Four Roses unveils first permanent Bourbon in more than 12 years

Bourbon brand Four Roses is set to release its first permanent line extension in more than 12 years, called Small Batch Select.

Four Roses Bourbon will launch Small Batch Select in spring

Four Roses Small Batch Select will be the fourth expression to join the range, which includes Four Roses Single Barrel, Four Roses Small Batch and Four Roses Bourbon.

The Bourbon, which is non-chill-filtered and bottled at 52% abv, is a blend of six of the distillery’s 10 Bourbon recipes.

While details of which Bourbon recipes selected for the new bottling will be kept under wraps until spring, master distiller Brent Elliott said each one is either a six- or seven-year-old Bourbon.

The expression will launch this spring in Kentucky, New York, California, Texas and Georgia. It will become available in additional locations in the future.

“We wanted to add something to our line-up that brings that pure experience you get with a non-chill-filtered Bourbon, while also showcasing some of our recipes and flavours that aren’t as forward facing in our other existing bottles,” said Elliott.

“Small Batch Select certainly can be one of your special occasion Bourbons, but we want it to be more accessible so you don’t hesitate to open up that bottle and enjoy it any time.

“I am particularly proud of this Bourbon, as it is the biggest addition to the storied history of Four Roses since I became master distiller.”

On the nose, Four Roses Small Batch Select offers raspberries, clove and nutmeg, while the palate has hints of apricot, ripe berries, vanilla and light oak. The finish has flavours of spearmint and a touch of cinnamon.

In September last year, a strike over proposed changes to new five-year contracts at Four Roses Bourbon distillery and bottling plant in Kentucky came to an end after both sides reached a “tentative agreement”