Four Roses Single Barrel vs Small Batch: Which Bourbon Should You Choose?

If you're standing in the Bourbon aisle contemplating these two Four Roses bottles, you're not alone. The decision between Four Roses Single Barrel and Four Roses Small Batch isn't just about price - it's about understanding what makes each of these beloved bourbons unique. Having tasted both extensively, I'm excited to break down exactly what sets them apart and help you find your perfect pour. 

Four Roses Single Barrel Vs Small Batch: An Overview

Four Roses Single Barrel

Let's get technical about what makes Single Barrel special. Four Roses uses 2 different mashbills and 5 different yeast strains to create 10 unique bourbon recipes, but here's what's fascinating - their standard 100-proof Single Barrel is always the OBSV recipe. In fact, if you spot a Four Roses Single Barrel at 100 proof, you can be certain it's OBSV. 

Four Roses Single Barrel (100 proof, OBSV recipe) uses their The "V" yeast strain which is chosen specifically for creating a flavor profile that features delicate fruit notes, tons of spice, and a distinctive creaminess. I have to tell you, what really stands out about the Single Barrel is its "Flavor Burst" personality. When you take a sip, you're immediately hit with that beautiful rye spice, followed by waves of honey, peaches, and subtle brown sugar.

Four Roses Small Batch

Four Roses Small Batch blends around 250 barrels from four distinct recipes—OBSK, OESK, OBSO, and OESO—aged between 6 and 8 years. While "small batch" isn't legally defined (some distilleries use as few as 10-20 barrels), Four Roses uses this larger number to ensure consistency in their product. 

The flavor profile highlights rich caramel with a touch of rye spice, making it an excellent choice for newcomers or those looking for a cocktail-friendly bourbon. Small Batch is crafted to deliver a refined, approachable taste while maintaining Four Roses' signature complexity.

The Key Differences: Four Roses Single Barrel vs Small Batch Head-to-Head 

Let me break down the main differences that I've noticed between these two fantastic bourbons: 

Mash Bill Magic 

• Single Barrel uses one specific recipe (OBSV): 60% corn, 35% rye, and 5% malted barley 
• Small Batch blends four recipes (OBSO, OBSK, OESO, OESK), using an equal measure of both their mash bills:  
• “OB" recipe: 60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley 
• "OE" recipe: 75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malted barley 

Proof Points 

I find this particularly interesting - Four Roses Single Barrel comes in hotter at 100 proof (50% ABV), while Small Batch takes a gentler approach at 90 proof (45% ABV). This difference really shows up in the tasting experience. 

Flavor Profile Face-Off 

Four Roses Single Barrel: 

• Immediate "Flavor Burst" experience 
• Heavy rye spice upfront 
• Notes of honey, peaches, brown sugar 
• Long, lingering finish with a slow-building spicy heat 

Four Roses Small Batch: 

• Dominant caramel notes 
• Balanced rye presence 
• Leather, pepper, and cinnamon undertones 
• Smoother, more consistent flavor profile 

Consistency vs. Adventure 

Here's something fascinating - with Small Batch, you're getting a blend of about 250 barrels, creating a consistent flavor profile you can count on every time. With Single Barrel, each bottle is its own unique adventure since it comes from, well, a single barrel! I once had a bottle of Single Barrel that needed weeks to mellow out, while another was perfect right from the start. That's part of the fun! 

Four Roses Single Barrel vs Small Batch: Which Should You Choose? 

  Here's where I'll get personal - if you're asking me to pick a favorite, it really depends on what you're after: 

Choose Four Roses Single Barrel if: 

• You love a spicier bourbon with a bold personality 
• You enjoy exploring different flavor profiles 
• You're comfortable with a higher-proof bourbon 

  Go with Four Roses Small Batch if: 

• You prefer a smoother, more consistent experience 
• You're new to bourbon or prefer less spice 
• You're looking for an excellent cocktail bourbon 

Final Thoughts 

In the battle of Four Roses Single Barrel vs Small Batch, there isn't a clear winner. Either wayyou're getting a quality bourbon. I tend to reach for the Single Barrel when I'm feeling adventurous and want that spicy kick, but I always keep a bottle of Small Batch around for cocktails and casual sipping. Remember, the best bourbon is the one you enjoy drinking. Why not grab both and conduct your own taste test? Trust me, that's the kind of homework you won't mind doing! Ready to try them for yourself? You can find both Four Roses Single Barrel and Small Batch right here at Frootbat.com. Happy sipping!