Compare
Four Roses Bourbon vs Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year
Put Four Roses Bourbon next to Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against a full-proof, unfiltered heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Four Roses Bourbon | Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malted barley | 68% corn, 18% rye, 14% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 4 years |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 125.2 proof (62.6% ABV) +45 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$45 less | ~$65 – $75 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 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.
Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Four Roses Bourbon Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 2/9 heat: Four Roses Bourbon 2 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 9 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Four Roses Bourbon 6 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 7 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: Four Roses Bourbon 5 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 6 out of 10
oak 3/4 oak: Four Roses Bourbon 3 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 4 out of 10
fruit 6/6 fruit: Four Roses Bourbon 6 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Four Roses Bourbon 3 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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.
- Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year: Willett's own young distillate at full barrel proof. It is loud and sweet, all caramel corn, pastry and citrus, with a lot of heat for a four-year bourbon. Proof varies by batch.
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 without hunting for it.
- Go with Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year if you want a young, hot, barrel-proof pour that shows off Willett's own distillate with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Four Roses Bourbon); neat (Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year).