Is Four Roses bourbon wheat or rye?

Four Roses bourbon is a rye whiskey. What sets it apart from other bourbons is its unique blend of recipes, which combines two different mash bills with five distinct yeast strains. This combination creates a flavor profile that is both complex and balanced, making Four Roses a standout in the world of affordable high-quality bourbons.

To understand why Four Roses is considered a rye whiskey, we need to delve into the mash bills used in its production. A mash bill is the combination of grains used to make the whiskey. In the case of Four Roses, they use two different mash bills: one with 20% rye and the other with 35% rye. This puts Four Roses firmly in the high-rye category of bourbons.

Rye is a type of grain that adds a distinct spicy and slightly fruity flavor to the whiskey. It is known for its bold and robust character, which is why high-rye bourbons tend to have a more assertive and lively taste compared to those with a higher percentage of corn in their mash bills.

The use of five different yeast strains further enhances the complexity of Four Roses bourbon. Each yeast strain contributes its own unique flavor characteristics, resulting in a range of flavor profiles across their different expressions. From floral and fruity to spicy and herbal, the different yeast strains add depth and nuance to the final product.

Having personally tasted Four Roses bourbon, I can attest to its exceptional quality. The combination of the high-rye mash bills and the variety of yeast strains create a whiskey that is rich in flavor and incredibly enjoyable to drink. Whether you prefer a spicier and bolder profile or something more delicate and nuanced, Four Roses offers a bourbon that can cater to a range of palates.