The History of Four Roses
Promotional items aside, Four Roses Bourbon boasts a storied history dating back to 1888, when it was established by Paul Jones Jr., a whiskey pioneer who registered the name after reportedly being inspired by a romantic gesture involving four roses. (Who doesn’t love a good romantic story that includes brown booze at the onset?)
During Prohibition, the brand survived by producing medicinal whiskey under a government license. However, its fortunes shifted in the mid-20th century when it was transitioned into a blended whiskey for the U.S. market, while its straight bourbon continued thriving internationally, particularly in Japan.
The brand’s renaissance began in 2002 when it was acquired by Kirin Brewery Company, which reinstated its commitment to producing exceptional straight bourbon in the U.S. market.
The Unique Mash Bills
Four Roses is pretty much the only bourbon distillery combining five proprietary yeast strains with two separate mash bills to handcraft ten distinct bourbons. To go into this further—and I’m warning you, this is going to begin like a sample GRE exam logic question—each recipe is described by a four-letter “code.” This indicates the production facility, the mashbill, the spirit type, and the yeast strain.
All 10 recipes are used in Four Roses’ yellow label, which is what I review here. In September 2015, Brent Elliott took over as Four Roses’ Master Distiller from Jim Rutledge, and the iconic bottle hosted on most back bars across America now carries his name.
Tasting Notes: Four Roses Bourbon
Vital stats: 80 proof; about $20; uses all 10 bourbon recipes.
Appearance: It’s yellow label—and the bourbon itself has a yellow quality to it. Like finding old newspaper clippings in an attic, especially the extra-yellowed outer corners (why does that happen?). Also: weak ginger or lemon teas.
Nose: It smells…like bourbon. I know, this is not saying a lot but I get to taste a lot of bourbon. Some smell more like bourbon than others. That doesn’t mean it’s alcohol-ey, it means it smells like good bourbon. Rich, a browned butter, and the warm pleasantness that surrounds you when you’re well into a glass sitting with someone you like while sitting by a fire. It smells, quite frankly, like comfort. (Also, apples.)
Trending Content
Palate: I’ve tried a bunch of Four Roses concoctions, and they never disappoint. This one is easy-drinking and light, and yet with enough substance to do well on its own, neat, or on the rocks. It has a light syrup mouthfeel but not syrupy sweetness. It’s a little chewy. Also, apples. Again. It tastes like its smell, which is to say good bourbon, not surprising or amazing, but a solid, easy-drinking beverage. It tastes like a more expensive bottle.
This review was originally published in December 2018, and updated in December 2024.
