Four Roses Small Batch Select

First Four Roses line in 12 years.

The origin of the name “Four Roses” is a bit muddy – the most popular story says the distillery was founded by a druggist Rufus M. Rose, and that the four roses are his immediate family. What we do know for sure is that the company was established in 1888; that it was the only distillery that was allowed to operate during the Prohibition (medicinal alcohol remained legal – lucky doctors); and that they produce spankingly good Bourbon. The Master Distiller at Four Roses Is Brent Elliott and he came up with a ritzy and unique expression he calls Small Batch Select.

The exclusive line that joins Single Barrel, Small Batch, and Yellow Label, is a blend of six recipes, aged for 6 to 7 years. Four Roses produces ten base Bourbons and Small Batch Select utilizes the majority of them. It’s a completely new concoction that manages to be gentle and approachable despite being 104 Proof. Brent singled out eh “F strain” of yeast that was used for this release, saying it brings a complex character and a warm-spicy palate. Small Batch Select aims to please both the casual drinkers and Bourbon-heads. A little secret, though: adding a splash of water opens a whole new world.