Four Roses Super Premium

A refined Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, blended from 10 distinct recipes, historically exclusive to international markets.

At-a-Glance

Historical Context

Four Roses has a unique history distinguished by its protracted absence from the American domestic market during the mid-20th century, a period when the brand focused almost exclusively on international exports. The 'Super Premium' expression originated specifically from this export strategy, positioned as a high-end, smooth offering designed to appeal particularly to Asian markets, where subtlety and finesse were highly valued characteristics.

The brand’s technical foundation lies in its complex matrix of recipes. The distillery utilises two distinct mash bills (E and B) and five proprietary yeast strains (K, Q, O, F, V). Mash Bill E is high corn (75% corn, 20% rye), while Mash Bill B is high rye (60% corn, 35% rye). The combination yields 10 unique bourbon recipes. The Super Premium expression represents the blending mastery of the distillery, combining select barrels from these recipes for optimal balance and smoothness. The liquid is guaranteed to include components where 80% are 8 years or older, with 20% being 10 years or older, justifying its premium designation.

Technical Specification & Variant Map

This bourbon is bottled at 43% ABV. This strength places it slightly above the global 40% standard, but below the higher proofs (often 50% or more) commonly found in US domestic premium or single barrel releases. The 43% bottling proof is deliberately selected to ensure a refined character and exceptional smoothness, catering to the specific elegance sought in the target international markets.

As a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the spirit is required to be aged in new charred oak barrels. The blending process ensures the final product is defined by its complex mash bill and yeast combinations. Details regarding Non-Chill Filtration are Not stated by the producer. Given its international commercial bottling, there is an expectation of a clear, stable liquid, though, as a straight bourbon, it is assumed to have Natural Colour.

Documented variants

The Four Roses Super Premium is primarily documented in 43% ABV, with bottle volumes of both 70cl and 75cl (or 750ml), reflecting the different standard measures used in global markets. The presentation style, featuring the tall bottle and metallic emblem, is consistent across these variants.

Variant Matrix

Packaging & authenticity checklist

The bottle’s signature feature is its elegant, tall design adorned with a prominent metallic Four Roses emblem. Authentication requires confirmation of the 43% ABV statement and the specific 'Super Premium' branding. As the bottle was historically export-only, the presence of specific foreign importer stickers, particularly Japanese-market cues, can serve as a secondary authentication marker. Fill levels generally remain excellent due to the robust nature of bourbon closures and American maturation environment, with high shoulder or neck fills expected. Lookalike risk is managed by ensuring the label explicitly states 'Super Premium,' distinguishing it from other international-only releases like 'Platinum.'

Regulatory/terminology notes

To qualify as Kentucky Straight Bourbon, the whiskey must meet strict legal definitions, including distillation in Kentucky, a mash bill of at least 51% corn, and ageing in new charred oak. The minimum ageing requirement is two years, which this Super Premium expression significantly exceeds, with its guaranteed blend composition of 8+ and 10+ year components. The designation 'Straight' signifies it contains no added flavourings or colourings (though the producer does not explicitly state 'Natural Colour' in marketing materials, it is implied by the legal standard).

Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)

Nose: Characterised by a light floral aroma, complemented by notes of pear, honey, and fresh fruit.

Palate: Noted for being exceptionally smooth. The flavour profile delivers layers of apple, vanilla, cinnamon, and gentle oak, resulting in a fruit-forward and approachable palate.

Finish: Described as silky and medium-length, concluding with lingering notes of sweet spice and soft fruit.

With water: It is noted that serving over a large ice cube can soften the inherent sweetness and help to reveal latent fruit and spice notes within the liquid.

Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)

The valuation in the UK and European market is primarily driven by scarcity, as the expression was designed for export and is rarely sourced locally.¹⁵ While the original US retail price was high—listed in the range of $149.99 to $249.99 —UK auction prices reflect a strong, consistent interest at a lower premium consumption level.

UK and EU auction results show hammer prices clustered tightly between £50.00 and £67.50 during mid-2022.¹⁷ This stable pricing range suggests that the market values it consistently as a premium, high-quality, aged bourbon rarity rather than an ultra-rare investment collectible. Its pricing is dictated by the difficulty of obtaining this specific international profile, which differs substantially from the standard US core range.

Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer. (US RRP range $149.99–$249.99 15).

Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): Limited availability; typically sourced via auction or specialist import.

Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): £50.00 (July 2022) 17, £60.00 (June 2022) 21, £67.50 (July 2022).

Pricing stratification: Price stability is high in auctions, indicating dependable secondary market appeal for this refined, export-only offering.

FX note: Not applicable.

Liquidity & sourcing note: Moderate liquidity, dependent on supply sourced from private collections or direct import from Asian markets. High velocity among dedicated bourbon enthusiasts seeking the full scope of Four Roses’ recipe capabilities.

Price Snapshot

Distillery/Bottler Snapshot

Four Roses is highly respected for its use of 10 distinct bourbon recipes derived from two mash bills and five yeast strains. This approach allows for minute control over the final flavour profile, producing whiskies that are often characterised by delicacy, fruit, and floral notes, contrasting with the heavier profiles of many Kentucky rivals. The Super Premium expression exemplifies this approach, showcasing the distillery’s capacity to craft exceedingly smooth and balanced blends.

Sourcing

Target formats/eras to prefer: Bottles with intact packaging and labelling that clearly verifies the 'Super Premium' title and 43% ABV. Look for cues related to its historical target market (e.g., Japanese text).

Red flags to avoid: Confusion with standard or domestic market expressions; any bottles claiming a US domestic release status (which contradict its historical exclusivity).

Condition thresholds (fill/box/labels): High Shoulder fill or above is preferred, consistent with the expected quality of modern bourbon bottling.

Margin/velocity expectations - qualitative: Medium velocity due to niche appeal; margins are steady, driven by the enduring rarity of the export variant in Western markets.