Introduction
When I found out Four Roses was launching a series based on unique expressions from their recipe catalogue, this 21-year-old release instantly caught my attention. It’s the first entry in their new Anthology collection and also the oldest bottling they’ve ever released. I’ve always appreciated the range and consistency of their core single barrel and small batch offerings, so I was curious to see how something aged for over two decades would hold up—especially at full barrel strength.
Nose
Right from the first swirl, I could tell this bourbon had some age on it. The nose opens with dry oak and polished leather, but there’s still plenty of life here—dark cherries, plums, and a touch of orange peel sit underneath the heavier notes. As it opened up with time, I also picked up honeycomb, cigar box, and a faint hint of menthol. The overall aroma is deep but not overpowered by wood, which is often a risk in ultra-aged bourbons.
Palate
At barrel strength (about 53.1% ABV), the first sip delivers a firm, concentrated hit of flavor. Immediately, mature oak and dark brown sugar take the lead, followed by dried figs, clove, and cinnamon. There’s also a pleasant nuttiness—somewhere between roasted pecans and old wooden cabinets. The viscosity is striking; this bourbon coats the tongue with a silky texture, and despite the high proof, I found it remarkably balanced. Each sip brings a slow evolution of spice, layered with hints of old vanilla and a slight herbal edge.
Finish
The finish really draws out the complexity of this whiskey. It’s long and dry, but not overly tannic. The final notes fade gently with toasted oak, lingering spice, and a soft suggestion of cherry pipe tobacco. Even several minutes later, there’s a warm tingle and the returning sweetness of aged caramel on the edges of the palate. Nothing tastes rushed here—it’s a relaxed, confident exit.
Price and Value
This bottling is undoubtedly in the premium range, both in age and pricing. Whether the price is worth it depends on your perspective. From a craftsmanship and age standpoint, it’s a rare release with a specific audience in mind. If you enjoy highly aged bourbons that showcase depth without tipping into bitterness, this one is likely worth seeking out. But for casual bourbon drinkers, the price may feel steep compared to Four Roses’ more accessible expressions.
Background
This release is officially titled “Four Roses 21 Year Old Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon” and is the first edition in their Anthology series. It’s built entirely on the OESV recipe—one of Four Roses’ ten mashbill-yeast combinations—which leans toward delicate fruit and spiciness. The whiskey was distilled in 2002, matured in Warehouse R, and bottled in 2023 at 53.1% ABV. It’s uncut and non-chill filtered, which preserves a lot of its natural texture and aromatic nuance.
The intention behind the Anthology line is to highlight rare barrels or recipes that might not otherwise fit into standard releases. According to Four Roses, these bottlings will be released in small numbers, likely once or twice a year.
Final Notes
Would I buy this again? If I had room in the budget—and I often don’t at this tier—I absolutely would. It’s a rare profile and, for fans of mature bourbon, one of the best Four Roses has produced. Is it beginner-friendly? Not really. This whiskey demands some palate experience to fully appreciate the oak-forward structure and concentrated flavors.
As for when to pour this, it feels most appropriate for reflective moments—special evenings or when sharing a pour with someone who truly appreciates aged spirits. Compared to other Kentucky bourbons in the 20+ year category, it’s less sweet and more nuanced, leaning into elegance over intensity. Letting it breathe slowly in the glass is well worth the wait.