Four Roses is a distinguished brand of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, produced in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, renowned for its rich history and distinctive range of expressions. The brand is deeply associated with its Spanish Mission-style distillery, built in 1910, which stands as a notable landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places under its original name, Old Prentice Distillery.

History

The origins of Four Roses are shrouded in conflicting accounts. According to its current owner, Kirin Brewery Company of Japan, the brand was trademarked in 1888 by founder Paul Jones Jr., who claimed it had been produced and sold since the 1860s. An alternative speculation suggests the brand might have been founded by Rufus Mathewson Rose, although this remains unconfirmed. The Lawrenceburg distillery, initially known as Old Prentice Distillery and designed by Joseph & Joseph Architects, has been a cornerstone of Four Roses' legacy since its construction.

Ownership and Evolution

Four Roses' journey through the 20th century involved ownership changes and strategic shifts. Seagram Distillers acquired the brand in 1943, during which it discontinued its domestic U.S. sales of bourbon to focus on other products, particularly blended whiskey. During this period, Four Roses was primarily available in Europe and Asia. The brand's return to prominence in the U.S. as a straight bourbon occurred after 1995, following ownership transitions from Seagram to Vivendi/Universal, and eventually to Kirin Brewery in 2002. Under Kirin's stewardship, Four Roses refocused exclusively on producing Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey.

Master Distillers and Innovations

Notable figures in Four Roses' distilling history include Jim Rutledge, who served as master distiller from 1995 to 2015, and Ova Haney before him. Since Rutledge's retirement, Brent Elliott has held the esteemed position of master distiller. Elliott, originally from Owensboro, Kentucky, brings a background in chemistry to his role, ensuring the brand's commitment to quality and innovation.

In 2019, Four Roses completed a significant $55 million expansion project aimed at doubling its production capacity. This expansion included new buildings, additional stills, and enhanced capabilities at both the Lawrenceburg distillery and the Cox's Creek warehouse and bottling facility. The introduction of Small Batch Select marked the first permanent addition to Four Roses' bourbon lineup in over a decade, underscoring its commitment to meeting the growing demand for premium bourbon.

Products

Four Roses offers a diverse portfolio of bourbon expressions, each crafted from ten distinct recipes using two mash bills and five proprietary yeast strains. Key offerings include:

• Four Roses Bourbon: A classic expression, sold internationally.
• Four Roses Small Batch: A blend of select barrels, offering a balanced profile.
• Four Roses Single Barrel: Bottled from individual barrels, providing a robust and unique tasting experience.
• Four Roses Small Batch Select: A higher proof, non-chill-filtered bourbon aged for at least six years, catering to discerning palates.
• Four Roses Black and Four Roses Super Premium: Variants tailored for the Japanese market, showcasing the brand's global appeal.

Additionally, Four Roses periodically releases limited-production commemorative bourbons, often non-chill-filtered and bottled at barrel proof, further showcasing its craftsmanship and dedication to bourbon excellence.

Legacy and Recognition

Four Roses' legacy is deeply rooted in Kentucky bourbon tradition, combining craftsmanship with innovation. Its commitment to quality, evidenced by its expansion and diverse product offerings, ensures that Four Roses remains a celebrated name among bourbon enthusiasts worldwide, embodying the spirit and essence of Kentucky's rich distilling heritage.