Four Roses Distillery has launched its new Experimental Series, a limited-edition collection that moves beyond the brand’s traditional 10-recipe framework. The inaugural release, Experimental Series No. 001, is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in rare Japanese Mizunara oak barrels, available from July 30.
The collection marks one of the most ambitious periods in the brand’s 138-year history.
Mizunara oak is prized in the whiskey world for its rarity and expressive flavor contribution. Four Roses selected the wood based on flavor exploration.
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READ THE STORYThe team monitored the barrels closely throughout the finishing process. They pulled samples almost weekly to track maturation and determine the ideal balance point for each barrel before blending the final liquid.
“This series is an exciting new chapter for us,” said master distiller Brent Elliott. “It allows us to take the craftsmanship that’s been at the heart of Four Roses and apply it in entirely new ways, experimenting with finishes and techniques that reveal dimensions of flavor our fans haven’t experienced before.”
Elliott added: “For me, it’s about pushing boundaries while staying true to the character of Four Roses Bourbon, and giving our fans the chance to join us on that journey of discovery.”
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Experimental Series No. 001 was developed through extensive trials across recipes, yeast strains, barrel specifications, and toast and char combinations.
Elliott ultimately selected a six-year-old OBSK recipe. He chose it for its ability to complement the oak’s layered spice characteristics while allowing its sweeter and more nuanced notes to shine through.
The packaging reflects the brand’s heritage. The shape of the front label draws inspiration from the Spanish Mission-style architecture of the Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.
Meanwhile, the reverse label reveals one of the brand’s historic single-story rickhouses, a nod to the role maturation and barrel finishing play in shaping the whiskey’s character.
Bottled in a 375ml format, Experimental Series No. 001 will be available at the Four Roses Distillery Visitor Center for an SRP of $55 per bottle.
Established in 1888, Four Roses combines two mashbills with five proprietary yeast strains to distill and age 10 distinct bourbon recipes. The brand is available in all 50 US states.
