The Four Roses Mash Bills
Four Roses is known for its unique approach to crafting bourbon by using two distinct mash bills, combined with five different proprietary yeast strains, to create ten unique recipes. It is a common misconception that all bourbons, or all whiskey, contain wheat. For Four Roses, the grain composition is clearly defined and excludes wheat.
Mash Bill 'B' contains 60% corn, 35% rye, and 5% malted barley. This is considered a 'high rye' mash bill and contributes spicier, more robust flavors.
Mash Bill 'E' contains 75% corn, 20% rye, and 5% malted barley. This lower rye content produces a softer, more rounded profile.
The Role of Each Grain
- Corn: As the required primary grain for bourbon (at least 51%), corn provides the sweetness, butter, and vanilla notes. Both Four Roses mash bills significantly exceed this minimum.
- Rye: In contrast to wheat, rye imparts spicy, peppery, and fruity characteristics to the bourbon. The varying levels in the 'B' and 'E' mash bills create distinct flavor foundations.
- Malted Barley: Barley contains enzymes critical for converting starches into fermentable sugars, a crucial step in the distillation process. It contributes nutty and earthy undertones.
How Distillation Removes Gluten
Even though the grain bills for Four Roses contain malted barley, a grain that contains gluten, the finished spirit is generally considered safe for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. The key lies in the distillation process itself.
Distillation separates liquids based on their different boiling points. The process works like this: the fermented grain mash, known as 'distiller's beer,' is heated in a still until the alcohol vaporizes. The vapor rises, is collected, and then cooled back into a liquid form. Gluten, which is a large protein, is non-volatile and cannot vaporize. It remains behind in the still with the other heavy, solid components of the mash. This means the final, distilled spirit is free of gluten.
The Difference Between Wheated and Rye Bourbons
The choice of the secondary grain—whether rye or wheat—dramatically influences a bourbon's final flavor profile. Understanding this difference helps explain why Four Roses' use of rye (instead of wheat) is a defining characteristic.
| Feature | Rye Bourbon (e.g., Four Roses) | Wheated Bourbon (e.g., Maker's Mark) |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary Grain | Rye (minimum 18% for high-rye) | Wheat |
| Flavor Profile | Spicier, peppery, with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes mint. | Mellow, sweeter, and softer on the palate, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and honey. |
| Mouthfeel | Often described as more robust, sharp, or dry. | Smoother and creamier, with a softer finish. |
The 'high-rye' nature of both Four Roses mash bills gives the spirit its characteristic spicy kick and fruity complexity, setting it apart from sweeter, wheated bourbons.
The 10 Unique Four Roses Recipes
Beyond the two mash bills, Four Roses adds another layer of complexity by using five proprietary yeast strains, resulting in ten unique recipes. Each yeast strain imparts a different character to the distillate, which is then blended to create the final products like Four Roses Bourbon or Small Batch.
- V (Delicate Fruit): Delicate fruit and caramel notes.
- K (Slight Spice): Slight spice and full-bodied flavors.
- O (Rich Fruitiness): Rich fruitiness, like plum or cherry, and caramel.
- Q (Floral Essence): Floral essence and mellow flavors.
- F (Herbal Notes): Herbal, minty, and spicy characteristics.
Potential for Contamination
For those with severe gluten allergies, concerns about cross-contamination are valid. However, Four Roses takes precautions that make its products reliably gluten-free. For a product to be considered 'gluten-free' after distillation by the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), the distillery must follow good manufacturing practices to prevent any introduction of gluten-containing material into the final product.
Four Roses' straight bourbon is aged in new, charred oak barrels, and no additives or flavorings are introduced after distillation. This significantly minimizes any risk of cross-contact with gluten after the distillation process has occurred. However, those with celiac disease should always remain vigilant, especially when consuming flavored whiskeys or cocktails that might use gluten-containing ingredients in mixers or garnishes. For definitive information, one can refer to the official site.
Conclusion
To put the matter to rest, Four Roses does not contain wheat in its mash bills, relying instead on a precise combination of corn, rye, and malted barley. Furthermore, because of the thorough and standardized distillation process, the final spirit is considered gluten-free and safe for consumption by those with gluten sensitivities. The choice of rye and different yeast strains is what gives Four Roses its signature range of flavors, not a wheated mash bill. This understanding helps consumers, especially those with dietary restrictions, make an informed choice while appreciating the complex craftsmanship behind this beloved bourbon.
A Comparison of Mash Bills
| Bourbon Brand | Primary Grain | Secondary Grain | Other Grains | Key Flavor Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Four Roses (Mash Bill B) | 60% Corn | 35% Rye | 5% Malted Barley | Spicy and robust. |
| Four Roses (Mash Bill E) | 75% Corn | 20% Rye | 5% Malted Barley | Soft and fruity. |
| Maker's Mark | ~70% Corn | ~16% Wheat | ~14% Malted Barley | Mellow, soft, and sweeter. |
| Bulleit Bourbon | ~68% Corn | ~28% Rye | ~4% Malted Barley | High-rye spice and robustness. |
| Wild Turkey | ~75% Corn | ~13% Rye | ~12% Malted Barley | Vanilla, pear, and spice. |
The Production Process
The journey from grain to bottle at Four Roses is a meticulously controlled process to ensure quality and consistency across its ten recipes. The cooked mash is fermented for at least three days before being double-distilled to remove impurities and unwanted components, including gluten proteins. The resulting 'white dog' distillate is proofed down and aged in new, charred American oak barrels in single-story warehouses to ensure consistent aging. The final step involves blending the selected barrels for products like Small Batch or bottling single barrels for the Single Barrel expression. For further information, see the process details on the official Four Roses website: www.fourrosesbourbon.com/our-process.
