Drink of the Day: Four Roses Small Batch

Four Roses Small Batch

Four Roses Small Batch is a celebrated Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey known for its balanced profile and smooth finish. It serves as a cornerstone of the Four Roses portfolio, offering a sophisticated experience for both casual drinkers and dedicated enthusiasts. This expression highlights the distillery's unique approach to blending, which relies on a complex system of proprietary recipes.

Company History

The story of Four Roses began in 1888 when Paul Jones Jr. founded the brand, inspired by a romantic gesture involving a corsage of four roses. Over the following century, the company navigated the challenges of the American spirits industry, eventually becoming a fixture in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. In February 2002, the Kirin Brewery Company, Ltd. acquired the brand and its production facilities, establishing the Four Roses Distillery LLC. Today, the company operates its historic distillery in Lawrenceburg and a separate warehouse and bottling facility in Cox's Creek, maintaining a legacy of quality that attracts thousands of visitors annually.

Product History

Four Roses Small Batch was introduced in 2006 under the guidance of then-Master Distiller Jim Rutledge to provide a premium, versatile option for consumers. The production process is defined by the use of two distinct mash bills and five proprietary yeast strains, which together create ten unique bourbon recipes. For the Small Batch expression, the distillery mingles four of these specific recipes—OBSK, OESK, OBSO, and OESO—to achieve a consistent balance of spice, fruit, and richness. Bottled at 90 proof, the whiskey is aged for six to seven years in new, charred American oak containers.

Review

Four Roses Small Batch is widely regarded for its approachable yet complex character, earning consistent praise from industry observers. Based on an aggregation of ratings from Distiller, Breaking Bourbon, and The Whiskey Wash, the bourbon holds an average score of 4.1 out of 5 stars. Reviewers frequently highlight its notes of red fruit, baking spices, and a soft, lingering finish that makes it suitable for both neat sipping and cocktail preparation.

Serving Guide

Glassware: Rocks glass or Glencairn | Serving temperature: Room temperature | ABV: 45%

Serving Suggestions

• Serve neat in a heavy-bottomed glass to appreciate the aromatic profile.
• Add a single large ice cube to slowly open up the flavors and reduce the intensity of the spice.
• Pair with dark chocolate or smoked nuts to complement the bourbon's inherent sweetness.

Cocktail Recipe

The classic Old Fashioned is an ideal way to showcase the depth of Four Roses Small Batch, providing a timeless structure for its nuanced flavors. Yield: 1 serving.

• 2 ounces Four Roses Small Batch
• 0.25 ounce simple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel for garnish

1. Combine the bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice.
2. Stir gently for thirty seconds until well-chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over a large ice cube and express the orange peel over the surface before dropping it into the drink.