Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch 2025 Review
In-Depth Review
The fall season of limited-edition bourbon releases is finally upon us. Marking one of the early entries is Four Roses, who are once again returning with the 2025 Edition of their famous Limited Edition Small Batch. To mark this 18th installment in the series, Four Roses Master Distiller Brent Elliott has blended four different Four Roses recipes to build his once a year release. According to the materials graciously included with my media sample, this year’s recipe includes three 13-year-olds (OBSV, OBSK, OESV) and a 19-year-old (OESV).
In the words of Brent Elliott:
"Year after year, we look to create a unique expression that highlights the best of what our ten recipes can offer," said Brent Elliott, Four Roses Master Distiller. "When blending this year's release, I was drawn to the 13-year-old V batches that showcase pronounced delicate fruit and sweet barrel tones. Although these barrels can really shine on their own, the OBSK brought in a complexity that I think people will really enjoy. The addition of the 19-year-old OBSV also adds another layer of depth and aged character that rounds out the blend beautifully." - PR Newswire
Clocking in at 109 proof and featuring non-chill filtration, the 2025 iteration comes in at a slightly higher ABV than the 2024 and 2023 versions but still remains relatively tame compared to releases like Buffalo Trace’s Antique Collection. Clearly, Four Roses is comfortable with lower proofs, considering the highest ABV they’ve recently released for their Limited Editions topped out at 114.2 proof back in 2021. And while Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch has gone through its relative ups and downs over the years (the 2019 was amazing), every year still garners massive excitement within the community. This year’s release will consist of 16,854 bottles with an MSRP of $249.
So, is this year’s Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch worth seeking out? Before you jump into that overnight line to grab a bottle, let’s dive in and see if it’s worth the wait.
Age: (3) 13-year bourbons (OBSV, OBSK, OESV) blended with (1) 19-year bourbon (OESV)
ABV: 54.5%
Cask: New oak
MSRP: $249
Distillery Name: Four Roses Distillery
Review Date: 8/19/25
Color: Dark Amber
Nose: The nose starts off with maple syrup, cocoa butter, grilled peaches, and a strong note of old oak cabinetry. Immediately after pouring there’s a burst of fruity sweetness that eventually settles down into darker, layered notes of coffee grounds, baked sweet bread, and chocolate cream pie. Absolutely fantastic nose that blossoms after a few minutes of resting.
Palate: On the palate, the sweetness from the nose is replaced by roasted pine nuts, mint, and light cherry syrup. There’s a heavy oak note that remains present throughout – that occasionally gives way to flashes of stewed fruit but quickly returns to its more herbaceous rye-like character. It features a medium mouthfeel with the perfect level of heat that actually drinks a little softer than the 109 would lead you to believe.
Finish: Long and gentle finish full of nutmeg, spiced oak, and a sweet and spicy note reminiscent of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal.
Final Thoughts: This year’s 2025 Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch is an incredibly well-balanced, easy drinker that will reward those that take their time with it. The nose may be the best part, with a profile that lets the 19 year old OESV shine without letting it take over. At times, it felt a bit more rye-like than I was expecting, with a complex herbaceous quality woven throughout. Even at 109 proof, and with a strong rye-like spice, this one isn’t a bruiser. In a day in age where it seems like all the big name limited editions are featuring high proofs and big flavors, Brent Elliott has decided to go a different route, building a whisky that features finesse and balance over heat and power. So, is this one worth waiting for this fall release season? If you’re looking for more than the big, bad, high octane pours to keep you warm this winter, this year’s Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch might be your choice for those who likes to spend a bit more time with their pours.
Score: 94
DISCLOSURE: This sample was graciously sent to me by Four Roses to review without any obligations. I have received no compensation, and my thoughts are my own.
