Four Roses Distillery has announced the release of their 2021 Limited Edition Small Batch. It’s an annual expression with a unique recipe.
Non-chill filtered and bottled at 114.2 proof, the 2021 Limited Edition Small Batch features different batches, aged 12 to 16 years.
These batches represent four of the distillery’s 10 bourbon recipes. Comprising the 2021 release are a 16-year-old bourbon from the OBSV recipe, a 14-year-old OBSQ, a 12-year-old OESK and a 16-year-old OESV.
“Hand-selecting the barrels to make up our annual limited edition bottling is one of my most rewarding experiences each year,” says Master Distiller Brent Elliott. “The ability to work with 10 bourbon recipes, each with distinct characteristics, opens up endless possibilities.”
“This year’s release brings a proof higher than any of the past Limited Editions,” he adds, “creating robust complexity and layers of flavors resulting from the variety of constituent batches and recipes.”
The exact percentages in the recipe are: 16-year-old OBSV at 13%, 14-year-old OBSQ at 6%, 12-year-old OESK at 23% and the 16-year-old OESV at 58%.
The average age of those bourbons puts this release on the older side. “A lot of the older versions of our annual release have that nice antique oak flavor, but they’re not dominated by that oak,” says Elliot. “There’s still a lot of vibrant flavors that come to the forefront.”
The 2021 Limited Edition Small Batch has aromas of ripe berries, light floral and rich warm oak, the company reports. Flavors include plum, orange peel and spice, leading to a finish of vanilla cream and dark chocolate.
Four Roses will distribute approximately 14,500 hand-numbered bottles of the 2021 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon. They are available at retailers nationwide, for a suggested retail price of $150 per 750-ml. bottle.
This special bottling rolls out 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 selected via random draw will schedule appointments to pick up their purchase at the Four Roses Distillery.
This follows news that the distillery will increase distribution of its Four Roses Small Batch Select.
