Four Roses 2026 Limited Edition Small Batch Review
In-Depth Review
Since its debut in 2008, Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch release has been one Fall’s most anticipated releases and the pinnacle of what Four Roses can be. Typically featuring a collection of older aged stocks from their 10 recipe catalogue, it has become the standard for what great blending can look like from a blue-chip Kentucky distillery. But what happens when the Limited Edition Small Batch is no longer the king of Four Roses’s portfolio? With the introduction of the 21-year-old Anthology, that’s exactly what we are faced with in 2026.
I had the chance to ask Master Distiller Brent Elliott about the product positioning of Anthology, Limited Edition Small Batch and the new Experimental releases, and asked him to speak about how he saw each of those releases. He mentioned that Small Batch Limited Edition is still meant to show the best of their blending techniques, while Anthology will continue to showcase the oldest, most standout single barrels that the distillery has to offer. The experimental series on the other hand, is designed to let the company explore further into new flavor profiles and finishes while rewarding those who make it out to the Visitor Center.
It’s also worth noting that he mentioned that they are planning release Anthology as 21 year single barrels for the foreseeable future (and have already begun identifying future years releases).
So, what does that do to the allure of the Limited-Edition Small Batch? It still features a collection of ultra-aged recipes from the portfolio and is still designed to be the epitome of Brent Elliott’s blending skills – but it’s specs may feel almost pedestrian compared to the massive $500 21-year-old single barrels released earlier this year by the distillery. Despite that, it still clocks in at 109.2 proof, is non-chill filtered, and features a combination of 14-year-old OBSK, 14-year-old OESK, 15-year-old OESV, and 10% of the blend is made up of a 23-year-old OESK. And with a retail price of $250 (same as last year), it almost feels like a bargain. But is this year’s release still one to seek out this fall? Let’s dive in and find out.
The distillery has graciously sent this sample for review, but my opinions and thoughts remain my own and I have received no compensation.
Age: Combination of 14 year, 15 year, and 23 year straight bourbon whiskies
ABV: 54.6%
Cask: New American Oak
MSRP: $249
Distillery Name: Four Roses Distillery
Review Date: 8/31/26
Color: Warm, earthy rust
Nose: The nose opens with burnt orange peel, leather, sweet oak, French vanilla, and milk chocolate. As it settles into the glass, waves of warm caramel and baking spice overtake the room before giving way to an antique rye spice that provides a splash of herbal character. It remains bright and inviting despite having older, dark tones sprinkled throughout.
Palate: Big bright spicy front end that balances more orange, brioche, herbaceous rye, and burnt sugar. Without water, the palate feels tightly wound, but adding a few drops of water rounds out the mouthfeel and gives way to darker flavors. As it moves into the finish, more of the spice pops back to the front and reminds you of that 109 proof.
Finish: Long finish that features a strong mint that clings to the mouth, balanced by maple syrup French toast, and orange zest.
Final Thoughts: Four Roses 2026 Limited Edition Small Batch is still a master class on highlighting how Four Roses can produce the most unique flavor lineups in all of Kentucky. This year’s expression feels different than recent releases, coming off as an orange bomb that leads with a citrus forward profile before adding a unique minty undercurrent throughout. Compared to the 2025 release, the 2026 is a brighter, feistier pour – that feels more in line with what many of the high-octane enthusiasts are demanding. But if you prefer a more mellow, easy drinking profile, the 2025 may be more your speed. Regardless, Four Roses is clearly creating a distinction between what used to be the halo product in their lineup and the newly released Anthology Series – making this Limited Edition Small Batch the better choice for those who are tired of the seemingly endless price increases in ultra-premium bourbon.
