Four Roses is one of the most beautiful and least visited distilleries in Kentucky. The Spanish style architecture dates to 1911 and is a unique visual treat. The atmosphere continues inside the visitor’s center which exudes class. Most references to Four Roses state that tours are by appointment only, which is not true. All the better for me since I had the place all to myself.

My personal tour started with a movie in the visitor’s center. There was also a nice static model of the distilling process and a cabinet displaying a variety of Four Roses products from over the years.

Next we headed over to the main distillery building. Who would guess all this classic architecture hides a modern distillery inside? The guide stopped at the control room to stress the tight computer control of the entire process.

The still was idle this day, so I got a close look at the column still, doubler, and tail box. The fermenting room was a mix of old and newer cypress tanks, which I was encouraged to taste from. On the far side of the distillery is the grain lab and receiving barn. I got to look over the testing equipment in the small lab building and then stand in the barn where trucks unload grain into a grate in the floor.

The finished spirit is not barreled or warehoused at this facility. Tanker trucks are filled for transport to Four Roses warehouse facility at Cox's Creek. Here the whiskey is barreled and aged in unique single story warehouses.

The tour ends with tasting back at the visitors center. Standard Four Roses bourbon is very light on the palate. The single barrel is much more complex and flavorful and was more to my liking. The tour was outstanding with an attentive guide and a wonderful distillery.

Four Roses Distillery