In the world of Kentucky bourbon, some names grab all the headlines, but Four Roses has always been that reliable standout – the kind of distillery that delivers solid, everyday whiskey without much fanfare. Their regular lineup is a smart mix of ten different recipes, keeping things affordable while packing in real quality that any guy who's spent time around a bar can appreciate. But every year, they step it up with their Limited Edition Small Batch release, turning heads and creating that buzz reserved for those hard-to-get bottles folks call "unicorns." This year's 2025 edition just hit the scene, and if you're into bourbon that tells a story through every sip, this one's got layers worth exploring.
Brent Elliott, the master distiller at Four Roses, doesn't just throw these releases together. He makes a point to switch things up each time, keeping fans on their toes. For 2025 – marking the 18th in this series – he's gone back to basics in a way, dialing in on the classic Four Roses taste but cranking it up with some seriously aged stuff. It's built around two key recipes that define what the brand's all about: OBSV and OESV. If you're not deep into the weeds on this, Four Roses runs things differently than most. They start with two mashbills – one with 35 percent rye (that's the B) and another with 20 percent (the E) – and pair them with five yeast strains. That combo gives them those ten recipes total, each coded simply: O for the distillery itself, then the mashbill letter, S for straight whiskey, and the final letter tagging the yeast, which shapes the flavors from fruity to spicy and everything in between.
Breaking down this year's blend, it's a thoughtful mix that shows Elliott's hand at work. The biggest chunk is 38 percent from 13-year-old OBSV barrels, bringing in those soft fruit notes and sweet oak vibes that make Four Roses feel like home. Right behind that is 35 percent of 13-year-old OESV, adding balance with its own take on the core profile. Then there's 17 percent of 13-year-old OBSK to stir in some extra kick and complexity – think spice that keeps things interesting without overwhelming. And to top it off, a 10 percent hit of 19-year-old OESV for that deep, mature depth that only time in the barrel can deliver. The whole thing gets bottled without chill filtration, clocking in at 109 proof, so you get the full, unfiltered experience straight from the cask.
Elliott put it plainly when talking about the process: he zeroed in on those 13-year-old V batches because they highlight delicate fruits and those warm, barrel-sweet tones that stand strong on their own. But adding the OBSK brought in twists he figured folks would dig, and that older 19-year-old bit seals the deal, rounding everything out with a richness that feels earned. It's the kind of blending that reminds you why bourbon's more than just a drink – it's craftsmanship, patience, and a nod to tradition in a world that's always rushing.
Now, let's talk about what it's like to actually pour a glass. Right off the bat, the nose pulls you in with scents of fresh leather, a bright pop of citrus, and that subtle oak dust like you're walking through an old warehouse. Take a sip, and it opens up: salted caramel melts into vanilla custard, with hints of pomegranate adding a tart edge. Pepper sneaks in for some heat, balanced by orange and cherry notes that keep it fruity. Then comes milk chocolate smoothness, a touch of maple sweetness, and a dash of cinnamon to spice the ride. The finish hangs around, warm and satisfying, leaving you thinking about the next pour. It's complex without being fussy – the sort of bourbon that rewards a quiet evening on the porch or sharing stories with buddies who've been around the block.
With only 16,854 bottles rolling out, this isn't something you'll find gathering dust on shelves. The suggested price is $249, but good luck sticking to that – once it hits the resale spots, expect to shell out more if you're set on landing one. It's out there starting now at certain stores, or you can try your luck in the distillery's drawing, which wraps up on August 24. If you win, you head to the Visitor Center in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, to grab it yourself – a little road trip that adds to the adventure.
Four Roses has built its rep on being approachable yet exceptional, and this 2025 Limited Edition Small Batch fits right in while standing out. It's a reminder that great bourbon doesn't need hype to shine; it just needs the right mix of heritage and heart. If you're the type who values a whiskey that evolves with each taste, this could be the one that becomes a tale worth telling down the line. Whether you're stocking your home bar or chasing that next favorite, keep an eye out – these unicorns don't stick around long.
