The Four Roses Single Barrel is a unique and exceptional bourbon that is crafted by the skilled artisans at the Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. This particular expression of Four Roses is highly regarded among bourbon enthusiasts for its rich and complex flavors.
At the heart of the Four Roses Single Barrel is the meticulous blending of different bourbon recipes. Four Roses is renowned for using ten distinct bourbon recipes, each with its own unique combination of grains and yeast strains. These recipes are carefully selected and combined to create the desired flavor profile for each of their brands and labels.
When it comes to the Single Barrel expression, the focus is on showcasing the full-bodied and robust flavors of a single recipe. This means that each bottle of Four Roses Single Barrel contains bourbon from just one of the ten available recipes. The specific recipe used for each batch of Single Barrel is chosen based on its exceptional quality and flavor characteristics.
The blending process for Four Roses Single Barrel begins with the selection of barrels that exhibit the desired flavor profile. The Master Distiller and his team carefully assess each barrel, taking into account factors such as age, location within the warehouse, and the unique characteristics of the bourbon inside. Only those barrels that meet the high standards set by Four Roses are chosen to be part of the Single Barrel expression.
Once the barrels are selected, the bourbon is hand-bottled, one barrel at a time. This ensures that each bottle of Four Roses Single Barrel is truly unique, with its own individual flavors and nuances. The bourbon is then aged for a minimum of eight years, allowing it to develop its complex flavors and aromas.
One of the distinguishing features of Four Roses Single Barrel is the high proof at which it is bottled. While most bourbons are bottled at 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume), the Single Barrel expression is bottled at a higher proof, typically around 100 proof (50% alcohol by volume). This higher proof gives the bourbon a more intense and powerful flavor profile, with greater depth and complexity.
As for the ownership of Four Roses, it is interesting to note that the distillery is owned by Kirin Brewing Company, which is based in Tokyo, Japan. Despite being a Japanese company, Kirin has shown a deep appreciation for the traditional bourbon-making techniques and heritage of Four Roses. They have continued to invest in the distillery, ensuring that the quality and craftsmanship of Four Roses bourbons are upheld to the highest standards.
Four Roses Single Barrel is made by the dedicated team at the Four Roses Distillery in Kentucky. It is a testament to their expertise and commitment to producing exceptional bourbons. Each bottle of Four Roses Single Barrel represents the culmination of years of craftsmanship, blending, and aging, resulting in a bourbon that is truly one-of-a-kind. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, Four Roses Single Barrel offers a memorable and enjoyable bourbon experience.