Kentucky-based Four Roses Distillery is marking a major milestone in 2025: the 20th anniversary of its iconic Single Barrel bourbon. To commemorate the occasion, the brand has announced the launch of its Single Barrel Collection, a lineup that introduces three new 100-proof single-barrel bourbons alongside its classic flagship Single Barrel. This expansion offers bourbon enthusiasts a deeper dive into the brand’s innovative production approach and distinct flavor profiles.
The Four Bourbons in the Single Barrel Collection
The new Single Barrel Collection includes four expressions, each highlighting a unique combination of mash bills and yeast strains from Four Roses’ proprietary system of 10 bourbon recipes. These recipes, crafted by blending two mash bills and five yeast strains, produce diverse flavor profiles that distinguish Four Roses in the world of whiskey.
Here’s a closer look at the four bourbons in the 2025 lineup:
- OBSV: This is the flagship Single Barrel recipe that bourbon lovers have enjoyed for two decades. Made with Mash Bill B (60% corn, 35% rye, and 5% malted barley) and yeast strain V, it offers a balanced blend of rye spice, apricot, pear, cinnamon, and toasted oak.
- OBSF: Also made with Mash Bill B but paired with yeast strain F, this bourbon delivers a bold flavor profile of herbal notes, bright rye, apple, vanilla, clove, and cocoa.
- OESK: Crafted with Mash Bill E (75% corn, 20% rye, and 5% malted barley) and yeast strain K, this expression features mellow oak, tea leaves, caramel, and a hint of baking spices.
- OESO: Combining Mash Bill E and yeast strain O, this bourbon showcases rich red fruit, vanilla, brown sugar, and delicate oak flavors for a smooth, sweet finish.
Each of these bourbons is aged between seven and nine years, ensuring a well-rounded and complex tasting experience.
A Legacy of Innovation
The release of the Single Barrel Collection reflects Four Roses’ legacy of innovation and its commitment to celebrating its unique recipe system. Master Distiller Brent Elliott emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating, “Our ten recipes are central to creating Four Roses’ signature mellow spice, and this collection provides the experience for fans to enjoy more of what makes our bourbons special.”
Elliott also noted the widespread acclaim that the flagship Single Barrel bourbon has received over the years, including awards like World’s Best Single Barrel at the World Whiskies Awards and Single Barrel Bourbon of the Year at the USA Spirits Ratings. The launch of the new collection serves as a testament to the distillery’s dedication to crafting exceptional bourbon.
What Sets the Single Barrel Collection Apart?
The Single Barrel Collection provides a rare opportunity for bourbon enthusiasts to explore recipes that were previously available only in private barrel picks or as part of special releases. The three new additions—OBSF, OESK, and OESO—allow drinkers to experience different flavor nuances based on varying mash bills and yeast strains, something Four Roses fans have long awaited.
For those unfamiliar, Four Roses uses two primary mash bills in its recipes:
- Mash Bill B: 60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley
- Mash Bill E: 75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malted barley
These mash bills are then fermented with five different yeast strains, each imparting unique flavors:
- V: Delicate fruit
- K: Slight spice
- O: Rich fruit
- Q: Floral essence
- F: Herbal notes
Until now, the OBSV recipe has been the star of the Single Barrel bourbon lineup. With this collection, Four Roses is expanding the horizons for bourbon enthusiasts, offering access to more of their exclusive recipes in a single-barrel format.
Availability and Pricing
The Single Barrel Collection will be available throughout 2025, with each bottle priced at a suggested retail price of $49.99. Initially, the bourbons will only be available at the Four Roses Distillery Visitor Center in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, and the Warehouse & Bottling Facility in Cox’s Creek, Kentucky. However, collectors and fans can expect some bottles to make their way to the secondary market, likely at premium prices.
A Look Ahead
Four Roses has announced plans to release additional single-barrel expressions in the coming years, rotating between the nine recipes that complement the flagship OBSV. This phased approach ensures that fans can eventually sample every mash bill and yeast strain combination the distillery has to offer.
For those who love the complexity of Four Roses bourbons, this new Single Barrel Collection is an exciting addition to the lineup. With its rich history, innovative recipes, and commitment to quality, Four Roses continues to solidify its reputation as a leader in the world of Kentucky bourbon.
Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon drinker or just beginning your whiskey journey, the 2025 Single Barrel Collection is a must-try for anyone eager to experience the full spectrum of flavors that Four Roses has perfected over the years.
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About Four Roses
Four Roses, an esteemed name in the world of American bourbon, has a rich and storied history that dates back over a century. Founded in 1888 in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, the distillery quickly gained recognition for its commitment to crafting exceptional bourbon. What sets Four Roses apart is its meticulous approach, which includes ten distinct recipes, each created from a unique combination of the distillery's two mashbills and five yeast strains. This diversity of recipes is at the core of Four Roses' identity and contributes to the complexity of its bourbons.
One of the hallmarks of Four Roses bourbon is its dedication to quality and tradition. The distillery adheres to the time-honored processes that define American whiskey production. From fermentation to distillation and maturation, each step is carefully overseen by a team of experts who ensure that every bottle of Four Roses bourbon meets the highest standards.
Four Roses' annual Limited Edition Small Batch releases have become highly anticipated events in the world of bourbon. These releases showcase the craftsmanship and expertise of the distillery's Master Distiller, who carefully selects and blends different batches to create unique and memorable expressions. Each Limited Edition Small Batch is a testament to Four Roses' commitment to pushing the boundaries of flavor and complexity.
The introduction of a 25-year-old bourbon component in the 135th Anniversary Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon is a testament to Four Roses' dedication to innovation. While bourbon is not typically aged for such extended periods, Four Roses has used this well-aged whiskey judiciously, ensuring that it enhances the blend without overpowering it. This blend, along with its diverse recipes, exemplifies Four Roses' ability to balance tradition and innovation.
Four Roses' Lawrenceburg distillery has also become a destination for whiskey enthusiasts. The distillery's visitor center offers guided tours that provide an in-depth look into the whiskey-making process. Visitors can witness the art of bourbon production, from the mashing of grains to the aging in charred oak barrels. It's an opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich history and craftsmanship that define Four Roses.
As a brand with over a century of heritage, Four Roses continues to be a respected and celebrated name in the bourbon world. Its commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation ensures that each bottle of Four Roses bourbon delivers a unique and memorable tasting experience, making it a favorite among whiskey connoisseurs and collectors alike.
