Four Roses Small Batch Select rolls out across the UK

Kirin Brewing Company has released Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon into the UK, a whole two years after its US launch. 

The 52%-ABV, which completes the brand’s permanent line-up as the ‘Fourth Rose’, will be distributed by Spirit Cartel and will be limited to a 3,000 bottle roll out.

Four Roses master distiller Brent Elliott said: “It’s an extension of what we do well at Four Roses – balancing candied fruit with warmth and spice and enjoyable to both connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.”

David Hood Spirit Cartel general manager told db: “Four Roses volume grew by 32% YOY 2020-2021, even with only seven months of on-trade business. That’s a reflection of continued strong demand for American whiskies and Bourbons here, especially in the premium category. 

Hood explained that “it’s why Four Roses’ unique approach places it in such a great position – having two mashbills that can be combined with five proprietary yeast strains. This combination creates 10 distinct Bourbon recipes which the master distiller can skilfully mingle to create an endless range of flavour profiles – most recently with Small Batch Select”. 

 He added: “The appreciation shown by British Bourbon drinkers to the brand means we’re effectively the 31st State of America – with a limited amount of this whiskey available, currently only 30 US States are able to sell it”.

The new variant has a tasting note that offers up “raspberries, clove and nutmeg” on the nose and “apricot, ripe berries, vanilla and light oak” on the palate with a finish with hints of “spearmint” and “cinnamon”.

The Bourbon arrives 15 years after the brand’s last line extension and is set to retail at £58 per 75cl. Trade suppliers of Four Roses Small Batch Select include: Amathus, HT Drinks & Co, Hammonds of Knutsford, Master of Malt and Speciality Drinks, while consumers can find it at various retail and online outlets including: Harvey Nichols, Gerry’s of Soho, Hedonism, Master of Malt, Milroy’s, Selfridges, Spirits Kiosk.

The UK is still currently the only market outside the US where Four Roses Small Batch Select is available.