Here are all the best Four Roses single barrel recipes ranked!

If you’re anything like me, you want to know the best of the best when it comes to bourbon, and Four Roses is definitely a brand that deserves a closer look.

With their unique approach to crafting bourbon, they have created a line of 10 distinct Single Barrel recipes, each offering something different to please bourbon lovers.

Want to shake things up? Scroll ahead for a dozen Four Roses cocktail recipes!

Related: 17 Whiskey Orange Cocktails Everyone Should Try

Four Roses Single Barrel Recipes – Head-to-Head Review

I had a blast sipping my way through these Four Roses recipes and analyzing the differences to determine my rankings.

Today, I’m sharing my thoughts on these creations by ranking them.

First things first, let me give you a brief overview of the famous Four Roses Single Barrel Recipes …

Four Roses Single Barrel Recipes

Four Roses is unique in that they use two different mash bills combined with five proprietary yeast strains to create a total of 10 distinct bourbon recipes.

These recipes are carefully mingled, allowing for a wide range of flavor profiles to please any bourbon lover.

Mash Bills and Yeast Strains

When we talk about mash bills, there are two types used by Four Roses: The “B” mash bill consists of 60% corn, 35% rye, and 5% malted barley, while the “E” mash bill has 75% corn, 20% rye, and 5% malted barley. These mash bills, combined with the five unique yeast strains, give each recipe its own character and flavor profile.

Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or just starting to explore this bold and vibrant spirit, Four Roses Single Barrel offers endless possibilities for discovery.

Four Roses Single Barrel Variations

Within the world of Four Roses Single Barrel, there are multiple variations depending on the age, proof, and, of course, the recipe itself. These barrels are aged between 9-11 years and can vary in proof from tier to tier.

While the OBSV is a popular option, all 10 recipes bring something different to the table.

Top Four Roses Recipe Rankings

1. OBSV

My personal favorite, the OBSV possesses a rich fruity and caramel aroma with a delicate touch of oak.

It has a rich fruity and caramel aroma with a delicate touch of oak. The high-rye mash bill gives it a pleasant spiciness mixed with a smooth vanilla finish.

Its high-rye mash bill gives it a pleasant spiciness mixed with a smooth vanilla finish. I found this recipe to have the perfect balance of sweetness and complexity.

2. OBSK

This recipe offers a unique blend of delicate rye spices, light floral character, and subtle herbal notes.

The nose has a bright hint of cherry, while the palate brings forth an enjoyable mix of stone fruit and leather.

This recipe is a great for anyone who prefers a more complex and nuanced bourbon. Each sip reveals a new layer of flavor.

3. OESO

A harmony of rich fruit flavors like peaches and apricots, the OESO is nicely balanced with a slight spice and honey sweetness.

The finish is mellow, and I’m always left with a pleasant, lingering taste of brown sugar and floral essence.

This recipe has a sweeter, fruity character.

4. OESV

The OESV’s high rye mash bill gives it a solid rye spice backbone, but it’s complemented nicely by lighter floral notes and delicate grains.

I particularly enjoy the nose on this one – mint and nutmeg seem to shine through!

This recipe is spicier with a subtle floral character.

Other Recipes

There’s a Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon recipe out there for everyone.

From the light and delicate OBSO to the rich and bold OBSQ, give them a try to find which one really hits the spot for you!

Remember, these are just my thoughts, and tasting notes can be subjective. I always encourage you to dive into the world of Four Roses Single Barrel and explore all 10 recipes for yourself.

Happy sipping!

Here are the 12 best Four Roses cocktails! 

Here are a dozen extraordinary single barrel Four Roses sips.

From the Four Roses Old Fashioned to the Rose Sour, and more.

Bourbon cocktails are an acquired taste, if you don’t like them, acquire some taste.

Best Four Roses Bourbon Cocktails

These dozen Four Roses cocktails should be in every bourbon enthusiast’s repertoire. 

Start sippin’ on this boozy ranking of the finest Four Roses Recipes EVER!

Cheers!

1. Four Roses Old Fashioned

First in the list of best Four Roses bourbon cocktails: the Old Fashioned!

This retro cocktail is ranked the #1 Four Roses recipe. It’s made with bourbon, sugar, Angostura bitters, and an orange peel (or cherry) for garnish, it’s a recipe made for Four Roses bourbon lovers!

