How Many Calories Are in a Shot of 4 Roses?

November 26, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the USDA, a standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof whiskey contains approximately 97 calories. This means knowing exactly how many calories are in a shot of 4 roses is important for anyone watching their intake, as the final count depends on the specific expression and its proof.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a shot of Four Roses bourbon depends directly on its proof, with higher-proof versions containing more calories. The standard 80-proof is roughly 97 calories, but options like Small Batch and Single Barrel will be higher due to increased alcohol content.

Key Points

Proof Matters: The calorie count in a shot of Four Roses is directly proportional to its proof; higher proof means more calories.
Standard Pour: A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof Four Roses Bourbon contains approximately 97 calories.
Higher Proof, Higher Calories: The 90-proof Small Batch has about 110 calories per shot, while the 100-proof Single Barrel has around 124 calories per shot.
Empty Calories: Like other distilled spirits, Four Roses bourbon provides 'empty calories' from alcohol with no nutritional value, carbs, or sugar.
Mixers Add Calories: While the bourbon itself is calorie-free from sugar, mixers like juice or soda will add significantly to the total count.
Safe for Gluten-Free Diets: Due to the distillation process, Four Roses bourbon is considered gluten-free and safe for those with celiac disease, though highly sensitive individuals should consult a doctor.

Calorie Breakdown by Four Roses Expression

Understanding how many calories are in a shot of 4 roses requires looking at the specific bottle. Four Roses offers a range of expressions, and because calories in spirits come entirely from alcohol, the proof (alcohol content) is the determining factor. A standard shot is generally considered 1.5 fluid ounces.

Four Roses Bourbon (80 Proof)

This is the flagship, entry-level expression from Four Roses. At 80 proof, it contains 40% alcohol by volume. As confirmed by multiple nutrition sources, a 1.5 fl oz shot of 80-proof bourbon has approximately 97 calories. This makes it a relatively consistent benchmark for comparison.

Four Roses Small Batch (90 Proof)

As a step up in proof and complexity, the Small Batch expression is bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV). The higher alcohol content means a higher calorie count per serving. For a 1.5 fl oz shot of Four Roses Small Batch, you can expect to consume around 110 calories.

Four Roses Single Barrel (100 Proof)

The Single Barrel is a robust, full-bodied bourbon bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV). The increased alcohol content brings the calorie total for a 1.5 fl oz shot to approximately 124 calories. It's crucial to be aware of this difference if you are tracking your caloric intake.

The Science of Empty Calories in Bourbon

Bourbon, like most distilled spirits, is a source of "empty calories". This term refers to calories that provide energy but offer little to no nutritional value, such as vitamins, minerals, or fiber. The distillation process removes carbs, fats, and protein, leaving only alcohol and water. Alcohol contains about 7 calories per gram, which is nearly as calorically dense as fat. Since a shot of straight bourbon contains zero carbs and zero sugar, all its calories come directly from the ethanol.

Alcohol Metabolism and Your Diet

When your body processes alcohol, it prioritizes metabolizing the ethanol over other nutrients. This can temporarily slow down your body's ability to burn fat, which is an important consideration for anyone managing their weight. Moderate consumption is key, as excessive drinking can disrupt your metabolism and overall dietary goals.

The Impact of Mixers on Calorie Count

While the calories in a shot of Four Roses are straightforward, adding mixers can drastically increase the total calorie count of your drink. A bourbon and diet coke, for instance, is a low-calorie alternative to a traditional rum and coke. Sugary mixers, sodas, and juices can easily double or triple the calories of a cocktail. To enjoy a low-calorie whiskey drink, consider these options:

Soda Water: Mixing your bourbon with club soda and a twist of lemon or lime is a virtually zero-calorie option.
Diet Soda: A classic mixer that provides flavor without the added sugar.
Iced Tea: Unsweetened iced tea can be a refreshing, low-calorie companion for bourbon.
Skinny Whiskey Sour: Use a sugar substitute or stevia and fresh lemon juice to make a low-calorie version of this classic.

Comparing Calories in Four Roses Expressions

To give a clearer picture, here's a side-by-side comparison of the common Four Roses offerings based on a standard 1.5 fl oz shot. All these expressions are gluten-free due to the distillation process.


Four Roses Expression	Proof	Approx. Calories (1.5 fl oz)
Four Roses Bourbon	80	97
Four Roses Small Batch	90	110
Four Roses Single Barrel	100	124
Small Batch Select	104	128 (approx)

It's worth noting that the calories per shot increase steadily with the proof, which reflects the higher alcohol content. For the most precise calorie information, especially for newer or limited-release bourbons, always check the product's official website or a reliable nutritional database.

For more general information on alcoholic beverage calories, you can visit the MedlinePlus website, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in a shot of 4 roses depends on the specific bottle's proof. For the standard 80-proof Four Roses Bourbon, a shot is approximately 97 calories. However, for higher-proof options like Small Batch (90 proof) and Single Barrel (100 proof), the calorie count increases to around 110 and 124, respectively. All of these calories come from the alcohol itself, as pure distilled spirits contain no carbs or sugar. For those looking to manage their intake, opting for lower-proof expressions or choosing low-calorie mixers can make a significant difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of Four Roses Yellow Label (now simply 'Four Roses Bourbon'), which is 80 proof, contains approximately 97 calories.

Yes, Four Roses Small Batch is 90 proof, which is higher than the standard 80 proof. A 1.5-ounce shot of Small Batch contains about 110 calories, compared to 97 for the regular bourbon.

No, pure distilled Four Roses bourbon contains zero carbs and zero sugar. The distillation process removes these elements, so all calories come from the alcohol content.

To make a low-calorie cocktail, mix Four Roses with calorie-free mixers like club soda, diet soda, or unsweetened iced tea. A skinny whiskey sour can also be made using a sugar substitute and fresh lemon juice.

The variation in calorie count is because Four Roses has different proofs (alcohol percentages) for its various expressions. Calories in spirits are determined by the alcohol, so higher proof means more calories.

Among the most common expressions, the 100-proof Four Roses Single Barrel does contain the most calories, with approximately 124 calories per 1.5-ounce shot, because of its higher alcohol content.

Yes, Four Roses is considered gluten-free. Although it is made with grains including rye, the distillation process removes the gluten proteins, making the final product safe for those with celiac disease.