Coveted annual bourbon release is coming soon. Here’s how to get a bottle
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Four Roses releases 18th Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon on September 3.
- Release features four aged batches, including 13- and 19-year-old recipes.
- Distillery offers 16,854 bottles at $249 with lottery entry open August 19–24.
Every year, as September rolls around, bourbon fans start the hunt for a select few bottles. One that always makes their “unicorn” list every year: Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon.
This year’s version will be released on Sept. 3. It’s the 18th edition in the annual series and features a unique blend of three of Four Roses’ 10 bourbon recipes and four different batches.
How does 2025 Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon taste?
Bottled at barrel strength 109 proof, the 2025 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon includes four batches aged 13 and 19 years: A 13-year-old OBSV recipe, a 13-year-old OBSK, a 13-year-old OESV and a 19-year-old OESV. The letters designate different mashbills and yeast strains.
“Year after year, we look to create a unique expression that highlights the best of what our ten recipes can offer,” said Brent Elliott, Four Roses master distiller, in a statement. “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,” Elliott said. “The addition of the 19-year-old OBSV also adds another layer of depth and aged character that rounds out the blend beautifully.”
According to the tasting notes, it has a nose of sweet apricot, vanilla, caramel black tea leaves, hints of rye and mellow oak. On the palate, it’s apricot, citrus, crème brûlée and antique spiced oak with a lingering soft finish.
Where to sample, buy a bottle of 2025 Four Roses Small Batch
This year, Four Roses will release 16,854 bottles at a suggested retail price of $249. They will be available at select retailers nationwide.
The distillery also will hold a drawing for the opportunity to buy a bottle. You can enter Aug. 19 through 24 at fourrosesbourbon.com.
Winners will be selected and notified on Aug. 29 for a chance to pick up their bottle at the distillery visitor center in Lawrenceburg in September.
Visitors to the distillery also can enjoy a pour at Bar 1888 in Lawrenceburg while supplies last.
