Continuing with our celebration of National Bourbon Heritage Month, we explore a simple question: What bourbon do you put in your decanter or your shelf pour when friends come over? A few Christmases ago, my Mother-in-Law gifted me a decanter. I didn’t know what I might do with it, so in went a bourbon that wasn’t overly expensive and I knew would keep people happy if they were to come over for a drink. What bourbon was that? Four Roses Bourbon, formerly known as “Yellow Label” to most bourbon and whiskey fans. Before we dive into a review of my “house bourbon”, comment and let us know what is your house bourbon?
Let’s dive into this review of Four Roses Bourbon, shall we?
Just the Facts: Four Roses Bourbon
- Proof: 80 proof
- Age: Minimum 5 years
- Mashbill: non-disclosed
- Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Price: $21.99 at Total Wine
Tasting Notes: Four Roses Bourbon
Nose: Light oak, vanilla, hints of caramel and toffee, followed by herbal notes of tea and honey.
Palate: Slightly drying palate with light oak, barrel spice and vanilla. The rye spice picks up as you continue to sip on this pour and notes of citrus and cardamom start to shine through. I paired this pour with a sirloin and baked potato and the best thing about the 80 proof pour was that it didn’t overpower the food, but enhanced it.
Finish: Honey and vanilla with a touch of oak.
Closing Thoughts
Way back when Scott, Michael, and I drank the legacy distillers’ core bourbon offerings, I remember that this Four Roses Bourbon stood out to me. Four Roses Bourbon doesn’t disappoint all these years later either. It bears an affordable price point so it is a great entry level bourbon to get people started on their whiskey journey, but also complex enough for the connoisseur to enjoy.
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