Four Roses Distillery

Four Roses Distillery is a historic distillery, built in 1910 and now on the National Register of Historic Places. Owned by Kirin Brewery Company of Japan, Four Roses has been a part of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey culture since its founding in the 19th century.

Located in the heartland of bourbon country, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Four Roses was first introduced in 1888. They make handcrafted, small-batch bourbon. Their award-winning bourbons are made from the finest ingredients and aged to perfection to create bold and complex bourbons.

Four Roses has a long and storied history, and legend says that the company’s name comes from an experience of founder Paul Jones, Jr. and a love interest. Regardless of where the name came from, Four Roses was introduced and trademarked by Jones in 1888.

Since the beginning, the bourbon has been produced at the same distillery, formerly known as Old Prentice Distillery. With its Spanish Mission style, the building was built by famous distillery architects, Joseph & Joseph Architects.

Four Roses was bought by the Seagram company in the 1940s and was discontinued as the company began to focus more on blended spirits. After the brand changed hands from Seagram to a few other companies, and finally to Kirin Brewery, the brand was revived, and then Kirin decided to go back to the old ways of straight Kentucky bourbon whiskey as opposed to blends.

Since its revival, Four Roses has introduced a number of unique, small-batch bourbons that are rich, complex, and award-winning. The distillery also produced Bulleit Bourbon for Diageo in the past.

Limited Edition Offerings

To date, Four Roses has introduced seven limited editions of their straight Kentucky bourbon whiskeys. 

2016 Elliot’s Select Limited Edition

This is a barrel strength bourbon that is 116 proof. This bourbon uses the company’s Mashbill E, a rye-heavy mashbill with 75% corn, to give it a sweet yet slightly spicy taste. The bourbon is non-chill filtered and then aged at least 14-years.

2016 Limited Edition Small Batch

This bourbon is an award-winning, complex, and sophisticated small-batch with unique and delicate flavors and that bold spice we have come to know and love. This bourbon uses both Mashbill B and Mashbill E to create a very rich and fruity taste. It is 111 proof, and this barrel strength bourbon is aged between 12-16 years. 

2017 Al Young 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Small Batch

This highly sophisticated and long-aged barrel strength Kentucky bourbon whiskey uses both Mashbill B and E. This rye-heavy bourbon has a spicy, bold taste and a smooth finish. It is 107 proof and is aged between 12-23 years to bring out the spirit’s varied and delicate flavors.

2017 Limited Edition Small Batch

This bourbon relies on the rye-heavy Mashbill E, with yeasts that produce spicy and fruity flavors that go down smooth. This bourbon is 107 proof and aged between 12-15 years.

2018 130th Anniversary Limited Edition Small Batch

This is another complex bourbon that is based on both Mashbills B and E. It is 108 proof and has spicy, fruity, and delicate notes that finishes smooth. The bourbon is aged between 10-16 years.

2019 Limited Edition Small Batch

A sophisticated and long-aged bourbon, this is another barrel strength offering that is 112 proof. It has spicy and fruity notes, as well as a delicate balance of other flavors. This bourbon is aged between 11-21 years.

2020 Limited Edition Small Batch

This most current run actually features four different bourbons that are aged between 12-19 years. The bourbons are made from Mashbill B and E and are non-chill filtered for a smooth finish.

Tour Information

The distillery features a visitor center, and the warehouse and bottling facility are open to the public. Their hours are Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays from noon-4 p.m. Tastings are also available by reservation.