Four Roses Single Barrel
The Four Roses Single Barrel is a bourbon that presents whisky lovers with an interesting challenge. With no age statement, but matured for at least seven years in freshly charred American oak barrels, this whisky has a remarkable depth. With an alcohol content of 50% by volume, it immediately shows that it is aimed more at connoisseurs who prefer stronger, spicier bourbon notes.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The very first whiff transports you into the world of traditional bourbon flavours, and the bouquet quickly reveals the promise of this single barrel: fruity, fresh and powerful. The fragrance brings notes of unripe cherries and apricots, which develop an intense, almost tingling flavour. Light caramel and vanilla notes gently round off the whole and create a soft but interesting base, which is given depth by a hint of soft oak and resinous wood. Almost hidden, but unmistakable to the experienced bourbon connoisseur, there is a hint of rye bread - a warm, slightly spicy background that emphasises the traditional character of this bourbon.
Palate
The first impression is surprising: buttery soft and oily, an entry that forms a gentle contrast to the strong nose. But after this brief moment of gentle sweetness, the full power unfolds: spice comes to the fore and remains dominant. The taste of rye and liquorice reveals itself with a strong note that combines with a subtle resinous tone. The oak remains subtly in the background and only emerges sparingly, allowing the other flavours to come into their own. This dramatic turn from sweet to spicy makes the Four Roses Single Barrel an exciting whisky that is not immediately obvious.
Finish
The finish of this bourbon is short to medium-long, but despite its brevity it remains present. Spicy notes and a fine portion of oak accompany the finish, while the strong rye and pepper flavour provides a final, striking exclamation mark. The wood becomes more prominent towards the end and provides a slightly woody but pleasant sharpness that gives the whisky depth without being overwhelming.
Thoughts
Marcel 68/100
This Four Roses Single Barrel is like a rough-and-ready character who only gradually reveals his true nature – not the sweetest, but definitely a strong personality that’s a lot of fun and surprises with its spicy kick. A bourbon that won’t please everyone, but precisely because of that, it leaves you wanting more!
Sascha 73/100
A well-structured bourbon with a clear balance between fruitiness and spicy rye notes, distinguished by its moderate intensity. The restrained wood influence adds depth without overpowering the overall impression – a solid whisky for lovers of complex bourbon profiles.
Value for Money: Good
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Why does the Four Roses Single Barrel have no age statement, and how does that affect the taste?
The Four Roses Single Barrel carries no age statement because it is a NAS whisky (No Age Statement) that has matured for at least seven years, though the exact duration can vary. This allows the distillery to select barrels at their optimal maturity, resulting in a complex and powerful flavor balance.
What role does the rye content play in the Four Roses Single Barrel bourbon?
The rye content provides the distinctive spiciness of the Four Roses Single Barrel. It brings peppery, slightly sharp notes to the aroma and taste, setting this bourbon apart from sweeter variants and giving it a pronounced, traditional character.
How does the Four Roses Single Barrel differ in taste from other bourbons with similar alcohol content?
At 50% ABV, the Four Roses Single Barrel is noticeably stronger than many standard bourbons. Unlike other whiskies of this strength, it combines a buttery-smooth texture with a shift from sweet fruit notes to dominant spice, making it particularly complex and exciting.