Bourbon on the Rock: Four Roses Meets Guns n’ Roses

Dropping the needle on a vinyl classic rock album while sipping a bourbon is one of life's simple pleasures. This edition of Bourbon on the Rock features two classics: Four Roses bourbon meets up with Gun n' Roses 'Appetite for Destruction.'

There is no correlation between the two brands but for the sake of Bourbon on the Rock, the word 'roses' was enough for us to pen this gem because they're both classics.

Let's start by pouring a tumbler with Four Roses single barrel. You can easily find the tasting notes that make it one of the best-selling bourbons. It's rich with oak and doesn't break the bank. Apricots, a light spice, caramel, citrus, and a hint of perhaps lavender make it a nice pour.

All of the Four Roses (Small Batch, straight Bourbon, Single Barrel, and Small Batch Select) are all very solid bourbons and well worth it for any collection. With a legacy that has changed hands and master distillers over the years, Four Roses remains one of the best bourbons on the market. It's interesting to note that Four Roses was one of the top selling bourbons in the United States. According to the official Four Roses website, when Seagram purchased the brand, they opted to not sell it in America. If you're sipping one now, thank a guy named Jim, who worked tirelessly to bring it back for distribution in the United States. In 2002, Jim's life-long pledge came true, and Four Roses was once again sold in America.

Thanks, Jim!

Now that we know a little backstory of Four Roses, let's drop the needle on the 'Appetite For Destruction by Guns n' Roses.

Released in July of 1997, the album wasn't initially met with highest of praise. Despite the solid tracks of Paradise City, Welcome to the Jungle, and Sweet Child of Mine, the critics panned it and radio stations did not want to play it. Guns n' Roses record company, Geffen, was ready to walk away from the band after it sold a measly 200,000 in the first few months. And much like the Four Roses story, here's where an interesting piece of info comes into play.

See: Bourbon on the Rock: Woodford Reserve Meets Steve Miller Band

Geffen records general manager still believed this project and the marketing of Appetite would pay off. He called MTV and begged them to air the video of Sweet Child of Mine for 3 nights in a row. MTV agreed and it became the most requested video in that year.

How close did we come to never hearing all of the tight tracks on Appetite? Too close.

In addition to it's original release back in 1987, Guns n' Roses released a deluxe edition pressed on 180 gram vinyl and put Appetite for Destruction re-entering the top 10 of the Billboard 200 for the first time in 29 years.

See: Bourbon on the Rock: Blanton's Single Barrel meets Cheap Trick

On a final note, the original artwork for the album cover was going to be a robotic rapist and a semi-unconscious girl lying in an ally. The cover was deemed too controversial and the idea was taken off the album. The record label replaced it with iconic skull concept we are familiar with today.

These two classics are a great fit for tasting night. Thanks G n' R and Four Roses.

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