Some whiskeys announce themselves with fanfare; others prefer a quieter entrance. Four Roses Bourbon vs Yellowstone Family Recipe Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Is Premium Worth the Price? belongs firmly to the latter school.
Is the premium price tag really worth it? We compare Four Roses Bourbon ($20.00) against Yellowstone Family Recipe Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($70.00) to find out whether spending more actually means drinking better.
This is a matchup every whiskey enthusiast faces at the store shelf. We'll break down nose, palate, finish, and value so you can make an informed choice.
Specifications at a Glance
| Four Roses Bourbon | Yellowstone Family Recipe Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | N/A | N/A |
| Type | Bourbon | Bourbon |
| Age | N/A | N/A |
| ABV | 80 proof | 100 proof |
| Price | $20.00 | $70.00 |
| Rating | 8/10 | 6/10 |
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.)
Yellowstone Family Recipe Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Bananas. Like a lot of bananas. That’s not bad: I mean, think of all the banana desserts that exist and entice, right? Bananas drizzled with alcohol and set on fire, bananas sliced lengthwise as a boat for ice cream, bananas processed into homemade protein bars on Instagram (which seem to be coming up a lot on my feed ever since I wrote this review). But this smells more of, like, countertop bananas. Other than banana, I get new-mown grass, and baked apples (I know, more fruit.) And hay. There is something very autumnal about the nose of this whiskey. And although spring is my favorite season, I ain’t mad. If you get past the banana, this smells like fall in a Glencairn.
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.
Yellowstone Family Recipe Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: This is 100 proof. It wants to tell you! It’s shouting! There’s a slight prickle and burn at the start and finish, respectively. I want more depth of flavor, but this comes across as one-note. Some whiskeys taste more expensive than they are. This isn’t one of them. I understand the care involved in crafting a whiskey, but I wanted more and don’t find the value to be there. It’s a middle of the road whiskey.
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.
Yellowstone Family Recipe Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Banana lingers with a prickle and burn on the finish.
The finish can make or break a whiskey. A long, satisfying finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
Value for Money
When it comes to value for money, Four Roses Bourbon offers significantly more bang for your buck at $20.00 compared to Yellowstone Family Recipe Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey's $70.00.
The significant price gap between these two makes value an especially important factor in this comparison.
The Verdict
In this matchup, Four Roses Bourbon takes the crown with a rating of 8/10 compared to Yellowstone Family Recipe Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey's 6/10. It delivers a more compelling overall experience that justifies its place in your collection.
That said, Yellowstone Family Recipe Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is by no means a bad whiskey. If the flavour profile of Yellowstone Family Recipe Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey appeals to your palate more, don't let a number stop you.
Read the Full Reviews
- Four Roses Bourbon – Full Review
- Yellowstone Family Recipe Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Full Review
Final Reflections
Four Roses Bourbon vs Yellowstone Family Recipe Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Is Premium Worth the Price? 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.
