Four Roses Distillery

Historic building facade with driveway and bare trees.

History of Four Roses Distillery

Four Roses Bourbon, a brand steeped in romance and history, began its journey in 1888. The story unfolds with Paul Jones Jr., who moved his thriving business to Louisville, Kentucky, in 1884 and opened an office on the historic Main Street, known as “Whiskey Row.”

He trademarked the name Four Roses in 1888, claiming production and sales dating back to the 1860s.

The brand expanded in 1922 when the Paul Jones Company acquired the Frankfort Distilling Company. This acquisition allowed Four Roses to be sold as a medical whiskey during Prohibition, helping it survive this challenging era.

In a significant turn of events, Seagram purchased the Frankfort Distilling Co. to acquire Four Roses, a leading bourbon in the U.S. during the 1930s, 40s, and 50s.

However, Seagram shifted its focus, discontinuing the sale of Four Roses’ Kentucky Straight Bourbon in the U.S. and moving it to the European and Asian markets, where it gained popularity.

Jim Rutledge, a legendary Master Distiller, joined Seagram and played a pivotal role in reviving the Four Roses brand in the U.S. His efforts culminated in 2002 when the Kirin Brewery Company, Ltd. purchased Four Roses, reintroducing it to the American market.

Al Young, an icon in the industry, was named Brand Ambassador, further enhancing the brand’s reputation.

In 2015, Brent Elliott succeeded Jim Rutledge as Master Distiller, continuing the legacy of crafting premium bourbons. Under his guidance, Four Roses has maintained its commitment to quality, evident in the consistent and elegant taste that has become the brand’s signature.

Today, the Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, KY, and its warehouse and bottling facility in Cox’s Creek, KY, continue to uphold the legacy that began with Paul Jones in 1888, driven by a passion for quality and a pride in handcrafting award-winning Bourbon.

Overview of the Whiskey-Making Process at Four Roses Bourbon Distillery

Unique Recipes

Combines two mash bills with five proprietary yeast strains.
Creates ten distinct bourbon recipes.

The Mash Bills

Two grain recipes: one with 60% corn, another with 75% corn.
Combined with limestone-rich water from the Salt River in Lawrenceburg, KY.

Yeast Strains and Complexity

Five original and proprietary yeast strains.
Each strain produces uniquely different, rich flavors.

Mashing & Fermentation

Begins with high-quality corn and locally-sourced water.
Temperature-controlled process to maintain grain flavors and barley enzymes.
Fermentation for at least three days, resulting in a sour Distiller’s Beer at about 8% alcohol.

Distillation Process

Two-step distillation: Column Still and Doubler.
Column Still vaporizes liquid components; Doubler removes impurities.
Final distillate around 138-140 proof.

Warehousing

Uses single-story rack warehouses for consistent maturing.
Temperature varies only about 8 degrees Fahrenheit from top to bottom.
Aging in charred, new American oak barrels for a minimum of five years.

Bottling

Carefully aged barrels are blended or bottled.
Single-barrel bourbons are proofed, tested, chill-filtered, and bottled.
Other variants are dumped, blended, and go through the same process.

Bourbon Variants

Four Roses Bourbon: 80 Proof, aged minimum 5 years.
Small Batch: 90 Proof, aged 6-7 years.
Single Barrel: 100 Proof, aged 7-9 years.
Small Batch Select: 104 Proof, aged 6-7 years.

Awards Won by Four Roses Distillery

In 2019: Four Roses received a total of 46 awards. This impressive haul included 2 Double Platinum medals, 8 Double Gold medals, and 16 Gold medals from esteemed competitions like the American Whiskey Masters and Whiskies of the World.
Four Roses Small Batch Select: In 2023, this bourbon earned a Gold Medal at the American Whiskey Masters and was rated 95 Points at the Global Drinks Guide Ratings. It also received a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in the same year.
Brent Elliott, Master Distiller of Four Roses: Captured the “America’s Best Kentucky Bourbon” category at the 2017 Whisky Magazine World Whiskies Awards. This recognition was a significant milestone for Elliott, who succeeded Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee Jim Rutledge as Four Roses’ Master Distiller in 2015.
Additional Awards for Specific Products:
- Four Roses Small Batch: Received a Gold Medal for taste at the World Whiskies Awards 2019 and was selected as Whiskey Magazine Editor’s Choice in August-September 2015.
- Four Roses Single Barrel: Also earned a Gold Medal for taste at the World Whiskies Awards 2019.
- Four Roses 130th Anniversary 2018 Limited Edition Small Batch: Honored as the World’s Best Bourbon and Best Kentucky Bourbon at the World Whiskies Awards 2019.

