Are We Getting the Oldest Four Roses Bourbon Ever Soon?

Tuesday, 22 July 2025 at 12:01TTB

The oldest Four Roses bourbon seems to be on the horizon. A label has surfaced for a 21-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, hinting at a significant release from the brand. Here’s what we know so far.

FAQ

What is Four Roses Anthology Origin?
It’s a 21-year-old barrel-strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon, distilled in 2001 and set to be bottled in 2026.

Why is this release special?
This marks the oldest single-age statement ever from Four Roses and serves as the debut release in the new Anthology series.

Which mashbill was used?
The bourbon follows Four Roses’ OESO recipe, using a mashbill of 75% corn, 20% rye, and 5% malted barley, paired with yeast strain “O.”

The label appeared in the U.S. TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) database. It’s important to note that a label filing doesn’t guarantee the whiskey will be released; it simply means the distillery has registered it.

What is the Four Roses Anthology Series Chapter 1 bourbon?

The new label in the TTB database reveals quite a bit about the upcoming release. It will be a barrel-strength whiskey, aged 21 years and distilled in 2001. The OESO recipe was used, which consists of the following:

75% corn
20% rye
5% barley

The bourbon will be bottled in 2026, making it the oldest Kentucky Straight Bourbon Four Roses has ever released. It’s expected to be bottled at 100 proof, or 50% ABV.

Not the oldest Four Roses whiskey ever seen

While this release is the oldest single-age-stated Kentucky Straight Bourbon from the distillery, it’s not the oldest whiskey they’ve ever used. The 135th Anniversary Limited Edition Small Batch included some bourbon aged up to 25 years, but that was part of a blend.

The Four Roses Anthology Chapter 1 Origin arrives as the oldest with a guaranteed 21-year age statement, meaning every drop in the bottle is at least 21 years old.

Four Roses bourbon is the start of a new series

This release is not just notable for its age; it’s also the first chapter in a new Anthology Series. Details about future releases are still unknown. The “2026 release” note on the label could mean an annual series of 21-year-old bourbons or something else entirely.

According to the label, only 400 bottles will be produced. The exact release date hasn’t been confirmed.

Fun fact: The name Four Roses comes from a corsage worn by the wife of founder Paul Jones Jr. during his proposal. It had four roses, signaling her “yes.”