Four Roses Super Premium Review

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Bottle Basics

Name: Four Roses Super Premium aka Four Roses Platinum
Distillery: Four Roses
Proof: 86
ABV: 43%
Mash Bill: Undisclosed
Age: NAS
Size: 750ml
MSRP: $53 USD

Additional Details

Distiller Notes:

Four Roses Bourbon was born and crafted in the traditions of old Kentucky. From producing a unique sour mash to ageing the Bourbon in hand made, charred oak barrels, the same traditions prevail to produce Four Roses Super Premium, a Bourbon of rare smoothness, richness and strength.

The Four Roses distillery is a Kentucky landmark and the home of one of the world’s premier Bourbons. Age old craftsmanship and the rugged Kentucky climate work a special magic to create this smooth, mellow Bourbon.

Distilled and aged by Four Roses Distillery LLC, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. For export from U.S.A.
Description on bottle

Introduction

Four Roses is a bourbon brand with a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. However, its relationship with Japan has become one of the defining aspects of the brand’s modern identity.

The connection between Four Roses and Japan began in earnest in 1972 when Seagram, then the brand owner, halted the sale of Four Roses Bourbon in the United States. Instead, it became an export-only product, primarily targeted at the growing whiskey market in Asia and Europe. As a result, Four Roses Bourbon became increasingly popular in Japan, where demand for American bourbon was on the rise.

In 2002, Kirin Brewery Company, one of Japan’s most prominent brewers and distillers, purchased Four Roses, creating an even stronger bond between the brand and Japan. Kirin revitalized Four Roses, refocusing on premium bourbon and reintroducing the brand to the American market.

Today, while Four Roses Bourbon is again widely available in the United States, special expressions like the Four Roses Super Premium are produced exclusively for the Japanese market. This product, sometimes known as “Four Roses Platinum,” reflects the brand’s deep ties to Japan and the high regard for Four Roses Bourbon among Japanese whiskey connoisseurs.

Four Roses Super Premium isn’t a bottle that will have whiskey enthusiasts scrambling in their quest for rare finds. In fact, if you find yourself in Japan, this particular offering from Four Roses is often readily available in most major liquor stores.

Speaking from personal experience, there were numerous times I had this bottle in hand, only to return it to the shelf in favor of something else. Yet, as fate would have it, there came the day when I finally decided it was time to take this bourbon home. Maybe it was a need for a departure from the norm or an itch for something new that needed scratching – whatever the reason, Four Roses Super Premium found its way into my collection.

🚨 SPOILER ALERT — the experience was a solid one, neither astonishingly exceptional nor disappointingly lackluster. It delivered precisely what it promised: a premium bourbon experience. Given its price point, the concern of potential disappointment is valid, as there are other solid options within the same range that are tried and true. And I think that’s part of the reason why I never picked this bottle up for so long. However, sometimes it’s worth taking a chance on something new.

Appearance

The color has an enticing amber hue, akin to a late autumn sunset, catching and bending the light beautifully. It clings to the glass forming gentle tears, indicative of a well-crafted bourbon.

Nose

Four Roses Super Premium Bourbon greets the nose with an unassuming softness that is incredibly welcoming. Immediately, the nose is met with an array of sweet aromas, reminiscent of whimsical cotton candy. These fragrances carry an intriguingly fluffy texture, harking back to the initial softness, creating an aromatic experience that is as tactile as it is olfactory.

A beautifully balanced bouquet of floral, fruity, and sweet oak notes enrich the complexity of the nose. It’s as if you’re wandering through a blossoming orchard, reaching out to pluck ripe nectarines, honeydew melon, and pears from the laden branches.

As the sensory exploration continues, the profile deepens, revealing indulgent undertones of a creamy vanilla milkshake and the caramelized sweetness of creme brulee.

Palate

The moment Four Roses Super Premium Bourbon touches the palate, it becomes clear that the delightful symphony of aromas detected on the nose has been meticulously mirrored in taste.

The texture is an experience in and of itself. It’s a soft and gentle experience, like a plush cloud passing over your palate. Do not mistake this softness for a lack of body or depth, however, as this bourbon is anything but watery. Instead, it’s rich and velvety, elevating the tasting experience to another level of refinement.

