This weekend I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to give Four Roses Single Barrel different mash build recipes a try. Here we have to unique cask strength products of Four Roses that are just so undeniably good, they are very hard to put down. Four Roses uses two different mash-bills and 5 different yeast strains to create a total of 10 recipes. These two barrels came from two different warehouses. These are part of the Four Roses Private Collection.
The one on the left is from warehouse TS lot number 6-20.
The one on the right is from warehouse JE lot number 65-3S. This mash-bill is higher in alcohol proof. Its almost more rye based which you can pick up on your first sip of this bourbon.
Name: Four Roses Single Barrel - LEFT
Region: Kentucky
Proof: 113.4%
Nose: Spicy caramel, vanilla custard
Palate: Caramel, leather, cinnamon with light nuts
Finish: The finish is medium to long with a nice hint of more spices, butterscotch and sweetness
Score: 87
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Name: Four Roses Single Barrel
Region: Kentucky
Proof: 118.6%
Nose: You can def smell the rye, honey, pears and fresh flowers.
Palate: Sweetness, cream, vanilla, and burnt sugar. It opens up very nicely with a drop of water. Although more heavy on rye than its brother on the left, the water really opens up the complexity of this mash.
Finish: The finish is quite long and has a nice spicy kick towards the end. After a few minutes it changes into a floral sweetness.
Score: 91
Both builds are quite different from each other, but both have something unique to offer. If you are a fan of rye mash bills I would recommend to go with the one on the right, however, if you are a straight up bourbon guy, then the one on your left is more for you. Both are very affordable and two unique to pick up one or the other. Splurge get both, or the whole set.