Sponsored Content Provided By Four Roses
Four Roses: History Distilled
Today, Four Roses is known for its signature mellow spice and unique ten-recipe approach, but the brand’s story is rooted in more than 135 years of craftsmanship, connection, and innovation.
The brand was founded in 1888 by Paul Jones Jr., who named the bourbon after the four red roses worn by a Southern belle who accepted his marriage proposal.
Through decades of growth and several ownership transitions, Four Roses has built a loyal following among bourbon enthusiasts around the globe. Earlier this year, Four Roses entered a new chapter when GALLO acquired the brand, committing to preserve the people, liquid, and traditions that have defined the brand for generations while supporting future growth through on-trade investment, innovation, and global expansion.
What Sets Four Roses Apart: Heritage and Craft
Only Four Roses combines two mash bills with five proprietary yeast strains to create ten distinct bourbon recipes. Each recipe brings something different – and carefully mixing them allows the brand to achieve a range of flavor profiles.
The award-winning portfolio is consistently recognized among the world’s most celebrated bourbon producers and includes four core expressions:
- Four Roses Bourbon: an approachable bourbon for everyone, bringing together crisp fruit, a touch of spice, and just the right amount of depth to please every palate
- Four Roses Small Batch: a premium, versatile bourbon that balances rich red fruits, mellow spice, and sweet oak
- Four Roses Single Barrel: made with a slightly higher rye content, it offers a hint of rye spice to enhance the rich, complex flavors of bold plum, cherry, and cocoa
- Four Roses Small Batch Select: this higher-proof pour unveils richer, more complex layers of apricot, berries, and vanilla, accented by hints of spearmint and cinnamon
Looking Ahead: Innovation and Growth
The vision for Four Roses is clear: preserve what consumers love while investing in the future.
This year, the brand has launched several new innovations, including:
- Anthology Series: an ultra-premium annual series of rare and highly limited releases that tell a distinct chapter of the brand’s history
- Single Barrel Collection: featuring three additional Single Barrel offerings, including the recipes OESQ, OESF, and OBSK
- Experimental Series: a limited-edition collection exploring new possibilities within the brand’s ten-recipe system, including releases finished in rare Japanese Mizunara oak barrels
- 100-proof: a higher proof of the brand’s signature 80-proof expression that’s perfect for classic cocktails or sipping neat or over ice
Together, these innovations showcase how Master Distiller Brent Elliott continues to honor the brand’s heritage while finding creative ways to offer something new.
Behind the Bar: Why Four Roses Wins
Four Roses offers a portfolio that appeals to every palate and can perform across a range of drinking occasions and recipes. Whether you’re building a spirit-forward Old Fashioned, looking for a twist on a classic, or recommending a neat pour, Four Roses provides the versatility, consistency, and flavor profile needed to meet the moment.
Recipe Inspiration: Four Roses Espresso Martini
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Four Roses Small Batch
- .5 oz Coffee liqueur
- 1 oz Espresso
- .5 oz Simple syrup
- Espresso beans for garnish
Directions
- Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake for 15 seconds, or until the cocktail is well chilled. Double strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with espresso beans.
