Four Roses

Four Roses is one of the most distinctive distilleries in Kentucky — the only bourbon producer using two mashbills and five proprietary yeast strains in combination, creating ten unique bourbon recipes that are blended or bottled individually. Founded in 1888 and revived as a premium brand in the United States in 2004, Four Roses has become one of the most critically acclaimed bourbons in the category.

The two mashbills are labeled B (high rye, approximately 35% rye) and E (low rye, approximately 20% rye). The five yeast strains — V, K, O, Q, and F — each produce distinctly different flavor characteristics. The letter combinations (OBSV, OESV, OBSK, and so on) identify which mashbill and yeast strain produced each barrel. This system gives Four Roses a level of transparency and flexibility in blending and single barrel selection unmatched by any other Kentucky distillery.

The Four Roses Lineup

Four Roses Yellow Label — A blend of all ten recipes. Approachable, floral, and fruit-forward with caramel and vanilla. An excellent everyday bourbon and cocktail base. Four Roses Small Batch — A blend of four of the ten recipes, selected for balance and complexity. Richer and more structured than Yellow Label with dried fruit, honey, and a longer finish. Four Roses Small Batch Select — A blend of six recipes, bottled at 104 proof without chill filtration. More intense and complex than the standard Small Batch. Four Roses Single Barrel — The OBSV recipe bottled from a single barrel at 100 proof. One of the most reliable single barrel bourbons on the market — the OBSV recipe (B mashbill, V yeast) produces a delicate, fruity, and floral expression that’s been consistently outstanding. Four Roses Single Barrel Select — Retailer-chosen single barrels at 100–120 proof, selecting specific recipes and ages. Each single barrel select shows what the individual recipe system can produce at its peak. Limited Editions — Annual releases including Small Batch Limited and Single Barrel Limited, both featuring older age statements and higher proof. Among the most coveted annual bourbon releases.

Browse all bourbon at Wooden Cork, or explore rare and allocated bottles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the ten Four Roses recipes?

Four Roses uses two mashbills (B = high rye ~35% rye; E = low rye ~20% rye) combined with five yeast strains (V, K, O, Q, F — each producing different flavor characteristics). The letter combinations (OBSV, OESV, OBSK, etc.) identify which mashbill and yeast strain were used for each barrel. B mashbill tends toward spice and structure; E mashbill tends toward fruit and floral notes. Each yeast strain layers in distinct flavor on top.

Why is Four Roses Single Barrel so highly rated?

The OBSV recipe (high rye mashbill, V yeast) produces a consistently floral, fruity, and refined bourbon that translates beautifully at single barrel proof. It’s a combination of recipe specificity and genuine aging expertise — Four Roses knows exactly which recipe and which barrel to select for their core single barrel program. The result is one of the most dependable and critically acclaimed single barrel bourbons produced in Kentucky.

What is the Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch?

An annual release blending four to six specific recipes at older age statements and higher proof than the standard Small Batch. Each year’s release is a distinct formula — the mashbill and yeast recipe combination changes annually — making each vintage a unique expression. The Limited Edition Small Batch is one of the most anticipated annual bourbon releases and typically sells out within days of release.