The initial flavor is a bold stroke of fruit, with the unmistakable succulence of ripe melon taking the lead. This fruity overture then gracefully gives way to the comforting sweetness of a vanilla pound cake. Subtler notes start to emerge. A flavor reminiscent of a delicate custard dessert, which is then followed by caramel toffee. Each of these flavors brings a new layer of complexity, creating a palate that is as wonderfully engaging as it is satisfying.

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Finish

The finish of Four Roses Super Premium is deceptively short, but it certainly doesn’t lack in flavor or charm. A delightful note of honey glaze signals the beginning of the end, drawing the tasting experience to a close with a familiar sweetness. This is swiftly followed by an unexpected hint of spiced caramel or pumpkin spice, perhaps, a welcome touch of warmth and depth to the otherwise light finish.

Due to the finish’s fleeting nature, it takes a few thoughtful sips to truly appreciate and identify the myriad of tasting notes that this bourbon has to offer. While the brevity of the finish might be seen as a drawback, in this case, it simply invites further exploration, savoring each sip and revisiting the flavors as they develop and unfold.

Conclusion

While Four Roses Super Premium Bourbon registers at 86 proof, it’s important to stress that this bourbon does not present itself as light or insubstantial in the way that others at the same proof might. It really hits the mark for the audience that prefers this proof range. It delivers exactly what you’d expect from an 86 proof, and it does it well. In fact, it wholly avoids any off-putting notes, providing a pleasing and easy-going experience.

This makes it a worthy contender for those looking to diversify their whiskey journey. Especially if you find yourself traveling to Japan, it’s certainly worth adding to your list of bottle pickups.

However, if you’re hoping to be blown away, those expectations might need to be adjusted slightly. If astounding is what you’re after (in this proof range), something along the lines of Wild Turkey 13 Year Father & Son – another 86 proof Japanese export – might be more your speed.

Additionally, for those whose palate leans towards bold and intense flavors, Four Roses Super Premium might come across as somewhat understated. It doesn’t disappoint by any means, but it does require a certain mood and mindset to fully appreciate its gentle character.

The operative word here is “gentle” — Four Roses Super Premium Bourbon is a kind and gentle soul in a bottle, perfect for those moments when you’re in the mood for a mild, pleasant pour.

As for repurchasing, I’d place this bourbon in the “potential repeat” category. It’s by no means a regrettable purchase. Indeed, there are bottles in my collection I wouldn’t consider buying again, but this isn’t one of them. It’s a bottle I would consider picking up again, though without any sense of urgency. It is, after all, a bourbon best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

Rating: 3/5

5 – Perfect: This is the whiskey’s whiskey. It’s an experience that feels like all the stars in the universe have aligned to produce the perfect sip. It’s got the complexity, the balance, and the character that make it truly unforgettable. If this whiskey were a sports team, it’d be the undefeated champion. It doesn’t just tick every box, it sets the standard.

4 – Great: One heck of a pour, but it falls just a hair shy of perfection. Maybe it’s a note that didn’t quite sing or a finish that left a bit too soon. Regardless, it’s a bottle I’m proud to have on my shelf and eager to share with fellow whiskey lovers, friends, and family. If it were a sports team, it’d make the playoffs consistently.

3 – Average: This is the everyday player. It doesn’t steal the spotlight but puts on a decent show. It’s reliable, enjoyable, and doesn’t disappoint, but it probably won’t blow you away either. It’s the solid middle ground, the dependable third baseman you need in every game.

2 – Sub-par: Has some glaring flaws. Maybe the aroma doesn’t deliver, or the taste falls flat. It’s not without its merits, but it’s a bit like that promising rookie who can’t quite perform under pressure. It might be good for a casual sip now and then, but it won’t be the star of my collection.

1 – Poor: This missed the mark. It’s a bit like a team that’s lost its way in the middle of the season. Whether it’s a harsh finish, an unbalanced palate, or an underwhelming nose, something just isn’t sitting right. It’s one for the days when I’m feeling forgiving or adventurous.

0 – Unacceptable: Equivalent of a team that didn’t even show up for the match. It’s not just that it has flaws – it’s that those flaws overshadow any potential merit. It’s hard to find anything positive to say about this one.