Four Roses 6-year Yellow Label Bourbon 1977

Experience a rare piece of bourbon history with this 1977 Four Roses, bottled exclusively for export. A unique opportunity to savor the elegant complexity of a bygone era, showcasing masterful distillation at a crucial point in the brand's journey.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A sophisticated and inviting bouquet. Expect initial waves of dried apricot, orange zest, and a delicate honey sweetness, intertwined with hints of rose petals and a touch of aged leather. Beneath these lighter notes, a rich layer of vanilla bean, caramel chews, and a gentle oak spice begins to emerge, hinting at its maturity.

Palate: The palate opens with a surprising vibrancy for its age, showcasing a beautiful balance of sweet and savory. Candied nuts, rich toffee, and dark chocolate lead, quickly followed by a complex interplay of dried fruit (prunes, figs), baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a subtle herbaceous note. The oak presence is refined, providing structure without overwhelming, contributing notes of antique wood and a very slight char.

Finish: Long, warm, and elegantly lingering. The spice gently fades, leaving behind a delightful warmth that echoes notes of sweet tobacco, dark cherry, and a whisper of almond. A silky mouthfeel persists, inviting another sip, concluding with a nuanced dry oak character that never feels astringent.

About the Distillery

Four Roses Distillery, with a heritage dating back to 1888, boasts a rich and complex history. Known for its distinctive production methods utilizing two mashbills and five proprietary yeast strains, it allows for ten unique bourbon recipes. In the mid-20th century, particularly around the time this bottle was produced, Four Roses was primarily sold as a blended whiskey in the US, while its straight bourbon was reserved for export markets, making these earlier straight bourbon expressions highly sought after glimpses into its pre-comeback era.