Four Roses Distillery — Attraction in Bluegrass Region

Four Roses Distillery – A Spanish Soul in the Heart of Kentucky

Four Roses Distillery is a truly distinctive stop along the Bourbon Trail – not necessarily the most spectacular tour, but absolutely worth visiting for its charm, character, and historical significance.

Founded in 1888, it stands proudly as one of the eight oldest operating distilleries in Kentucky. But what really sets it apart is its striking Spanish Mission-style architecture – a rare and beautiful sight among the traditional American distilleries. The picturesque buildings create a serene, almost romantic atmosphere that instantly captivates.

The tour itself is concise and well-structured. Guests are given headsets to ensure every detail is heard clearly, even in the working parts of the distillery. While the interior may lack the dramatic flair or immersive storytelling of some other tours, it offers an honest, informative look at the craft behind Four Roses bourbon.

The tasting experience is a clear highlight. Each sample reveals layers of complexity that reflect the brand’s unique approach – blending ten distinct bourbon recipes using two mash bills and five yeast strains.

The interior of the facility is more functional than flashy, but that's part of its authenticity. What Four Roses may lack in theatrical presentation, it makes up for in genuine craftsmanship, warm hospitality, and a gift shop full of thoughtful bourbon-inspired treasures.

In summary: Not the flashiest stop on the trail, but one of the most unique and historically rich. A visit to Four Roses is a must for any true bourbon lover – not just to check off a box, but to appreciate the quiet elegance and timeless spirit this distillery brings to the Kentucky...

On Saturday, January 27, my wife and I had the pleasure of experiencing the Historic Legacy Tour. There were a number of things that made this a standout tour among the many we have done. The use of headphones and a wireless system was key to making this an enjoyable visit. At every other distillery tour we've done over the years, I have struggled to hear our guide and gotten frustrated at the competition to be in front in order to hear. The headphones allowed for a more relaxed, more immersive, and more satisfying tour. Thank you! Of course, the heart of the tour was our guide, Louise. She was exceptionally good at taking the tour script and making it her own. She was clear, in-depth, and funny, making the wealth of information easily accessible and memorable. She handled questions with a blend of professionalism and personality that underscored her knowledge and commitment to understanding the art and craft of making bourbon. It was a joy and a pleasure to have her as our guide. The easy pace of the Legacy Tour gave us ample space and time to connect the information with the physical experience of seeing and smelling the process at work. Louise did an exceptional job of guiding us through the tasting, and I appreciated the opportunity to compare your four standard bourbons to each other. Overall, our Four Roses tour was one of the best, most informative tours we've experienced. As a retired Bourbon Retailer and Bourbon Steward, I loved the tour and appreciated the relaxed and welcoming professionalism Louise provided. I love your bourbon (especially the Small Batch Select) and am now a huge fan of Four Roses...

Four Roses has always been one of my husband's favorites, so for his 69th birthday, he scheduled a tour and tasting for us. Not being a bourbon drinker, I know very little about the various distilleries. Imagine my surprise when we drove back to the visitor center and I was greeted by beautiful scenery and buildings that reminded me of a California vineyard. The gift shop is a "class act": lighting, displays, and merchandise top notch, but not with outrageous pricing. There is a nice bar to the left of the check-in desk, with seating indoor and outdoor. Tours start behind the doors off the lobby. There was a video, in the gathering room, from the master distiller, which gave us enough time to get our headsets connected and our volumes set before we started the tour. The headsets work wonderfully, as I like to linger behind a bit to get pictures. It allowed me to not miss any of the information while still being able to capture the sights for memories. The tour is fairly easy with some steps. One building is extremely hot but our tour guide warned us ahead, then told us how to cool down near windows or how to exit if necessary. No one needed to leave as we did not remain inside very long. There is a beautiful story tied to the name, and much history tied to the product. The tour was very interesting. The tasting was done in another beautiful part of the visitor center, with four bourbons and a story about each. Even I could appreciate the difference in the flavors, selecting the "best of the four" for my tastes. I must not have done too badly because that's the bourbon that my husband selected for purchase...