Four Roses Super Premium Review
In-Depth Review
Today, we are diving into yet another bourbon that is made in Kentucky yet sold exclusively in Japan. How could this be? Well, the highly summarized version is that Four Roses Distillery was purchased by The Kirin Brewing Company (one of Japan’s largest beer producers) in February 2002. This purchase led to a diversification of the Four Roses portfolio and led to Four Roses developing an expression specifically designed for the Japanese palate.
Enter the Four Roses Super Premium expression (which must be one of the most entertaining names in all of whiskey), designed to bring Four Roses to the typical Japanese whiskey drinker. So, you may ask - what makes a whiskey “designed for the Japanese palate”? First, it’s important to note that Japanese whiskey drinkers are generally not as interested in big, bold, high proof whiskies and instead prefer subtle, easy drinking pours. These whiskies are then often used as mixers in cocktails like the famous Japanese Highball. This attitude explains why Four Roses Super Premium comes in at a gentle 43% ABV versus the more typical 45% or 50% you see in the US. The Super Premium expression is also non-age stated but comes in a beautiful bottle with a metal Four Roses icon adorning the glass making it – despite the screw top - the most beautiful Four Roses bottle currently available. So, is this highly exclusive Four Roses worth a trip to the land of the rising sun? Let’s dive in and find out. And shoutout to my friend Dean for bringing this back to me from Japan!
Age: Non-Age Stated
ABV: 43%
Cask: Virgin oak
MSRP: $60 (Japan)
Distillery Name: Four Roses Distillery
Review Date: 11/20/23
Color: Bright Gold
Nose: Upon pouring, cornmeal and young grain immediately jump out of the glass before the nose settles into a fruity combination of green apples, pear, and honey. It’s a gentle nose with subtle and nuanced tones that only truly come alive after spending 15-20 minutes in the glass. After letting it sit, more peach, vanilla, and apricot show up while the grain notes slowly fade to the background.
Palate: Taking a sip, a woody vanilla character takes center stage. While it’s initially very light, there are floral notes of vanilla, rose, cranberry, caramel, and honey. The wood influence is more than I was expecting from a non-age stated whiskey; but perhaps the addition of water to proof it down to 43% ABV has accentuated its oaky nature. The mouthfeel is lovely and gives a nice creamy viscosity that has almost no bite or heat to speak of. The palate makes this one of the gentlest sipping whiskies I’ve ever had out of Kentucky.
Finish: A short initial burst of leather and rosemary fades quickly on the finish, leaving a lingering drying oak that sticks with you. Almost no spice to speak of, it disappears quickly and begs you for another sip to keep the enjoyment going.
Final Thoughts: It’s clear that Four Roses Super Premium isn’t designed for your typical bourbon drinker. I’d argue that the modern American bourbon fan would struggle with the nuanced, gentle, easygoing nature of this whiskey (along with its premium price and low ABV). Four Roses has succeeded in creating a whiskey that appeals to a more subtle and nuanced Japanese palate that isn’t interested in the cask strength, flavor bomb whiskies that many American drinkers are clamoring for. But if you go into it seeking something new and interesting, Four Roses Super Premium delivers a sip that’s worth sharing. The mixture of young grain and older oaky notes can be confusing at times, but its easy-going attitude makes it one of the gentlest sippers available today. It’s by no means the most interesting Four Roses expression out there, but you buy this for the story more than what’s in the bottle.
