Four Roses 16 Year Bourbons Highlight Latest Limited Edition Small Batch

One of the major highlights each year for legacy Kentucky bourbon distillery Four Roses is the fall release of its Limited Edition Small Batch expression. The just unveiled 2021 version, like years past, does not aim to disappoint, being anchored this time around by two 16 year old bourbons.

The Four Roses 2021 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon, according to those behind it, brings together 4 of the 10 distinct bourbon recipes Four Roses is known for. What you have this time around are a 16-year-old bourbon from the OBSV recipe (13%), a 14-year-old OBSQ (6%), a 12-year-old OESK (23%), and a 16-year-old OESV (58%). 

“Hand-selecting the barrels to make up our annual limited edition bottling is one of my most rewarding experiences each year. The ability to work with 10 bourbon recipes each with distinct characteristics opens up endless possibilities,” Four Roses master distiller Brent Elliott said in a prepared statement. “This year’s release brings a proof higher than any of the past Limited Editions, creating robust complexity and layers of flavors resulting from the variety of constituent batches and recipes.”

Non-chill filtered and bottled at 114.2 proof, official tasting notes for this bottling make mention of “elegant aromas of ripe berries, light floral and rich warm oak. The Bourbon is complemented by flavors of plum, orange peel and delicate spice leading to a rich, soft and lasting finish boasting vanilla cream and dark chocolate.”

Plans call for 14,500 hand-numbered bottles of the 2021 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon to be sold in the United States with a suggested retail price of $150. It will roll out to select retailers in late September.

Additionally, Four Roses will offer a limited quantity for sale at the Four Roses Distillery Visitor Center via a public lottery draw. Individuals may register for the lottery from August 31 to September 12 by visiting the Four Roses website. Those who are selected via random draw will schedule appointments to pick up their purchase at the distillery.