The world of whiskey is full of bottles that promise more than they deliver. Four Roses Bourbon vs Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years: Budget vs Premium Bourbon belongs to the rarer category that simply lets the liquid speak.
Is the premium price tag really worth it? We compare Four Roses Bourbon ($20.00) against Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years ($510.00) to find out whether spending more actually means drinking better.
This is a matchup every whiskey enthusiast faces at the store shelf. We'll break down nose, palate, finish, and value so you can make an informed choice.
Specifications at a Glance
| Four Roses Bourbon | Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | N/A | N/A |
| Type | Bourbon | Bourbon |
| Age | N/A | 18 years; mash bill of 84% corn |
| ABV | 80 proof | 90 proof |
| Price | $20.00 | $510.00 |
| Rating | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Nose
Four Roses Bourbon: It smells like bourbon. I know, this is not saying a lot but I get to taste a lot of bourbon. Some smell more like bourbon than others. That doesn’t mean it’s alcohol-ey, it means it smells like good bourbon. Rich, a browned butter, and the warm pleasantness that surrounds you when you’re well into a glass sitting with someone you like while sitting by a fire. It smells, quite frankly, like comfort. (Also, apples.)
Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years: Bourbon perfume vanilla, some oak, apricot, a touch of orange and dark chocolate.
Both whiskeys present distinct aromatic profiles. The differences on the nose already hint at the divergent tasting experiences to come.
Palate
Four Roses Bourbon: I’ve tried a bunch of Four Roses concoctions, and they never disappoint. This one is easy-drinking and light, and yet with enough substance to do well on its own, neat, or on the rocks. It has a light syrup mouthfeel but not syrupy sweetness. It’s a little chewy. Also, apples. Again. It tastes like its smells, which is to say good bourbon, not surprising or amazing, but a solid, easy-drinking beverage. It tastes like a more expensive bottle.
Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years: Simply gorgeous and well balanced. Creme brulee, butterscotch, apricot, vanilla, orange and a hint of chocolate. Oak is just barely there. Finish is short and a bit sharp, but has a pleasant, slightly sweet note as it fades.
On the palate, the character of each whiskey really comes to life. This is where personal preference plays the biggest role.
Finish
Four Roses Bourbon: A long, syrupy finish with brown sugar, caramel, and vanilla. Classic.
Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years: Comments: Tennessee bourbon aged 18 years; mash bill of 84% corn, 8% rye and 8% malted barley; bottled at 90 proof; priced at $510/700 ml bottle. Very lovely orange-amber color in glass with this one
The finish can make or break a whiskey. A long, satisfying finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
Value for Money
When it comes to value for money, Four Roses Bourbon offers significantly more bang for your buck at $20.00 compared to Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years's $510.00.
The significant price gap between these two makes value an especially important factor in this comparison.
The Verdict
Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years edges ahead in this comparison with a rating of 9/10 versus Four Roses Bourbon's 8/10. It offers a more refined experience overall.
However, Four Roses Bourbon still has plenty to offer, and depending on your taste preferences, it might be the one you reach for more often.
Read the Full Reviews
Final Reflections
Four Roses Bourbon vs Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years: Budget vs Premium Bourbon is the kind of bottle that rewards the curious — those willing to sit with a glass and let the story unfold at its own pace.
