BourbonOnABudget
Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed
June 1, 2019 (edited June 9, 2019)
Perhaps I'm a bit biased, because this was the bourbon that got me to "graduate" from Jack Daniels, Gentleman's Jack and SoCo a few years ago.
The local Costco always has this available, and it's easy to take it for granted...but man, it never does me wrong. It's remarkably consistent for a single barrel offering, and it's versatile: I enjoy it neat, on the rocks and use it to blend with scotch for some really tasty drinks.
Nose: Floral. I've gotten potpourri lately, but not in a gross, old lady sort of way. It's flowery, but it's accented by vanilla, cherry and apple. This transitions smoothly into the flavor profile...
Taste: Cherry hits you, as does vanilla and some wood spice. It's classic bourbon, but nothing overwhelms at any point. It's extremely balanced and pleasant. It doesn't dink at its proof, but in a good way. This is a friendly bourbon. FWIW, it pairs well with a cigar.
Finish: Easy. A touch of a burn, but it goes well with the entire drink. Can I say it's juicy? It's juicy. Those fruit elements on the nose and taste go into the finish. This isn't dry at all. It's an easy finish. Doesn't stick with you long, but that makes it easy to come back for more.
Value: For the price, this is one of my favorite bourbons. There are more complex and flavorful offerings out there, sure. But this is easily worth $50 to me, and you can usually get it for far less.
Overall: I gave it 4 stars here. Probably a 90 out of 100 if I'm going with that scale. It's just solid every time, and worth closer to $45-50 (you can usually find it for around $35-$45 around my parts). It's a always worth having in your collection because it is so versatile and friendly, yet complex. A crowd pleaser, and one of my first true loves.
Beat still, my heart.
37.0
USD
per
Bottle
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Thank you
@BDanner There is no wrong way to enjoy a whisky or cigar; paired, separate. Just enjoy. Love the Bush though with one, when I do.
I think I’m an outlier in this regard, but I prefer to have my whiskey by itself, and my cigars by themselves. I do drink whiskey with cigars (usually Dickel 12 and more recently Black Bush thanks to @Scott_E) but I prefer to enjoy them separately.
@BDanner Sure beats the “old lady” type of potpourri ;)
@bson when I get the potpourri note, it’s usually the “classy” potpourri with dried oranges and such.
@BDanner lol, there is something off putting to that word now that I think about it. By itself, I hate potpourri...but it works well with the 4RSB imo. I definitely get floral in some whiskies (off the top of my head, Harmony), but this was more potpourri than a flower of any sort.
So funny that you mention potpourri. I get that from a lot of things, but never call it that for fear people will associate it with cheap old lady perfume heavy potpourri. I usually just describe it as floral.
@AB4744 I’m in Tallahassee (Fla.) My understanding is that some Costco’s sell alcohol, some do not. Some have a side liquor store (mine does), some have liquor in the main store. Depends on state rules/laws, I believe
What Costco? I live in PA and don’t have the luxury of Costco selling alcohol. I would travel to get some of FRSB if nearby.... and I agree with your post, this is a solid performer.
@Scott_E I’ll have to try a cigar with an Irish sometime soon. The sweet you like from the BB is definitely what came out when pairing the 4Roses with the cigar.
@bson Love the Fuente short story with any dram but the spice of this one is a great foil. In general this is indeed a great Bourbon to keep on hand and better than the one that won all the awards this year!!
@bson I am no expert either. An occasional smoker. I do like a smoke every now and then with a whisky. I usually pair with Bushmills Black Bush. I like the sweetness and lightweight-ness of BB against the spiciness if the cigar.
@Scott_E It was a gift from my father-in-law... Arturo Fuente; Hemingway Short Story series. I guess it’s a fairly high quality AF (I’m no expert, but I always enjoy AF.) It was fairly mild, and I think it went well with the fruity flavors that the 4Roses SB offers up. Admittedly, I usually don’t pair the two because I want to focus on the whiskey, but I really enjoyed the combo tonight
You don’t have to be biased because this is flat out good. A great value for about $45. I have not had with a cigar but I am intrigued. Mild or bold cigar?