Disclosure: the sample for this review was provided at no cost. Our tasting notes and score are our own.
A little background
Four Roses Anthology Chapter 1: Origin is a 21 year old, barrel strength Kentucky straight bourbon from Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, and the oldest release in the brand’s history. It is made from the Four Roses OBSF recipe, distilled in 2002 and aged to its peak before being transferred to stainless steel vats. Four Roses lists the release at 102.5 to 124.9 proof, and the bottle reviewed here came in at 102.6 proof (51.3% ABV). Around 1,200 750ml bottles were released at a suggested retail price of $500, sold exclusively at the Four Roses Visitor Center and at the brand’s Whiskey Row event in Louisville.
Origin is the first chapter of Anthology, an ultra-premium annual series of rare, highly limited releases that each tell a distinct chapter of the Four Roses story. It looks back to 1888, when founder Paul Jones Jr. professed his love to his Southern belle, who accepted his proposal by arriving at a grand ball wearing a corsage of four red roses, inspiring the distillery’s name. “This release represents more than age; it represents legacy,” said Master Distiller Brent Elliott. Four Roses combines two mash bills with five proprietary yeast strains to produce 10 distinct bourbon recipes, with distilling and warehousing operations in Lawrenceburg and Cox’s Creek, Kentucky.
(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)
Color
Burnished
Nose
Brown sugar, caramel, double bubble double gum, baking spices (cinnamon and nutmeg), golden raisins, dates, pecans, smoked old fashioned, lime citrus, and oak.
Palate
Dried cherries, brown sugar, Slo Poke candy, cinnamon, toasted caramel, orange Tutsi Pop, bitter baking chocolate, crushed used charcoal, and tannic oak.
Finish
Cinnamon, barrel char, lime, nutmeg, fig, dried cherry, campfire smoke, bitter pecans, used tea bag, and dry oak.
In closing
Four Roses Anthology Chapter 1: Origin opens with a beautiful nose that is rich, effortless and expressive, layering brown sugar, caramel and bubble gum with cinnamon, nutmeg, golden raisins, dates, pecans, a smoked old fashioned, lime and oak. The palate is fruity, juicy and incredibly powerful, moving through dried cherries, Slo Poke candy, toasted caramel, orange Tootsie Pop and bitter baking chocolate before charcoal and tannic oak. The mouthfeel is a fantastic, and the finish is very long, carrying cinnamon, barrel char, lime, fig, dried cherry and campfire smoke into dry oak. Strong cinnamon, caramel and brown sugar run through every stage.
What stands out most is how incredible this bourbon is at 21 years without being over oaked at all. The oak gives it structure, but the fruit and sweetness stay front and center from the first sip to the last, and the result is absolutely delightful. At $500, I think the price is justified and fair given the age and quality of the whiskey. A 21 year old, barrel strength, non-chill filtered OBSF limited to around 1,200 bottles is rare, and this one delivers the depth, balance and mouthfeel to back it up. If I had the opportunity to purchase a bottle, I wouldn’t even think twice. For Four Roses fans and anyone hunting a truly great well-aged bourbon, Origin is a remarkable first chapter of Anthology.
NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Four Roses. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.
Four Roses Anthology Chapter 1 Origin 21 Year
102.6 Proof
Please enjoy responsibly. Never drink and drive.
