What makes Four Roses Bourbon unique?
Four Roses is the only major distillery that combines two distinct mash bills with five proprietary yeast strains to create 10 signature bourbon recipes. This allows us to craft unmatched flavor consistency and complexity across our entire lineup.
What are the 10 distinct Four Roses Bourbon recipes?
Our recipes are designated by a four-letter code (like OBSV or OESK). The first and third letters (O and S) remain constant, while the second letter dictates the mash bill (B = 35% rye, E = 20% rye) and the fourth letter dictates the yeast strain (V, K, O, Q, or F), each yielding unique fruit, floral, spicy, or herbal notes.
Is Four Roses a high-rye bourbon?
Yes, many of our expressions feature a high rye content. Our B mash bill utilizes 35% rye, which gives our whiskeys a distinctly robust, spicy, and dry character that balances beautifully with natural corn sweetness.
What is the difference between Four Roses Single Barrel and Small Batch?
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Single Barrel: Bottled from one single aging cask, showcasing one specific recipe (typically OBSV) at 100 proof. Every bottle has its own unique, uncut character.
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Small Batch: An expert, balanced blend of four select recipes bottled at 90 proof, designed for ultimate versatility and smoothness.
Why doesn’t Four Roses print age statements on the bottles?
We believe bourbon is ready when it is ready, not when a calendar says so. While our standard bottlings are typically aged between 5 to 9 years minimum, our Master Distiller selects barrels based on peak maturity and optimal flavor profile rather than a rigid age number.
Are Four Roses Bourbons gluten-free?
Yes. The distillation process removes the gluten proteins from the base grains (corn, rye, and malted barley). The final distillate is completely gluten-free, making straight bourbon safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
What is the “Yellow Label” bottle called now?
Our classic, highly approachable entry-level bottle is now simply titled Four Roses Bourbon. It is an 80-proof blend of all 10 recipes, aged a minimum of 5 years, and serves as an exceptional foundation for classic cocktails.
What is Small Batch Select?
Introduced as a non-chill filtered, 104-proof permanent addition to our lineup, Small Batch Select is a master blend of six of our 10 historic recipes. It offers a deeper, more structured texture favored by bourbon enthusiasts.
Where can I find the Limited Edition Small Batch releases?
Our highly sought-after Annual Limited Edition Small Batch is released each fall in limited quantities. You can find them at select premium spirits retailers or directly at our distillery gift shops while supplies last.
How should I store my bottle of Four Roses?
Store your bourbon bottles upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Unlike wine, keeping the bottle upright prevents the high-proof alcohol from degrading the cork over time.
Where is the Four Roses Distillery located?
Our historic, Spanish Mission-style distillery is located in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. We also operate our Warehouse & Bottling facility at Cox’s Creek in Bardstown, Kentucky.
Do I need a reservation to visit Four Roses?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended for all structured tastings and guided tours. While we occasionally accommodate walk-ins on weekdays, weekend spots fill up quickly, especially during peak Bourbon Trail seasons.
What is the difference between the Lawrenceburg and Cox’s Creek locations?
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Lawrenceburg: This is where the cooking, fermenting, and distilling take place. It features our iconic 1910 architecture and Visitor Center.
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Cox’s Creek: This location houses our unique single-story aging warehouses and our bottling line. Separate tour experiences are available here.
What makes Four Roses aging warehouses different?
Unlike traditional multi-story rickhouses that experience massive temperature swings between floors, Four Roses utilizes single-story warehouses. This minimizes temperature variances, ensuring our barrels age with incredible uniformity and consistency.
Can I buy exclusive bottles at the distillery gift shop?
Yes. Our distillery gift shops in Lawrenceburg and Cox’s Creek feature rotating selections of distillery-exclusive single barrel picks, allocated releases, and limited merchandise not available anywhere else.
Is there a bar on-site at the Visitor Center?
Yes, you can pull up a chair at Bar 1888 located inside our Lawrenceburg Visitor Center. No reservation is required to enjoy rotating neat pours of our 10 individual recipes or artisan seasonal cocktails.
How long do the distillery tours typically last?
Our standard guided tours and tasting experiences range from 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the depth of the experience you choose to book.
Is food available at the distillery?
We do not have a full-service restaurant on site, but Bar 1888 offers light snacks. Local food trucks are also frequently stationed on the grounds during peak weekends.
Who do I contact if I have a question about my distillery tour booking or an online order?
For the fastest response, please open the Live Chat window in the bottom right corner of our website during standard business hours. Alternatively, you can drop us an email at info@fourrosesbourbonn, and our customer care team will get back to you within 24 to 48 hours.
