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Bourbon Review: Four Roses Bourbon

Four Roses is a bourbon that almost needs no introduction; as a Kentucky Straight Bourbon at an affordable price, it's a brand synonymous with the spirit category among many drinkers.

OVERALL RATING

7
$22
  • Jade Cox is a distiller at the up-and-coming CrownWorks Distillery, passionate about Bourbon, Irish whiskey, and all things creative, from music to illustration.
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Tasting Notes

About:

Hailing from Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Four Roses has been a staple in the state for decades dating back all the way to the brand’s inception in 1888, and all those years of expertise goes into every bottle they make. The name of the game at Four Roses is careful, but enthusiastic flavor experimentation, with them having made 10 distinct base bourbon recipes, which are then carefully blended together in each batch to create a beautifully complex palate. Aged for a minimum of 5 years, this bottle is their most common release, but that by no means makes it a slouch in flavor! After all, being a multi-award winning bourbon despite having such a widespread release is an impressive feat, especially at this price point!


Appearance:
A darker muscat, close to burnt amber.
Nose:
Powerful alcohol aroma up front, followed by rich charred oak and sweet citrus zest. Allowing time to sit in the glass reveals a subtle bouquet of floral and honey tones, with some zingy spice to round it out.
Palate:
Spicy and sweet, with a smooth caramel front complimented by a transition to a fruity body with hints of pear and lemon. Very warming and dry, cloys well to the cheeks and tongue.
Finish:
Complex spice with smoky undertones. Lasting notes of honey and apple. Intense tingling; dissipates rather quickly on the tongue, but hold well in the cheeks.
Comments:
Four Roses is a bourbon that almost needs no introduction; as a Kentucky Straight Bourbon at an affordable price, it’s a brand synonymous with the spirit category among many drinkers and, as a result, its reputation proceeds it (as it well should)!

The ideal use for this whiskey, in my eyes, is twofold. Firstly, it’s a fantastic gateway into the world of Bourbon, giving a fantastic first impression to anyone wanting to try out the category to the first time, both due to its approachable flavor and it’s affordability. Secondly, it’s a great casual whiskey, as thanks to its low price point and overall appealing flavor, it makes a great dram for most bourbon drinkers at many social meetups, regardless of experience with the category!

While this is not going to knock the sock off experienced bourbon drinkers, it’s incredibly good at what it aims to do: be a dram that appeals to the masses, while still having the quality to hold the attention of someone with a much more developed palate.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Jade Cox

Jade Cox is an up-and-coming distiller at the new CrownWorks Distillery in the Midlands, as well as a passionate spirits reviewer, and OurWhisky Foundation graduate. Jade has a particular fondness for Bourbon and Irish whiskey, as she feels it embodies her philosophy for life perfectly: “All good things are a perfect blend of proven theory and bold experimentation”.

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