Celebrating 135 Years: Four Roses’ Small Batch Limited Edition 2023

For the past 16 years, Four Roses has been known for its annual Small Batch Limited Edition releases. In celebration of its 135th anniversary, the distillery is once again launching its highly anticipated 2023 blend. This year’s edition features a particularly impressive addition, making it all the more exciting for whiskey enthusiasts.

Four Roses is renowned for its unique approach to bourbon production. With 10 different recipes, crafted from two mash bills and five yeast strains, each individual batch is labeled with a distinctive four-letter code, such as OESK. While the core Four Roses bourbon is a combination of all these recipes, the annual small batch release offers a continually evolving amalgamation.

The Four Roses 135th Anniversary 2023 Small Batch Limited Edition comes in at a robust 108 proof (54 percent ABV) and is comprised of four hand-selected bourbons by master distiller Brent Elliott. The blend consists of 40 percent 14-year-old OESK, 35 percent 12-year-old OESV, 20 percent 16-year-old OESV, and a mere five percent of the unique 25-year-old OBSV recipe – the oldest whiskey ever included in this special blend. Each bottle of the 135th Anniversary Limited Edition Small Batch is individually hand-numbered, making it a true collector’s item. With only 15,060 bottles released, it’s a highly coveted addition to any whiskey lover’s collection.

Reflecting on the creation of this blend, Elliott expressed his excitement about the celebration of Four Roses’ storied bourbon tradition. “In crafting this blend, I wanted to create an elegant bourbon worthy of the brand’s heritage,” he said. “Each of the 12, 14, and 16-year-old batches possesses unique characteristics that complement each other perfectly.” He went on to explain how he meticulously selected additional batches of varying ages and recipes to add an extra layer of complexity. Ultimately, Elliott decided on the inclusion of the 25-year-old OBSV, as it melded seamlessly with the other batches, offering an added depth and complexity to the final blend.

When it comes to tasting notes, the Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition 2023 offers a delightful sensory experience. On the nose, delicate aromas of allspice, vanilla, and elegant oak intertwine with hints of cinnamon and clove. The palate delivers an array of flavors, with rich layers of honey and rye spice, balanced by notes of berries and pear, leading to a long, smooth finish.

This year’s release not only marks a celebration of Four Roses’ rich history but also showcases the brand’s refreshed packaging. The 2023 Limited Edition Small Batch is the first to feature updated details, including a new logo and an engraved rose cluster on the bottle’s cork.

For whiskey aficionados and collectors alike, the Four Roses 135th Anniversary 2023 Small Batch Limited Edition is undoubtedly an essential addition to their shelves. With its meticulously crafted blend and limited availability, this release exemplifies the excellence and legacy that Four Roses has cultivated over the past 135 years.

To get your hands on a bottle of this exclusive release, visit the Four Roses website at fourroses.com. Priced at $200, it’s an investment in both history and exceptional whiskey. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience this exquisite Small Batch Limited Edition firsthand.