To make an Old Fashioned, you will need:

• 2 ounces Four Roses Bourbon
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 sugar cube
• 1 orange slice
• 1 cherry

Instructions:

1. Muddle the sugar cube with the bitters and orange slice in the bottom of a rocks glass.
2. Add the bourbon and ice, and stir until well-chilled.
3. Garnish with the cherry and serve.

The classic Old Fashioned lends itself to so many riffs.

Tips

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the cocktail will taste.
• Don’t over-mix the cocktail. Over-mixing will make the cocktail cloudy and watery.
• Use the right amount of ice. Too much ice will dilute the cocktail, and too little ice will make it too strong.
• Garnish the cocktail with a lemon wedge or a maraschino cherry. The garnish adds a touch of elegance and makes the cocktail look more appealing.

2. Four Roses Sour

Bourbon sours are a classic summer bourbon cocktail. Here’s a classic sour riff that uses Four Roses bourbon whiskey.

This Four Roses version of the traditional sour is shaken.

It’s refreshing, sweet, and lemony with a spicy finish. The tart lemon juice and sweet powdered sugar balance out the flavor of the bourbon, and the club soda adds a touch of fizz.

The lemon juice provides a tart and refreshing finish.

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon
• 0.5 ounce lemon juice
• 0.5 ounce powdered sugar
• Ice
• Club soda
• Lemon wedge, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine the bourbon, lemon juice, and powdered sugar in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Top off with club soda.
5. Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve.

3. Four Roses Manhattan

Ranked at #3 with only three ingredients needed for this classic: the Manhattan is an essential cocktail in a mixologist’s arsenal. Our high-rye bourbon asserts itself against the sweet vermouth for a satisfying sip.

Make this bourbon Manhattan cocktail recipe at home with bourbon, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters.

The Manhattan is another classic cocktail that is perfect for Four Roses bourbon.

To make a Manhattan, you will need:

• 2 ounces Four Roses Bourbon
• 1 ounce sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 orange twist

Instructions:

1. Combine the bourbon, vermouth, and bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice.
2. Stir until well-chilled, then strain into a chilled rocks glass.
3. Garnish with the orange twist and serve.

It’s never the wrong time for this booze-forward classic cocktail.

4. Apple Cider Bourbon Fall Cocktail

The Juicy Apple Bourbon Fall Cocktail is a delicious and refreshing drink that is perfect for the fall season. It is made with bourbon, apple juice, simple syrup, maple syrup, and lemon juice.

The bourbon and apple juice give the cocktail a rich and flavorful base, while the simple syrup and maple syrup add sweetness and depth.

Here is the recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 ounces Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• 3/4 ounce Simple syrup
• 2 ounces Apple juice
• 1/2 teaspoon 100% Pure Maple Syrup
• 1 wedge Fresh Lemon Juice
• 2 slices Fresh Red Apple, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a rocks glass, squeeze in the juice from the lemon wedge and add simple syrup plus a dash of maple syrup.
2. Now add ice to your glass.
3. Splash in the bourbon plus apple juice.
4. Stir with a long bar spoon until completely combined.
5. Garnish with crisp fresh apple slices or a little orange peel and serve chilled.
6. Additionally, you may top off with a little sparkling water if you like a little fizz.

5. Rose Julep

The mint julep is one of the oldest whiskey bourbon cocktails, it originated in the South circa the eighteenth century.

The crushed ice helps to keep the cocktail cold and refreshing. The mint sprig garnish adds a touch of elegance that helps to make the cocktail look more appealing.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces Four Roses Bourbon
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 4-6 mint leaves
• 1/2 ounce lemon juice
• 8-10 fresh rose petals
• Crushed ice
• Mint sprig, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a julep cup, muddle the mint leaves, simple syrup, lemon juice, and rose petals until fragrant.
2. Add the bourbon and crushed ice.
3. Stir until well-chilled.
4. Garnish with a mint sprig and serve.

In 1938 the julep became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. It’s a great summer whiskey cocktail you can drink anytime.

6. Four Roses Boulevardier

The Four Roses Boulevardier is a classic cocktail that is made with bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth. It is a bit like a Negroni, but with bourbon instead of gin.

