Four Roses Distillery has unveiled the third release in its limited-edition Experimental Series: a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in chestnut casks.
Named Four Roses Experimental Series No. 003: Chestnut, the new expression intends to showcase how unconventional wood finishes can introduce striking new dimensions to the distillery's signature flavor profile. It follows the distillery's previous releases which were finished in Mizunara and honey-seasoned casks.
The expression is said to open with nose notes of rich apricot and soft vanilla, with a palate that offers notes of vanilla bean, pear and ripe cherry, complemented by sweet, toasted wood and hints of baking spice.
The project began with extensive trials testing how various wood species interacted with Four Roses’ ten proprietary bourbon recipes. Chestnut quickly stood out from the field, said to impart distinct, subtle nuances that prompted the distillery to expand its experiments into full-scale production.
Four Roses ultimately selected its six-year-old OBSK recipe for the final expression. The brand said it complemented the wood, with the spirit's signature rye spice and complexity combining well with the sweet, rounded flavors developed during finishing in 250 litre Japanese chestnut barrels.
Mature bourbon was transferred into chestnut barrels with varying toast and char levels. The distillery team sampled each cask regularly, dumping them individually once they reached peak flavor profile after finishing periods ranging from five to eleven weeks.
This barrel-by-barrel approach is said to help the distillery capture the distinctive character of chestnut wood while maintaining the balance of the underlying Bourbon.
The limited edition Four Roses Experimental Series No. 003: Chestnut, will be available from the Four Roses Visitor Centres in Lawrenceburg and Cox’s Creek from Nov 20, with an MSRP of $55.00 for a 375ml format.
Kanpai
88 Bamboo Editorial Team
