4 delicious Four Roses bourbons (and when golfers should drink them on the course)

Whereas Scotch, the phrase golfers most commonly associate with whiskey, is made in Scotland from fermented barley, bourbon is a made from a mash of predominantly corn — thought most bourbon has varying amounts of other grains, like wheat and rye. And while it can, technically be made anywhere, it’s most common in the United States.

When I fancy some bourbon — it always seems to hit the spot after a sunny, hot round — I’ll often reach for a Four Roses expression. I’ve been a longtime fan of the single barrel, but recently I’ve had the chance to try a few other of the company’s products. Here’s a quick rundown of all the ones I’ve tried, and when you should consider pouring a glass for yourself.

Four Roses Bourbon

The lowest ABV of the whiskies featured here at 40 percent, the classic Four Roses bourbon is crisp and light, it’s a good one to throw in a flask for your round, or to use as a base whiskey for a refreshing cocktail after you’re done.

Four Roses Small Batch

At 90 proof, I prefer to enjoy this one neat or on the rocks. It’s a pretty classic bourbon — vanilla, cinnamon, caramel notes — and an easy when-in-doubt whiskey you’ll never get tired of reaching for.

Four Roses Single Barrel

Four Roses single barrel whiskey is exactly that — it comes from a single barrel. It’s a high-rye bourbon, which means it’s sharp and spicy, which cuts perfectly over some ice or a dash of water. Discerning drinkers may spot subtle differences between each barrel, and even if that’s not you, it’s nice sipping on a dram knowing there’s a singular barrel out there where it came from.

Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon

A delicious whiskey that I had the pleasure of trying for the first time recently. 104 proof comes through on the nose, and I get lots of vanilla and oak on the taste. At a higher price points than others featured here, it’s one to enjoy neat, after a memorable round with friends.
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Luke Kerr-Dineen

Golf.com Contributor

Luke Kerr-Dineen is the Game Improvement Editor at GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com. In his role he oversees the brand’s game improvement content spanning instruction, equipment, health and fitness, across all of GOLF’s multimedia platforms.

An alumni of the International Junior Golf Academy and the University of South Carolina–Beaufort golf team, where he helped them to No. 1 in the national NAIA rankings, Luke moved to New York in 2012 to pursue his Masters degree in Journalism from Columbia University. His work has also appeared in USA Today, Golf Digest, Newsweek and The Daily Beast.