O' stands for Old, 'B' for mash bill type B (high rye), 'E' for mash bill type E (low rye), and the letters V, K, T, O, and F denote their specific yeast strains. This meticulous control over ingredients and fermentation allows Master Distiller Brent Elliott (and his predecessors like Jim Rutledge) to craft a diverse range of bourbons with distinct flavor profiles, even from their entry-level offerings. This complexity and dedication to their craft are why Four Roses has earned such a devoted following.

Tasting Notes: Unpacking the Flavors of Four Roses Bourbon

In our episode, we had the pleasure of tasting a couple of expressions from Four Roses. While the specific bottles may vary based on availability and listener requests, the core characteristics of Four Roses bourbons are consistently excellent. Let's delve into some common tasting notes you might find, particularly focusing on the popular Small Batch and Single Barrel expressions, which represent the pinnacle of their blended and singular offerings, respectively.

Four Roses Small Batch

The Four Roses Small Batch is a blend of three of their ten proprietary recipes. It's a testament to the art of blending, showcasing how different mash bills and yeast strains can be combined to create a harmonious and complex whiskey. When you pour a glass of Small Batch, you're likely to be greeted by a warm amber hue. On the nose, expect an inviting aroma. Often, there are notes of sweet corn, honey, and a touch of floral character, thanks to the influence of the yeast strains. You might also detect hints of ripe fruit, like apple or pear, and a gentle whisper of oak spice. It’s generally a very approachable nose, promising a pleasant drinking experience.

The palate is where the blending truly shines. The initial taste is often sweet and smooth, with flavors of caramel, vanilla, and more of that honeyed sweetness from the nose. As you let it sit on your tongue, the complexity begins to unfold. You'll notice the influence of the rye in the mash bill, adding a pleasant spiciness that balances the sweetness. This rye note can manifest as cinnamon, clove, or even a hint of nutmeg. There are often notes of dried fruit, such as apricot or cherry, mingling with the oak. The mouthfeel is typically medium-bodied and pleasantly rich, coating the palate without being overly heavy. The finish is generally long and satisfying, with lingering notes of oak, spice, and a touch of sweetness. It’s a bourbon that offers a lot of flavor without being overly demanding, making it a fantastic go-to for many occasions.

Four Roses Single Barrel

Moving on to the Four Roses Single Barrel, we’re stepping into a world of even more intense character and individuality. Each bottle of Single Barrel comes from a single barrel, meaning that while it shares a mash bill and yeast strain with other Single Barrels, its flavor profile is unique to that specific barrel. The mash bill for Four Roses Single Barrel is always OBSV (60% corn, 35% malted barley, 5% rye). This higher rye content contributes significantly to its distinct flavor profile.

Visually, the Single Barrel often presents a deeper amber or even reddish-brown color, indicative of its age and barrel influence. The nose is typically more robust and complex than the Small Batch. You'll likely encounter bold aromas of dark fruit, such as blackberry or plum, intertwined with notes of caramel, toasted oak, and often a distinct spice. There can be hints of leather, tobacco, or even a touch of dark chocolate, especially if the barrel was a seasoned one. The floral notes are usually more subdued here, taking a backseat to the richer, deeper aromas.

On the palate, the Single Barrel is a full-bodied experience. The initial impact is usually a wave of rich sweetness – think brown sugar, molasses, and dark chocolate. The higher rye content truly comes into play here, delivering a powerful spicy kick that is both warming and complex. You'll taste notes of cinnamon, clove, and ginger, beautifully integrated with the oak influence. Dried fruit notes, like figs or dates, are common, alongside hints of cherry and a pleasant toasted nut character. The texture is often velvety and viscous, lingering beautifully on the tongue. The finish is long, warming, and incredibly satisfying, with the spice and oak notes carrying through, often leaving a pleasant, slightly peppery aftertaste. It’s a bourbon that demands attention and rewards it with a depth of flavor that is truly exceptional.

The beauty of Four Roses lies in this meticulous approach to their recipes and the resultant flavor diversity. Whether you prefer the balanced symphony of the Small Batch or the bold solo performance of the Single Barrel, there's a Four Roses bourbon that will likely resonate with your palate.

Beyond the Bourbon: Other Topics from the Episode (Thunder Snow, Super Bowl, YouTube Growth)

While Four Roses bourbon was a central theme in Episode 23, the conversation flowed into several other fascinating areas, as is often the case when Bob and I get together! We touched upon some truly unusual weather phenomena, specifically the rare occurrence of Thunder Snow. This is a weather event where thunderstorms happen during snowfall. It's a peculiar combination, as the atmospheric conditions that typically create thunderstorms (warm, moist air rising rapidly) are usually at odds with the cold, stable air needed for significant snowfall. When these conditions do align, however, it can create a stunning, and sometimes quite loud, natural spectacle. We shared our thoughts on how surprising and even a bit eerie it can be to experience such a unique weather event. For those who might be curious, thunder snow is more likely to occur in late autumn and early winter, when the atmosphere has the right balance of warmth and cold.

From weather to touchdowns, we also delved into the excitement surrounding the Super Bowl. Even if you're not a die-hard fan of one of the competing teams, the Super Bowl has become a cultural event. It's a time for gathering with friends and family, enjoying good food, and, of course, watching those highly anticipated commercials and the halftime show. We discussed our personal traditions and how we approach the big game, emphasizing that it's often more about the shared experience than the game itself.

Finally, we celebrated the significant YouTube Growth we've been experiencing. It's always incredibly rewarding to see our community expand and to receive such positive engagement from our viewers. We discussed how the feedback we receive, whether through comments, likes, or subscriptions, directly influences the direction of our content. Knowing that you all are tuning in, enjoying the conversations, and finding value in what we share is what drives us to keep creating. We sincerely encourage anyone who hasn't yet to subscribe to our YouTube channel and join the conversation – your interaction is what makes this endeavor so enjoyable and impactful. Seeing our view counts rise, like the mention of exceeding 11,000 views, is a fantastic motivator and a testament to the growing community around Bourbon Brass & Beyond.

Conclusion: Why Four Roses Deserves a Spot on Your Shelf

As we wrap up this deep dive, it's clear that Four Roses bourbon offers a compelling blend of rich history, meticulous craftsmanship, and exceptional flavor. From its romantic namesake to its strategic revival in the American market, the brand's journey is one of resilience and dedication to quality. In our recent episode, Four Roses, $775 Million, and Thunder Snow; Ep. 23, we only scratched the surface of what makes this distillery so special, but I hope this expanded blog post has provided you with a more thorough appreciation for their offerings. Whether you're drawn to the balanced complexity of the Small Batch or the bold statement of the Single Barrel, Four Roses consistently delivers a superior bourbon experience.

The tasting notes we’ve explored – the sweet caramels, the spicy rye, the dark fruits, and the gentle oak – are all hallmarks of a well-made bourbon. These aren't just abstract descriptions; they are invitations to explore your own palate and discover the nuances within each sip. We also touched upon the broader themes of our latest episode, reminding us that life is a rich tapestry woven with diverse threads, from unusual weather events to the camaraderie of sporting occasions and the ever-evolving world of online content creation. So, the next time you’re looking for a bourbon that offers depth, character, and a story to tell, reach for a bottle of Four Roses. It’s a choice that won't disappoint and one that truly deserves a place on your shelf.