Four Roses Yellow Label Bourbon 750ML is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 750ml bottle. Distinguished by its blend of all ten proprietary bourbon recipes — a method virtually unique in the industry — this expression earned 93 points from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2020 and a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, USA | Style: Blended Straight Bourbon (NAS) | Distillery: Four Roses DistilleryProduction & HeritageFour Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, is one of the few bourbon producers that combines two distinct mashbills with five proprietary yeast strains to create ten unique bourbon recipes. The "E" mashbill runs 75% corn, 20% rye, and 5% malted barley, while the higher-rye "B" mashbill uses 60% corn, 35% rye, and 5% malted barley. Yellow Label is the only expression in the Four Roses lineup that marries all ten recipes together, and the distillery's distinctive single-story rack warehouses — a rarity among Kentucky bourbon producers — minimize temperature variation between barrels, promoting a more consistent aging profile than the multi-story rickhouses used by most competitors.Tasting NotesAroma: Honey and poached pear rise first, followed by delicate floral notes and gentle spice. A light fruitiness lingers underneath, with hints of toasted grain and a whisper of clove.Taste: The entry is crisp and approachable, with sweet vanilla and caramel arriving immediately on the palate. Mid-palate brings ripe apple and fresh fruit, while rye spice and a subtle earthiness build toward the peak. Pineapple and fennel emerge as quieter supporting notes behind the fruit-forward core.Finish: Soft and smooth with moderate length, carrying lingering traces of roasted oak, dry licorice, and light caraway seed. A final touch of dark chocolate and espresso rounds out the close.How to Drink Yellow LabelYellow Label's gentle 80-proof character and fruit-forward balance make it equally enjoyable neat or over a single large ice cube, where the honey and vanilla notes open up further. Its versatility also makes it a reliable cocktail bourbon: Old Fashioned — The honey and caramel base integrates seamlessly with bitters and a sugar cube without being overwhelmed. Whiskey Sour — Crisp apple and pear notes complement fresh citrus juice, producing a bright, well-balanced drink. Boulevardier — The rye spice from the "B" mashbill stands up to Campari and sweet vermouth, adding a fruity complexity many bourbons lack. Best For Introducing someone to bourbon for the first time Stocking a home bar with a dependable everyday sipper Building a bourbon cocktail program on a reliable base spirit Comparing all ten Four Roses recipes in a single glass before exploring single barrel expressions Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Yellow Label taste like? Yellow Label leads with sweet vanilla, honey, and caramel, then transitions into crisp apple and fresh fruit with a soft, smooth finish accented by light oak and spice.How does Yellow Label compare to Traverse City Bourbon? Traverse City Bourbon, aged roughly three years, tends toward denser, more earthy and herbal flavors, while Four Roses Yellow Label leans lighter and more fruit-forward with greater floral complexity from its ten-recipe blend. Yellow Label's higher corn percentage in the "E" mashbill also contributes a sweeter, softer profile.Is Yellow Label good for beginners? At 80 proof with a smooth, approachable palate and minimal burn, Yellow Label is widely regarded as one of the best entry points into bourbon whiskey.Where is Yellow Label made? Yellow Label is produced at the Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, and aged in the distillery's signature single-story rack warehouses designed for even temperature distribution.What foods pair well with Yellow Label? Grilled stone fruits like peaches complement the bourbon's fruit-forward character; dark chocolate truffles mirror its cocoa finish; smoked pulled pork balances sweetness with savory depth; sharp aged cheddar contrasts the caramel and vanilla notes; and pecan pie echoes the toasted grain and honey on the nose.What sizes does Yellow Label come in? Four Roses Yellow Label is widely available in 750ml and 1L bottles, with 375ml and 1.75L formats also found in select markets.Is Yellow Label worth the price? Yellow Label positions squarely as an entry-level bourbon, yet its ten-recipe blending process and consistent award history — including 93 points from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge — deliver complexity that punches well above its price tier.Why Yellow Label?No other bourbon distillery blends ten distinct recipes into a single expression the way Four Roses does with Yellow Label. That process — five proprietary yeast strains across two mashbills, aged in single-story warehouses for temperature consistency — creates a layered bourbon that has earned repeated recognition, including a 94-point rating from Wine Enthusiast, multiple Gold Medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and a Top 50 Spirits Award from Wine Enthusiast in 2013. Where many bourbons at this accessibility level deliver one-dimensional sweetness, Yellow Label balances fruit, floral, and spice elements in a way that rewards both casual sipping and serious cocktail mixing. It remains one of the most reliably well-made bourbons in its class.
