Overview: Four Roses Distillery has introduced the third installment of its limited-edition Experimental Series with the release of No. 003: Chestnut. This Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey features a unique finish in 250-litre barrels made from wood grown in Japan, marking a departure from traditional oak aging methods. The spirit is scheduled for availability starting November 20th at the distillery’s visitor centres.
The Full Story
The project originated from trials investigating how different wood species interacted with Four Roses’ ten Bourbon recipes. Chestnut distinguished itself during these experiments by imparting subtle yet distinctive flavours, prompting the distillery to expand its experimentation beyond standard casks. Following previous releases finished in Mizunara and honey-seasoned casks, this expression combines the signature spice and complexity of the six-year-old OBSK recipe with sweet, rounded flavours developed in the chestnut barrels.
Brent Elliott, Master Distiller, noted that chestnut wood can enhance and highlight the flavours of a bourbon. The distillery selected the OBSK recipe for the final expression to complement those unique wood-derived flavours, creating a spirit that feels familiar in its foundation but offers new, distinct flavours in the glass. Mature Bourbon was transferred into chestnut barrels featuring varying levels of toast and char, with each barrel sampled regularly throughout the finishing process.
Production & Profile
Four Roses Experimental Series No. 003: Chestnut carries an alcohol content of 52% ABV. The finishing duration ranged from five to eleven weeks, with individual emptying upon achieving the desired flavour profile. Aromas present include rich apricot and soft vanilla, while the palate offers notes of vanilla bean, pear, ripe cherry, sweet toasted wood, and baking spice.
What This Means
This barrel-by-barrel approach allowed the distillery to capture the distinctive character of the chestnut wood while maintaining the balance of the underlying Bourbon. The launch demonstrates how less conventional wood finishes can bring new dimensions to Four Roses’ signature flavour profile, continuing the tradition of innovation established by earlier releases in the Experimental Series.
Consumer Takeaway
Limited in quantity, Four Roses Experimental Series No. 003: Chestnut will be available from the Four Roses Visitor Centres in Lawrenceburg and Cox’s Creek. The retail price is set at $55.00 for a 375ml bottle, offering collectors access to this unique wood-finished expression upon release.
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