Compare
Four Roses Bourbon vs Michter's US*1 Small Batch
Comparing Four Roses Bourbon and Michter's US*1 Small Batch reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a blender-built, even-keeled bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Four Roses Bourbon | Michter's US*1 Small Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 91.4 proof (45.7% ABV) +11 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$25 less | ~$45 – $55 |
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Four Roses Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Michter's US*1 Small Batch
No notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Four Roses Bourbon Michter's US*1 Small Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 3/5 oak: Four Roses Bourbon 3 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Four Roses Bourbon 6 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 7 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Four Roses Bourbon 5 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Four Roses Bourbon 6 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10
heat 2/3 heat: Four Roses Bourbon 2 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 3 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Four Roses Bourbon 3 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- Four Roses Bourbon: The yellow label entry point, blending all ten Four Roses recipes at a gentle 80 proof. Light and fruity to a fault, but the house floral character is already recognisable and it mixes beautifully.
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch: Polished and easy-drinking, with butterscotch and stone fruit and very little rough edge. What you pay for is refinement and mouthfeel rather than age or proof.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Four Roses Bourbon if you want the Four Roses fruit-and-floral signature at its lightest and cheapest.
- Go with Michter's US*1 Small Batch if you want a smooth, polished pour with a premium feel and no rough edges with more proof behind it and with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Four Roses Bourbon); neat, rocks (Michter's US*1 Small Batch).