Four Roses Distillery Tour Information and Experience

Tour Description

Opportunity to share a mellow moment and sample quality bourbons.
Visitors can explore the distillery, warehousing, and bottling experiences.
Expanded visitor center offers insights into the distillery’s history and bourbon-making process.

Interactive and Educational Elements

Interactive archives showcasing rare and past bottlings.
Learn about Four Roses’ unique approach to bourbon-making.

Bar 1888 Experience

Enjoy a drink at Bar 1888 located within the visitor center.
Sample one of the ten distinct recipes on a rotating basis.
Selection of signature Four Roses cocktails available.

Location and Contact Details

Address: 1224 Bonds Mill Road, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342.
Phone: (502) 839-3436.

Operating Hours

Wednesday to Saturday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Sunday: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm.

Outdoor Patio

Sip on bourbons while enjoying views of the rolling hills on the distillery grounds.

Retail Shop

Visit the retail shop for unique apparel, elevated barware, and more.
Take home a piece of the distillery experience.

Warehouse & Bottling Facility Tour at Four Roses Distillery

The Bottling Tour at Four Roses Distillery offers a unique glimpse into the final stages of bourbon production, highlighting the meticulous care and attention to detail that goes into every bottle of Four Roses bourbon.

Tour Description

Opportunity to explore the bottling and storage processes of Four Roses’ signature bourbons.
Visitors can experience the passion that goes into each stage of production.

Location and Contact Details

Address: 624 Lotus Road, Cox’s Creek, KY 40013.
Phone: (502) 543-2264.

Operating Hours

Wednesday to Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Visitor Center at the Warehouse & Bottling Facility

Offers an engaging experience for every Four Roses fan.
Provides insights into the final stages of bourbon production.

Bottling Experiences

Available year-round for visitors.
Showcases the intricate process of bottling Four Roses bourbon.

Flask & Barrel Review of Four Roses Distillery

Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Four Roses Distillery, and I’ve got to say, it was pretty darn impressive.

As a whiskey collector who’s seen more than my fair share of distilleries, Four Roses definitely stands out. The architecture alone is a feast for the eyes, blending Spanish and Mission styles in a way that’s both unique and inviting.

The tour itself was top-notch. Our guide was knowledgeable and engaging, weaving stories and facts about the distillery’s history and the whiskey-making process.

It was fascinating to learn about their unique approach to bourbon, especially their use of different yeast strains and mash bills.

Tasting their range of bourbons was the highlight for me. Each one had its own distinct character, from smooth and mellow to rich and robust. It’s clear they put a lot of care and expertise into their craft.

If I had to nitpick, the gift shop could use a bit more variety. But overall, Four Roses is a must-visit for any bourbon enthusiast. I’d rate it a solid 4.7 out of 5. Definitely worth the trip!

What To Do Nearby Four Roses Distillery

These attractions offer a variety of experiences, from outdoor activities to local shopping and more bourbon culture, all within a short drive from Four Roses Distillery.

Anderson County Community Park: Approximately 4.7 miles away. It’s a great outdoor area with various sports facilities and a scenic walking trail.

Wild Turkey Distillery: Roughly 5.1 miles from Four Roses. Offers an engaging bourbon experience with tours and tastings.

Rising Sons Home Farm Winery: About 6 miles away. A family-run winery ideal for a relaxing day out.

Lawrenceburg Flea Market: Located approximately 6.7 miles away. A bustling market where you can find unique local items.

Kroger: Just around 3.1 miles away, convenient for any quick shopping needs.

Rite Aid: Roughly 4.1 miles from the distillery, handy for essentials or pharmacy items.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Four Roses Distillery?

Bluegrass Sabor: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15026046110. Their address is 1010 Chico Drive, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342.

Don Pedro’s Mexican Grill: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15028592020. Their address is 1002 Eagle Lake Dr, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342.

La Isla Mexican Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15028399550. Their address is 751 W Broadway St, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342.

What hotels are near Four Roses Distillery?

Best Western Lawrenceburg Inn: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15028393444. Their address is 200 Plaza Dr, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342.

Hampton Inn Frankfort: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15022237600. Their address is 1310 US-127, Frankfort, KY 40601.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Frankfort, an IHG Hotel: It has a rating of 4.2 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15023524650. Their address is 1000 Vandalay Dr, Frankfort, KY 40601.