Four Roses Distillery, an esteemed name in the world of Kentucky bourbon, is poised to release its 2024 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon, a much-anticipated event for whiskey enthusiasts and collectors alike. This release, now in its 17th year, continues the tradition of offering a meticulously crafted bourbon that stands out in a crowded market. Each year, Four Roses aims to deliver something truly special, and the 2024 edition is no exception. With a blend of four distinct bourbon batches aged between 12 and 20 years, this year's release promises to be a top-tier expression of the distillery's expertise.
What sets Four Roses apart from many other distilleries is its unique approach to bourbon production. The distillery is known for its ten distinct bourbon recipes, which are created by combining two different mashbills with five proprietary yeast strains. This allows the distillery to produce a wide variety of flavor profiles, offering endless possibilities for crafting unique and complex bourbons. While many distilleries have expanded their product lines with numerous labels and releases, Four Roses has remained selective, focusing on the quality and distinctiveness of each batch. This approach puts significant pressure on their limited edition releases to be exceptional, and by all accounts, the 2024 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon lives up to that expectation.
The 2024 edition is a blend of four specific recipes: a 12-year-old bourbon from the OBSV recipe, a 15-year-old from the OESK recipe, a 16-year-old from the OESF recipe, and a 20-year-old from the OBSV recipe. Each of these recipes contributes something unique to the blend. The OBSV recipes, which make up the majority of the blend, are known for their bright and rye-forward characteristics, offering a vibrant and spicy foundation. The OESK recipe adds depth with its strong barrel influence, which complements the brighter elements with richer, more robust flavors. The OESF recipe, particularly in its 16-year-old expression, surprised the distillers with its pronounced mouthfeel and deep notes of dark cherry, adding a layer of complexity to the blend.
Master Distiller Brent Elliott, who has been with Four Roses for over a decade, played a crucial role in selecting and blending the recipes for this edition. According to Elliott, the goal each year is to create a bourbon that offers something new and exciting while still maintaining the balance and refinement that Four Roses is known for. This year, Elliott and his team experimented with around 20 different test blends before settling on the final recipe. The result is a bourbon that he describes as "vibrant, bright, and unique," with a finish that is delicately spiced.
Upon tasting, the 2024 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon reveals itself as a complex and multifaceted whiskey. The mouthfeel is immediately silky, a quality that sets the stage for a cascade of flavors. Initial notes of tropical fruit and fresh black cherry are soon joined by deeper, more indulgent flavors of nougat, oak, and tobacco. These flavors are balanced by an undercurrent of earthy baking spices, including allspice and cinnamon, which add warmth without overpowering the palate. As the whiskey develops, hints of bitter chocolate and mint emerge, especially in the finish, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the earlier flavors. The official tasting notes from Four Roses highlight aromas of creamy vanilla, honey, and brown sugar on the nose, with flavors of ripe berries and tangy citrus on the palate. Herbal notes and the distillery’s signature mellow spice round out the experience, providing a smooth and satisfying finish.
The 2024 edition is bottled at 108.2 proof and is non-chill filtered, ensuring that the full character and texture of the bourbon are preserved. Non-chill filtering is a process that retains the natural oils and compounds in the whiskey, contributing to a richer mouthfeel and more robust flavor. This decision reflects Four Roses' commitment to maintaining the integrity of their whiskey, even as they push the boundaries of flavor with each new release.
In total, 16,680 bottles of the 2024 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon have been produced for the U.S. market. This is one of the larger volumes for a Four Roses special edition, increasing the chances that dedicated fans will be able to secure a bottle. However, given the popularity of these limited releases, it’s still likely that demand will outstrip supply, especially once the bottles hit the secondary market. The suggested retail price for this edition is $220, but it’s not uncommon for prices to rise significantly on resale platforms as collectors and enthusiasts vie for a taste of this unique bourbon.
For those eager to get their hands on a bottle, the official release date is September 14th. Bottles will be available at the Four Roses Distillery Visitor Center in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, as well as at the Visitor Center at the Four Roses Warehouse & Bottling Facility in Cox’s Creek, Kentucky. In addition to these locations, a limited number of bottles will also be distributed to select retailers across the country starting in September. Given the popularity of past releases, those planning to purchase directly from the distillery may need to arrive early and be prepared for a possible wait in line.
The 2024 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon is more than just a drink; it’s a testament to the skill and dedication of the Four Roses team. Each bottle represents a careful blend of history, craftsmanship, and innovation, making it a worthy addition to any bourbon lover’s collection. Whether enjoyed neat, shared among friends, or saved for a special occasion, this bourbon is sure to impress with its depth, complexity, and unmistakable character. As with previous editions, the 2024 release is likely to become a sought-after item among collectors, not just for its rarity but for the exceptional quality that Four Roses consistently delivers.
This release also underscores Four Roses' place in the bourbon world as a distillery that honors tradition while embracing innovation. By sticking to their core principles of quality and craftsmanship, yet continually exploring new ways to express the potential of their ten recipes, Four Roses has created a bourbon that is both a reflection of its rich heritage and a bold step forward in the art of whiskey making.
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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.
