Four Roses 6 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon 1970s
75cl / 43%
£199.00
- Malt type: Bourbon
- Region: USA
- Coloring: No
Tasting Notes
Sweet aroma with vanilla notes
Cinnamon flavour alongside apples and pear notes
Medium finish with bitter notes and chocolate hints
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A defunct 'Dusty' Bourbon, representing the final, 6-year-old output of the Old Lewis Hunter Distillery.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Old Lewis Hunter Distillery (DSP 5094, Defunct 1974) / USA, Kentucky |
| Category | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | 6 Years Old / Distilled c. 1960s / Bottled 1970s |
| ABV & Size(s) | 43% ABV (86 US Proof) / 70cl, 75cl, or 0.76l |
| Cask / Treatment | New Charred American Oak Barrels (Standard Straight Bourbon requirement) |
| Natural Colour | Assumed Natural Colour (Not stated by the producer) |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Not stated by the producer |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Not stated by the producer (Export release) |
| Intended channel | Export Market (Europe/Italy) |
| Packaging | Clear glass bottle, period-correct paper labels |
| Notes on discrepancies | Distillery ceased production in 1974. Its value is primarily driven by "dusty" collector status. Foreign bottlers (e.g., S.I.L.V.A. Bianchi, Milano) sometimes appear on labels. |
Historical Context
The Old Lewis Hunter brand derives its contemporary value from its status as a relic of a defunct distillery, DSP 5094, located in Lair, Kentucky. The distillery permanently closed its doors in 1974.
This 1970s bottling, carrying a clear 6-year age statement, guarantees the liquid originated from the final distillation stocks of the facility, meaning the bourbon was laid down in the late 1960s. This fact elevates the bottle to holding significant historical artifact status within the world of American whiskey. The intrinsic value of this bourbon is therefore primarily linked to its historical context and scarcity.
The bottling at 43% ABV (86 Proof) and its presence in varying metric sizes (70cl, 0.76l) indicate its intended use as a premium export product, specifically marketed toward European nations like Italy, evidenced by foreign importer marks (e.g., S.I.L.V.A. Bianchi). This export channel has proven vital for the preservation of such "dusty" stocks.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The verified specification for this vintage export is a fixed 6 Year Old Age Statement, bottled at 86 Proof, which translates precisely to 43% Alcohol by Volume (ABV). The spirit adheres to the strict legal requirements of Kentucky Straight Bourbon. The 6-year age statement provides specific assurance of its maturity profile upon bottling in the 1970s.
Documented variants
The most consistently documented version is the 6 Year Old at 43% ABV. Records also suggest a variant at 40% ABV existed, which would typically be valued lower than the stronger 43% version due to reduced flavour concentration.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 43% (86 Proof) | 70cl / 0.76l | Export (EU/Italy) | 6-year age statement, Defunct DSP 5094 | High (Classic defunct DSP dusty bourbon) |
| 40% (80 Proof) | 70cl | Export (Later/Alternate) | Lower proof | Moderate (Lower proof) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
Authentication verification is crucial for defunct distillery stock. Age poses a serious risk to the bottle's cork closure, increasing vulnerability to evaporation. High fill levels (Very Top Shoulder or higher) are paramount for retaining premium value. Buyers must accept liability for the state of the closure due to the advanced age of the bottle. The label must clearly display the "Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey" designation and the 6-year age statement.
Regulatory/terminology notes
The use of 43% ABV aligns with the 86 Proof standard, common for American premium exports before metrication. The historical status of the DSP 5094 distillery reinforces the non-replicable nature of this bourbon.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
Nose: Not stated by the producer. Expected notes would include core bourbon aromatics: vanilla, caramel, and dry oak derived from the 6 years in new charred oak.
Palate: Not stated by the producer. The taste is expected to be relatively assertive, exhibiting the typical characteristics of well-aged bourbon at a comfortable drinking proof.
Finish: Not stated by the producer. A long and spicy finish, carrying the oak influence, is generally expected for straight bourbon of this age.
With water: Not stated by the producer.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
Pricing is driven by artifact rarity rather than widespread critical appreciation of the liquid itself.
Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer.
Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): Approximately GBP 379.95. This specialist retail valuation reflects the high premium placed on extinct bourbon provenance.
Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): Verifiable recent hammer prices are scarce. European retail asking prices indicate a base value around GBP 255.65.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| Retail (Specialist UK) | Current | 70cl, 43% ABV | 379.95 | Specialist vintage sale price |
| Retail (EU Price) | Jan 2025 | 75cl, 43% ABV | 255.65 | Based on €294 retail asking price |
Pricing stratification: Value is heavily weighted toward the closed distillery status and impeccable physical condition. Price realization is maximized by high fill levels.
Liquidity & sourcing note: Very low liquidity. Sourcing depends entirely on locating old private collections.
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
The Old Lewis Hunter Distillery (DSP 5094) represents a segment of pre-consolidation Kentucky bourbon production that ceased operation in 1974. Its extant bottles offer a historical snapshot of bourbon production methods from that specific era.
Sourcing
Target formats/eras: Target 6-year-old expressions at 43% ABV with clear 1970s bottling hallmarks, primarily found in export markets.
Red flags to avoid: Low fill levels below mid-shoulder. Caution is advised if the age statement or "Kentucky Straight Bourbon" designation is absent.
Condition thresholds: The priority is excellent liquid condition confirmed by a high fill level.
Margin/velocity expectations: Low velocity, high margin product, appealing exclusively to collectors of extinct American whiskey brands.
