Four Roses 130th Anniversary 2018 Limited Edition Small Batch

Four Roses 130th Anniversary 2018 Limited Edition Small Batch

Rare, celebratory, and expertly blended, the Four Roses 130th Anniversary 2018 Limited Edition Small Batch was created to commemorate 130 years of Four Roses bourbon craftsmanship. Bottled at 54.2% ABV (108.4 proof) in a 750ml format, this highly allocated release combines some of the distillery’s oldest and most exceptional bourbons into a rich, elegant, and deeply layered small batch expression prized by collectors and bourbon enthusiasts alike.

Process & Profile

Master Distiller Brent Elliott selected four distinct bourbon recipes from Four Roses’ renowned ten-recipe system to create this anniversary release. The blend includes:

• 13-year-old OBSV
• 10-year-old OESK
• 15-year-old OESV
• 14-year-old OESF

Each recipe contributes unique characteristics ranging from delicate fruit and floral spice to rich oak depth and creamy vanilla sweetness. The bourbon was non-chill filtered and bottled at barrel strength to preserve full texture and complexity.

As with all Four Roses bourbons, the whiskey is distilled in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky using separate mash bills and proprietary yeast strains that allow for exceptional blending versatility and layered flavor development.

Appearance

Deep amber with polished copper highlights, reflecting extended maturation and concentrated oak richness.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich caramel, ripe red berries, baking spice, toasted oak, vanilla bean, and delicate floral undertones.

Palate: Luxuriously layered with notes of honey, dark cherry, cinnamon, brown sugar, oak spice, crème brûlée, and subtle mint.

Finish: Long, warm, and elegant with lingering vanilla, spice, mature oak, and soft rye character.

What Makes It Special

The 130th Anniversary Small Batch is considered one of the standout modern limited releases from Four Roses, celebrated for its exceptional balance between age, elegance, and barrel-strength intensity. The blend showcases the depth and flexibility of Four Roses’ ten-recipe system while highlighting older bourbons rarely seen in the standard lineup.

The release earned widespread acclaim among critics and collectors, with many enthusiasts considering it one of the finest Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch releases ever produced. Secondary market demand and collector interest have continued to grow due to its limited production and strong reputation within the bourbon community.

How to Enjoy

Best enjoyed neat in a proper whiskey glass to fully appreciate its complexity and evolving aromatics. A few drops of water can help open additional layers of fruit, spice, and oak. Given its rarity and collector status, it is best reserved for contemplative sipping and special occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the alcohol content?
54.2% ABV (108.4 proof).

Is this a limited release?
Yes, it was released in 2018 as a one-time commemorative bottling celebrating Four Roses’ 130th anniversary.

Who created the blend?
Master Distiller Brent Elliott selected and blended the bourbons for this release.

What is the bottle size?
750ml.

Pricing & Availability

This listing includes one 750ml bottle of Four Roses 130th Anniversary 2018 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon. As a discontinued and highly collectible release, availability is extremely limited. Currently available at Old Town Tequila while supplies last.

Brand Story

Four Roses is one of Kentucky’s most respected bourbon distilleries, known for its unique ten-recipe production system that combines two mash bills and five proprietary yeast strains. Founded in 1888, the distillery has built a reputation for producing elegant, fruit-forward bourbons with exceptional balance and consistency. Its Limited Edition Small Batch releases have become some of the most sought-after annual bottlings in American whiskey, celebrated for their age, complexity, and masterful blending.