HER WHISKEY REVIEWS

It only comes out once a year!

What You Need to Know

Distillery / Brand: Four Roses / Four Roses

• Type: Bourbon
• Mashbill: Multiple, 13-year-old OBSV recipe, a 13-year-old OBSK, a 13-year-old OESV, and a 19-year-old OESV
• Proof / ABV: 109 proof
• Age Statement / Range: 13-19 years
• MSRP: $249
• Availability: Limited, annual release

Review Summary – Our Take, Straight Up

A bold and spicy complex Bourbon with notes of multiple fruits and oak.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: 8.5/10

Figs and honeycomb, clove, leather

Flavor: 8.5/10

Rich, sweet, and spicy with notes of clove, cinnamon, buttery caramel, and dark red cherries

Texture: 9/10

Balanced and sweet – not easy with this age range!

Finish: 10/10

Warm and sweet with notes of honeycomb, brown sugar, and baking spices

Unique or True to Style?

This is a total spice bomb, which is true to style for Four Roses Bourbons. Because of the multiple recipes and ages in this blend, there’s a lot of depth and complexity. Given the age ranges of these Bourbons, there are some really nice delicate flavors surrounding that strong baking spice and stewed fruits.

Behind the Bottle

• This only comes out once a year and every blend is a one-off based on whatever Master Distiller Brent Elliott puts together.
• The first Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch was released in 2008.
• Four Roses makes 20 different recipes of Bourbon, though only 10 are currently available on the market.

Best For / Skip If

• Best For: anyone who loves a great, older Kentucky Bourbon
• Skip If: you prefer sweeter whiskeys with limited spice

Our Recommendations

Fill in these sections as desired:

• Suggested glassware: Glencairn
• Atmosphere : special occasions
• Suggested for cocktails or as neat sipper: neat
• Suggested food pairings: honey and figs
• Gifting suggestions: this would make a great gift for a special occasion!
• Would I pour it for my peer: absolutely!
• Would I pour this for my bestie: for sure!

The Last Sip

Score 1-100: 92

This is one of the most coveted releases that Four Roses does every year. Master Distiller Brent Elliott looks at the best barrels in the rickhouses at Four Roses Cox’s Creek and creates numerous test blends before he arrives at the final blend for this unique release.

“Year after year, we look to create a unique expression that highlights the best of what our ten recipes can offer,” says Brent Elliott, Four Roses Master Distiller. “When blending this year’s release, I was drawn to the 13-year-old V batches that showcase pronounced delicate fruit and sweet barrel tones. Although these barrels can really shine on their own, the OBSK brought in a complexity that I think people will really enjoy. The addition of the 19-year-old OBSV also adds another layer of depth and aged character that rounds out the blend beautifully.”

FAQ Box

• Where is Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch 2025 available? This release will be available all over the USA and a few places in Europe and Japan by the end of 2025. It will be available in September in September 2025.