Four Roses Bourbon

“Of all bourbon brands, Four Roses is arguably the most scientifically made. But it also has a romantic side that goes beyond the corsage of roses on its distinctive label.” – Sam Bygrave, Boothby.com.au

Bourbon Whiskey not Whisky ­– Back to Basics

Does bourbon whiskey have to come from Kentucky? Nah. According to the 1964 Congressional Resolution, as long as it’s made in the U.S. and meets the ‘standards of identity’ for bourbon, it can sport the “Bourbon” label. So, while Kentucky might be the birthplace, you’ll find bourbon all over the country.

Let’s be honest—making bourbon in Kentucky has its perks. The state’s hot summers and cold winters age bourbon to perfection, while limestone-filtered water adds a smoother, cleaner taste. Plus generations of tradition, Kentucky bourbon is hard to beat. Today, Four Roses Bourbon is proudly crafted at the distillery on the banks of Salt River in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.

In order to have “Bourbon” on the label it must be made in the United States of America and meet all other federal “standards of identity” for Bourbon:

1.     As mentioned made in the U.S. (inc. outside Kentucky).

2.     At least 51% corn in the mash bill.

3.     Aged in new, charred oak barrels.

4.     Distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% alcohol). Entered into the barrel at no more than 125 proof. Bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% alcohol).

5.     No additives (only natural flavours from ingredients and aging).

And what’s the deal with ‘Straight’ Bourbon on the label? To earn the title of ‘Straight’ Bourbon, the whisky must be aged for at least two years in new charred oak barrels.

As Master Distiller Brent Elliot puts it, "all Four Roses bourbon is at least five years old." That means every release is Straight Bourbon—and then some. Four Roses Bourbon goes beyond the ageing requirements to ensure each whiskey is perfectly smooth and ready to enjoy, with unmatched richness and depth. And for those looking for something even more premium, try Four Roses Small Batch with a minimum of six years, and Four Roses Single Barrel, which is aged for at least seven years.

The Four Roses Story

Legend has it, Paul Jones Jr., founder of Four Roses, fell for a Southern belle. After sending her a proposal, she replied that if her answer were “yes,” she would wear a corsage of roses on her dress to the upcoming grand ball. Indeed, she showed up at the ball with four red roses. Paul Jones Jr., named his bourbon in honour of that timeless gesture of love.

In 1888 Four Roses is trademarked by Paul Jones Jr, with claims production as far back as the 1860s. This is done in Atlanta — a few years later, he moves the business to Kentucky. Today Four Roses is made at the Four Roses Distillery on the banks of Salt River in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.

Four Roses – Two Mash Bills by Five Yeast Strains makes Ten Recipes

Four Roses Bourbon is known for its unique approach to creating flavour profiles, using ten distinct recipes that combine two mash bills (B with 60% corn and E with 75% corn) and five proprietary yeast strains. Each recipe name tells a story: for example, Recipe 1— “O” stands for the production facility, “B” represents one of the mash bills, “S” indicates the ‘Straight’ whisky designation (with at least 2 years of aging), and “V” describes the yeast strain’s flavour character in this case described as ‘delicate fruit’.