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A bourbon brand changes hands for $775 million and we still have to answer the only question that matters: how does it taste in the glass? We crack open Four Roses Single Barrel (red label) OESK at 100 proof, talk price and value at the $50 mark, and give you the kind of honest bourbon review you would hear from a friend across the table.

We dig into the story behind the label too. Kirin bought Four Roses back in 2002 and spent decades rebuilding the brand’s presence, especially in the United States, before selling it to Gallo. We talk through what an acquisition like that can mean for a Kentucky bourbon icon, why distribution and “portfolio plays” matter, and why fans are hoping the new owner keeps the quality exactly where it is.

Then we get nerdy in the best way: nose, sip, and finish. Expect toasty sweet oak, a rush of baking spice, cinnamon that stays mild, and even a little coffee-like bite. We argue over whether there’s an apple-like note hiding under the spice or if it reads more like caramel, and we’re blunt about the ending: dry oak, a bit leathery, and a finish that can leave your mouth feeling parched. 

If you like bourbon tasting notes, Four Roses recipes, and real talk about what’s worth buying, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a whiskey friend, and leave a review telling us your go-to $50 bottle.