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Four Roses Small Batch vs Johnny Drum Private Stock
Comparing Four Roses Small Batch and Johnny Drum Private Stock reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Four Roses Small Batch | Johnny Drum Private Stock |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 101 proof (50.5% ABV) +11 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$32 – $38 ~$5 less | ~$35 – $45 |
- Johnny Drum Private Stock 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 Small Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Johnny Drum Private Stock
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Four Roses Small Batch Johnny Drum Private Stock
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 7/6 fruit: Four Roses Small Batch 7 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
heat 4/5 heat: Four Roses Small Batch 4 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Four Roses Small Batch 3 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Four Roses Small Batch 6 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
spice 6/6 spice: Four Roses Small Batch 6 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
oak 5/5 oak: Four Roses Small Batch 5 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land close together on every flavor axis — the differences are in texture and proof more than character.
- Four Roses Small Batch: Four Roses' yeast strains push this toward fruit and florals rather than wood. Red berry and cinnamon over a light body, with the rye showing up as brightness instead of bite.
- Johnny Drum Private Stock: An old-school Willett label at 101 proof. Oily and dessert-like, with baked apple, almond and custard, and rye-like mint and spice on the finish.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Four Roses Small Batch if you want a fruit-and-floral profile that stands apart from the usual caramel-and-oak template at a slightly lower price point.
- Go with Johnny Drum Private Stock if you want an oily, dessert-like 101-proof pour with old-school Willett character.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Four Roses Small Batch); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Johnny Drum Private Stock).