How Many Carbs Are in 4 Roses Bourbon? The Truth About Keto and Bourbon

November 6, 2025 •

3 min read

A standard serving of pure bourbon whiskey has zero carbohydrates, according to nutritional information. Therefore, if the question is, "How many carbs are in 4 Roses?", the answer is none, provided the bourbon is consumed neat or on the rocks.

Quick Summary

Four Roses bourbon, being a distilled spirit, contains no carbs per serving. The calories come exclusively from the alcohol. Carbohydrates are introduced through mixers.

Key Points

Zero Carbs: All Four Roses bourbon varieties have zero carbs per serving.
Distillation: The distillation process removes sugars and starches from the grain mash, leaving only alcohol.
Mixers: Carbs are introduced when sugary mixers like soda or juice are added.
Keto-Friendly: Straight Four Roses bourbon is suitable for low-carb or ketogenic diets.
Calories: The only calories come from the alcohol.
Carb-Free Rule: This applies to all Four Roses expressions, including Yellow Label, Small Batch, and Single Barrel.

Understanding the Carb Content of Four Roses Bourbon

Many people are surprised to learn that bourbon, including all types from Four Roses, is carb-free. This is true for all pure, distilled spirits. The absence of carbs stems from the distillation process. The conversion of grain to a smooth, flavorful whiskey is a crucial aspect, especially for those on low-carb or ketogenic diets.

The Distillation Process: Removing Carbohydrates

Distillation involves heating and cooling to separate alcohol from other fermented substances. In bourbon production, the initial mash includes grains like corn, rye, and malted barley. Yeast ferments the mash, consuming sugars and producing alcohol. While the mash has carbs, distillation purifies the liquid. Alcohol boils off, leaving carbs behind. The resulting distillate has no carbs or sugars. The spirit ages in charred oak barrels, which adds color and flavor without carbs.

Comparing Four Roses Bourbon Varieties

Four Roses offers different bourbon varieties, each with a distinct flavor profile but all with the same zero-carb characteristic. The company uses ten bourbon recipes, blending them to create products like Four Roses Yellow Label, Small Batch, and Single Barrel. Nutritional data confirms these, including Small Batch and Single Barrel, have zero carbs per serving. The primary difference in nutritional information is the variance in calories, which is linked to the alcohol by volume (ABV). A higher proof bourbon contains more alcohol and more calories, but never more carbs.

The Impact of Mixers on Carb Count

While Four Roses is carb-free, the carb count changes dramatically when mixers are added. Drinking bourbon neat or on the rocks is suitable for a low-carb diet. However, adding soda, juice, or syrups can make it high-carb. Being aware of mixers is crucial for those monitoring carb intake.

Low-Carb Four Roses Cocktail Ideas

For mixed drinks while keeping carbs low, consider these options:

Bourbon and Club Soda: Simple and refreshing. Add lemon or lime for flavor.
Bourbon on the Rocks with Bitters: Bitters add complexity without adding significant sugar.
Low-Carb Kentucky Mule: Use diet ginger beer and fresh lime juice. Check the label on diet ginger beer for carb content.
Bourbon with Water: A classic to open the bourbon's flavor.

High-Carb Cocktail Ingredients to Avoid

Certain cocktails should be avoided on a low-carb diet. These rely on sugary ingredients, which can quickly disrupt a diet. Examples include the Whiskey Sour, which often includes simple syrup, or an Old Fashioned, traditionally made with muddled sugar. Bourbon and Coke can add nearly 40 grams of carbs from the soda.

Comparison Table: Carb Counts in Bourbon and Other Beverages


Beverage	Serving Size	Carb Content	Source of Carbs
Four Roses Bourbon (Neat)	1.5 oz (approx. 44 mL)	0g	None (distilled)
Dry Red Wine (e.g., Merlot)	5 oz (approx. 148 mL)	3-5g	Residual sugars
Light Beer	12 oz (approx. 355 mL)	2-6g	Malted grains
Regular Beer	12 oz (approx. 355 mL)	10-15g	Malted grains
Four Roses with Regular Coke	1.5 oz bourbon + 6 oz coke	~20g	Added sugar in soda

Conclusion: Enjoying Four Roses Bourbon Responsibly

Four Roses bourbon is a zero-carb spirit. It can be included in low-carb and ketogenic diets. Be mindful of mixers. Drinking Four Roses neat, on the rocks, or with a carb-free mixer is the best way to enjoy it without added sugars. The distillation process offers a way to enjoy the flavor without worrying about carbohydrates.

For more information on pairing distilled spirits with a low-carb lifestyle, resources are available at Healthline [^1.5.4].

[^1.5.4]: Healthline, "Keto Diet and Alcohol: The Best and Worst Drinks to Choose," December 7, 2022. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/keto-and-alcohol

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Four Roses bourbon is keto-friendly because it is a distilled spirit with zero carbs and zero sugar. The carb count increases if you add sugary mixers.

The calorie count depends on the proof. An 80-proof shot has about 97 calories, while a higher-proof Single Barrel (100 proof) has approximately 124 calories per 1.5 oz serving.

The distillation process makes it zero-carb. During this process, the fermented liquid is heated and vaporized, leaving behind the carb-laden solids. The vapor, mainly alcohol, is then collected and condensed.

Pure Four Roses is not flavored, but you should be cautious with flavored whiskeys. These often contain added sugars and should be avoided on a low-carb diet unless specifically stated as sugar-free.

Low-carb options include club soda, diet ginger beer, sugar-free tonic water, or water. Fresh lemon or lime can also add flavor without carbs.

For pure, unflavored, distilled spirits, the brand does not matter. The zero-carb rule applies universally. Differences are in flavor, proof, and aging, not carb content.

While alcohol doesn't contain carbs, your body prioritizes metabolizing it over fats, which can slow down fat oxidation. Moderate intake is advised.

Four Roses bourbon is considered gluten-free because of the distillation process, which removes the gluten proteins from the grains used to make the mash.