The orange twist garnish adds a citrus zest to balance the flavors of the cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces Four Roses Bourbon
• 1 ounce Campari
• 1 ounce sweet vermouth (preferably Carpano Antica)
• Orange twist, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine the bourbon, Campari, and vermouth in a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
4. Garnish with an orange twist and serve.

7. Rose Mule

I rank this recipe as #7 because it is a refreshing and flavorful cocktail that is perfect for a summer day. The bourbon, ginger beer, and lime juice combine to create a delicious and refreshing drink.

It’s fizzy, tangy, festive, and goes down easy.

What’s a more iconic summer bourbon cocktail than a mule?

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces Four Roses Bourbon
• 4 ounces ginger beer
• 1 ounce lime juice
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• Lime wedge, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine the bourbon, ginger beer, lime juice, and simple syrup in a copper mug filled with ice.
2. Stir until well-chilled.
3. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve.

The Four Roses Rose Mule is a delicious and sophisticated cocktail that is sure to impress your guests.

8. Mississippi Haymaker

Mississippi Haymakers are basically a sweet, tart lemonade spiked with bourbon. This refreshing recipe was adapted from a haymaker’s punch (a farmer’s drink).

The original combines lemon, molasses, ginger, and vinegar in a sweet-tangy bourbon cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces Four Roses Bourbon
• 4 ounces ginger beer
• 2 ounces lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• Lemon slices, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a quart mason jar with ice.
2. Add bourbon, lemon juice, ginger beer, and apple cider vinegar.
3. Place lid on jar and shake.
4. Garnish jar with lemon slices and serve.

The Four Roses Mississippi Haymaker is a refreshing and flavorful cocktail that is perfect for a summer day. The lemon slices garnish adds a touch of citrus zest that helps to balance out the flavors of the cocktail.

9. Four Roses Hot Toddy

Stir up a hot toddy with a little bit of a Southern twist, try this recipe that combines bourbon with apple cider. Simply mix together hot apple cider, bourbon, honey, and a splash of lemon juice.

Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a slice of lemon, and you’ve got a hot toddy that’s perfect for sipping on a crisp autumn evening.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces Four Roses Bourbon
• 4 ounces hot water
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Lemon wedge, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mug, combine bourbon, honey, and hot water.
2. Stir until honey is dissolved.
3. Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve.

The Four Roses Hot Toddy is a delicious and warming cocktail that is ideal for a cold day.

10. Four Roses Strawberry Smash

Four Roses gives the cocktail a rich and flavorful base, while the strawberries add sweetness and tartness. The lemon juice provides a tart and refreshing finish. The club soda adds a touch of fizz. The mint sprig garnish adds a touch of freshness that helps to balance out the flavors of the cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces Four Roses Bourbon
• 4 strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 1/4 ounce lemon juice
• Club soda, to top
• Mint sprig, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle the strawberries, simple syrup, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
2. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
3. Top with club soda.
4. Garnish with a mint sprig and serve.

The Four Roses Strawberry Smash is a refreshing and flavorful cocktail that is perfect for a summer day.

It’s tangy, it’s sweet, and it’s got back-end bourbon flavor.

11. Four Roses Bourbon Sidecar

Rounding out the list at #10, this Four Roses Sidecar recipe is citrus forward, bright and classy.

It’s a variation on the classic sour cocktail that swaps brandy for bourbon. Switch to Four Roses, and you’ve got a smooth and complex finish.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces Four Roses Bourbon
• 4 strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 1/4 ounce lemon juice
• Club soda, to top
• Mint sprig, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle the strawberries, simple syrup, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
2. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
3. Top with club soda.
4. Garnish with a mint sprig and serve.

12. Ward Eight

Here’s a classic bourbon whiskey sour riff!

Bourbon sours are a classic summer bourbon cocktail.

They’re refreshing, sweet, and lemony with a spicy finish.

This Four Roses version of the traditional sour is shaken.

Can you drink Four Roses bourbon ‘neat’, ‘straight up’, and ‘on the rocks’?

Yes, you can drink Four Roses bourbon neat, straight up, and on the rocks. Neat bourbon is poured into a glass without any mixers or ice.

Straight up bourbon is poured into a glass and chilled, usually by stirring or shaking with ice, and then strained into a glass without the ice.

Bourbon on the rocks is poured over ice cubes in a glass.