Four Roses to Release Limited Edition 'Barrel Strength' Bourbon

06/09/07 Connoisseurs pay attention to a bourbon's age, but a distiller's years of experience are important too. To celebrate Master Distiller Jim Rutledge's 40 years in the industry, Four Roses is releasing its first limited-edition bourbon.

Four Roses Barrel Strength Limited Edition Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey will be introduced September 14 during the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and will be available in retail outlets in Kentucky and metro New York.

The distillery is producing approximately 1,700 hand-numbered bottles, selected from individual oak barrels aged 13 1/2 years. Four Roses Barrel Strength is just that -- straight from the barrel -- uncut and not chill filtered, with possible barrel sediment remaining.

"It's a bourbon-lover's bourbon," Rutledge said. "Four Roses fans and bourbon connoisseurs alike will enjoy its uncommon character, smooth textures and mellow taste."

Without a traditional paper label, the bottle inscription states, "One sip and you'll agree, with its hints of fruitiness and rich, spicy flavors, this remarkably smooth bourbon, like Jim, is truly unforgettable."

The release of Barrel Strength comes at a growth period for Four Roses. Since 2002, Four Roses expanded into the premium category and has seen double- digit sales increases every year. Four Roses Single Barrel was introduced in 2004 and, in 2005, was named Whisky Magazine's "Best American Whiskey Under 10 Years Old." Four Roses Small Batch was introduced in 2006 and quickly sold out of its first bottling run, forcing a second run sooner than anticipated.

Also during this year's Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Four Roses will unveil new packaging and a major redesign for its flagship Yellow Label.

Hand crafted at a historic distillery in Lawrenceburg, Ky., Four Roses uses the combination of two mash bills and five proprietary yeasts to produce ten distinct bourbon flavors.