Ten Recipes, One Whiskey
 
FOUR ROSES YELLOW IS DISTINCTIVE AMONGST AMERICAN WHISKIES IN THAT IT COMBINES TEN SUBTLY DIFFERENT RECIPES TO PRODUCE A WONDERFULLY MELLOW KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY.
 
Two different mashbills (the combination of grains the whiskey is made from) and five different types of yeast give each of the individual recipes their own unique flavours. Both the mashbills contain the same amount of malted barley (5%), the difference being in the amount of corn and rye used in each. In one it is 75% corn and 20% rye and in the other it is 60% corn and 35% rye. The high proportion of rye (for bourbon) in both mashbills gives the overall whiskey a spiciness that makes Four Roses a wonderful base for cocktails.
 
Once each of the bourbons has been aged appropriately in white oak casks, and the master distiller, Jim Rutledge, is responsible for marrying them together to produce the finished product. The result is a mellow whiskey (40% abv) with hints of orchard fruits, honey and that spiciness from the rye. A good sipping whiskey, it makes great Manhattans and is the perfect bourbon for Mint Juleps.
 
In a julep cup or tall glass, gently bruise 10 to 12 mint leaves with a small amount of granulated sugar. Half fill with crushed ice and add three measures of Four Roses Yellow. Churn with a bar spoon and add more crushed ice. Churn again and top up with more crushed ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve with a straw.
 
For something a bit special, Four Roses also produce two premium whiskies: Four Roses Small Batch (45% abv) and Four Roses Single Batch (50% abv). The Small Batch uses four of the recipes blended at the peak of maturation to produce a rich, sweet, slight fruity bourbon with a pleasantly long finish that is ideal on its own or with a splash of water. The Single Batch comes from a single barrel and is complex, full bodied and wonderfully smooth. Dark fruits, spice and cocoa flavours abound in a classic sipping whiskey. If you need to add anything, make a splash of water or a couple of ice cubes.
 
Four Roses Yellow (£20.95), Four Rose Small Batch (£25.05) and Four Roses Single Barrel (£36.59) can all be found online at thedrinkshop.com.

See p.39 to win a bottle of Four Roses!