Four Roses just released their 2021 Limited Edition Bourbon as the legacy highlight of fall 2021. The bourbon is produced in small batches from the Kentucky bourbon distillery. The just-unveiled 2021 version, like years past, does not aim to disappoint.
The Four Roses 2021 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon combines 4 of the 10 distinct bourbon recipes. The distillery combines two mash bills- Mashbill B and Mashbill E, with five proprietary yeast strains to create 10 distinct Bourbon recipes. The mixed recipe of 4 bourbons goes as a blend of 16-year-old bourbon from the OBSV recipe (13%), a 14-year-old OBSQ (6%), a 12-year-old OESK (23%), and a 16-year-old OESV (58%). This combination adds an endless flavour profile to the bourbon.
“Hand-selecting the barrels to make up our annual limited edition bottling is one of my most rewarding experiences each year. The ability to work with 10 bourbon recipes each with distinct characteristics opens up endless possibilities. This year’s release brings a proof higher than any of the past Limited Editions, creating robust complexity and layers of flavours resulting from the variety of constituent batches and recipes.”
By Four Roses master distiller Brent Elliott
The fermented mash called ‘Distiller’s Beer’ undergoes a double distillation process. The Distiller’s Beer goes to a column still and is then subjected to steam that is fed to the bottom of the still. The alcohol rises to the top of the column where it is cooled and condensed back into a liquid that feeds off into the tailbox. This alcohol is fairly clean, but still contains a small number of impurities that affect the taste. It is sent off for a second distillation in the Doubler (pot-like still) to remove these impurities. After the second distillation, the alcohol is sent to distillate tanks to be checked for quality and consistency. The spirit is then shipped to the Warehouse and Bottling Facility in Cox’s Creek. The bourbon is matured in charred, new American oak barrels for a minimum of 12-16 years, to perfection.
Tasting Notes
- AROMA: Ripe Berries, Light Floral, Rich Warm Oak
- PALATE: Plum, Orange Peel, Delicate Spice
- FINISH: Vanilla Cream, Dark Chocolate
- BOTTLED AT: 57.2 %ABV / 114.2 Proof
The 2021 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon is sold at an RRP of US$150. The hand-numbered 14,500 bottles will roll out in select retailers in late September in the United States.
“Additionally, Four Roses will offer a limited quantity for sale at the Four Roses Distillery Visitor Center through a public lottery draw. Individuals may register for the lottery from August 31 to September 12 by visiting the Four Roses website. Those who are selected via random draw will schedule appointments to pick up their purchase at the distillery.”
According to the Whiskeywash
Four Roses Bourbons
Paul Jones, Jr. is the founder of Four Roses Bourbon. The Four Roses Bourbon is named as a symbol of his devout passion for the lovely Southern belle, a passion he thereafter transferred to making his beloved Four Roses Bourbon. The distillery was started as a “Whiskey Row” distillery in 1884 near Louisville, Kentucky by Paul Jones. Four years later, he trademarked the name “Four Roses”, claiming production and sales back to the 1860s. In 1922, the Paul Jones Company purchased the Frankfort Distilling Company. In February 2002, the Kirin Brewery Company, Ltd. purchased the Four Roses Bourbon brand trademark and production facilities. The new acquisition was named the “Four Roses Distillery LLC”. Shortly thereafter, Four Roses were once again sold in the United States and quickly earned the reputation of being one of the most notable names in the Bourbon world. The hand-crafted bourbon brand is known for its unique taste and has won a lot of awards.
Enjoy the passion for quality and pride legacy with the smooth and mellow taste of the Four Roses’ bourbon. Cheers!!!