There is a story behind every bottle of whiskey, and Four Roses Bourbon vs The Macallan 12 Year Old: Cross-Category Face-Off carries one worth telling.
Cross-category comparisons are always fun. Today we pit a Bourbon against a Scotch: Four Roses Bourbon takes on The Macallan 12 Year Old in a battle that transcends regional tradition.
While these two whiskeys come from different worlds, comparing them reveals what makes each style unique and which might suit your palate better.
Specifications at a Glance
| Four Roses Bourbon | The Macallan 12 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | N/A | N/A |
| Type | Bourbon | Scotch |
| Age | N/A | N/A |
| ABV | 80 proof | 40% ABV (80 proof), 43% ABV (86 proof in the Ameri |
| Price | $20.00 | N/A |
| Rating | 8/10 | 8/10 |
Nose
Four Roses Bourbon: It smells like bourbon. I know, this is not saying a lot but I get to taste a lot of bourbon. Some smell more like bourbon than others. That doesn’t mean it’s alcohol-ey, it means it smells like good bourbon. Rich, a browned butter, and the warm pleasantness that surrounds you when you’re well into a glass sitting with someone you like while sitting by a fire. It smells, quite frankly, like comfort. (Also, apples.)
The Macallan 12 Year Old: Oaky and hot right off the pour. Loads of oak and perfume reads as somewhat bitter at first, with notes reminiscent of an amaretto sour and a hint of spiced plums. The nose softens dramatically after a few minutes, settling into dark sherry and plum sweetness.
Both whiskeys present distinct aromatic profiles. The differences on the nose already hint at the divergent tasting experiences to come.
Palate
Four Roses Bourbon: I’ve tried a bunch of Four Roses concoctions, and they never disappoint. This one is easy-drinking and light, and yet with enough substance to do well on its own, neat, or on the rocks. It has a light syrup mouthfeel but not syrupy sweetness. It’s a little chewy. Also, apples. Again. It tastes like its smells, which is to say good bourbon, not surprising or amazing, but a solid, easy-drinking beverage. It tastes like a more expensive bottle.
The Macallan 12 Year Old: Sweet and full, but not overly complex. Lots of sherry, plums, powdered sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg give it a silky, round mouthfeel.
On the palate, the character of each whiskey really comes to life. This is where personal preference plays the biggest role.
Finish
Four Roses Bourbon: A long, syrupy finish with brown sugar, caramel, and vanilla. Classic.
The Macallan 12 Year Old: The finish is quick, with a mild burn and a long, lingering presence of sweetness reminding me of iced cinnamon rolls.
The finish can make or break a whiskey. A long, satisfying finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
Value for Money
Pricing varies by market, so check your local retailer for current rates on both bottles.
With both bottles in a comparable price range, the decision comes down to flavour preference rather than wallet size.
The Verdict
This is a genuinely close call. Both Four Roses Bourbon and The Macallan 12 Year Old have their strengths, and picking a clear winner depends entirely on what you value most in a whiskey.
We'd recommend trying both if you can. Each has qualities that make it worth a pour.
Read the Full Reviews
Final Reflections
Four Roses Bourbon vs The Macallan 12 Year Old: Cross-Category Face-Off is the kind of bottle that rewards the curious — those willing to sit with a glass and let the story unfold at its own pace.
