Four Roses

Four Roses is one of Kentucky’s most distinctive bourbon producers, known for its unique combination of mash bills, yeast strains, and commitment to flavour diversity. Founded in 1888 by Paul Jones Jr., Four Roses built its early reputation as a high-quality bourbon in the United States before becoming particularly popular in overseas markets, especially Japan, during the mid-20th century. Today, it has regained its place as a respected name in American whiskey, admired by both casual drinkers and seasoned bourbon enthusiasts.

The origin of the name “Four Roses” is steeped in romantic legend. Jones is said to have fallen in love with a Southern belle, proposing marriage. She replied that if her answer were “yes,” she would wear a corsage of four red roses to a grand ball they were both attending. When she arrived with the roses pinned to her dress, Jones took it as a sign of her acceptance, and the bourbon’s name was born.

What sets Four Roses apart from other Kentucky distilleries is its innovative production system. The distillery uses two mash bills, one with a higher rye content for extra spice, and another with a lower rye content for softer sweetness, combined with five proprietary yeast strains. This creates ten distinct bourbon recipes, each with its own flavour profile. These recipes are then blended in different combinations to produce the distillery’s core expressions, while single barrel releases showcase just one recipe in its pure form.

In addition to these, the distillery releases sought-after limited editions, often bottled at barrel strength and made from rare or older stock. These releases, such as the Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch, are highly prized among collectors for their richness and balance.

Four Roses’ flavour spectrum is broad thanks to its recipe system. Depending on the expression, you may find aromas of floral honey, orchard fruit, and vanilla, or spicier notes of clove, cinnamon, and pepper, all underpinned by the caramel and oak sweetness from charred American white oak barrels. The result is a range that offers something for almost every palate, from newcomers to bourbon veterans.

Located in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, the Four Roses Distillery is a National Historic Landmark, known for its Spanish Mission-style architecture. The brand also operates a separate maturation and bottling facility in Cox’s Creek. This dual-site setup ensures close quality control from fermentation to final bottling.

Our Four Roses selection features everything from the easy-drinking standard bottling to robust single barrels and rare limited editions. Whether you’re after a versatile mixing bourbon, a refined sipping whiskey, or a collector’s item, Four Roses offers a unique approach to Kentucky tradition - blending heritage, innovation, and a bouquet of flavours worthy of its romantic name.