Review: Four Roses Single Barrel Collection
Early 2025 and each year that follows Four Roses Bourbon will release 3 different single barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey’s in addition to their flagship single barrel whiskey. This year all four weigh in at 100 proof. In previous years we have seen higher octane releases. These three new releases will be selected from 9 unique recipes from two different mash bills and 5 proprietary yeast strains. The 10th unique strain is used to create the original Four Roses Single Barrel OBSW which is celebrating it’s 20 year anniversary. I was honored to receive a sample kit of the 2025 selection in return for a fair and honest review. Four Roses Bourbon was founded in 1888 by Paul Jones Jr. He named the bourbon for the four rose corsage his future wife wore to accept his marriage proposal. Four Roses Bourbons are identified by four letters. The first letter “O” signifies Four Roses Distillery. The third letter “S” is for straight whiskey. The second letter represents the mash bill. “B is made from 60% corn, 35% Rye, and 5% Barley. “E” is made from 75% Corn, 20% Rye, and 5% Barley. The fourth letter corresponds to the yeast strain. “V” Delicate Fruit, “K” Slight Spice, “O” Rich Fruit, “Q” Floral Essence, “F” Herbal Notes. Each Bourbon starts with mashing high quality locally sourced corn and limestone rich water. After a set time, the temperature is lowered in steps to add the rye and malted barley. The mash is cooled and fermented for at least 3 days. The spirit is first distilled in a column still. A second distillation in a pot shaped still follows. Water is blended to reduce the proof before it goes in charred new American Oak Barrels in a single story rack warehouse for 7-9 years. Our thoughts follow. Read more 