The News
Four Roses Distillery announced the launch of Anthology, an annual series of rare releases that tell chapters of the brand’s 138-year history. The first chapter, Chapter One: Origin, is a 21-year-old bourbon inspired by the brand’s founding in 1888. The release was announced on June 2, 2026, in Lawrenceburg, KY.
Four Roses’ latest limited‑edition bourbon, Origin, is a 21‑year‑old spirit released exclusively at the distillery’s visitor center and a single Whiskey Row event. The bottle comes bottled at 124.9 proof and carries a suggested retail price of $500—about twelve times the average U.S. bourbon price.
Only about 81 % of U.S. whiskey sales in 2024 are priced at $30 or higher, underscoring that Origin sits well above mainstream premium tiers. In addition, U.S. bourbon sales grew 6.7 % year over year early this year, while high‑proof spirits (100 proof or higher) jumped 12.7 %. The average 750 ml bottle costs roughly $40, so the $500 price tag is a deliberate move into the ultra‑premium segment.
Because Origin is premises‑only, bars and retailers cannot stock it or list it as an SKU. The move signals that Four Roses values heritage over volume. Retailers can still promote other Four Roses products—particularly those around 30+ proof—that fit the high‑proof trend, while distributors may use this launch to highlight complementary items from the brand’s core line where shelf space already exists.
With only 1,200 bottles worldwide, scarcity is built in. Operators can use the bottle as a talking point at high‑ticket events or special tastings for guests who value rarity and provenance. Bar managers should not anticipate repeat orders; instead they can craft an experience—perhaps pairing it with a signature cocktail or a limited tasting menu.
Bars can treat Origin as a halo asset, focusing on experiential marketing while keeping standard inventory unchanged.
Original Press Release
Watch the story of Four Roses unfold with each chapter of the new annual series
LAWRENCEBURG, KY (June 2, 2026) - Today, Four Roses Distillery announces the launch of Anthology, a new ultra-premium annual series of rare and highly limited releases that each tell a distinct chapter of the brand’s 138-year story. Launching during one of the distillery’s most innovative years to date, Anthology honors Four Roses’ rich heritage while exploring the moments, people, and craftsmanship that have shaped the brand over generations.
The series begins with Chapter One: Origin, the oldest release in Four Roses history: a rare 21-year-old bourbon inspired by the brand’s founding story of love and connection. Chapter One: Origin transports consumers back to 1888, when founder Paul Jones Jr. professed his love and intention to marry his Southern belle. She later accepted his proposal by arriving at a grand ball wearing a corsage of four red roses, inspiring Jones to name the distillery after the moment that would define the brand for generations to come.
Meticulously aged for 21 years and designed for collectors and enthusiasts seeking a deeper connection to bourbon history, Chapter One reflects Four Roses’ unwavering passion and dedication to craftsmanship and meaningful connection today.
“This release represents more than age; it represents legacy,” said Brent Elliott, Master Distiller at Four Roses. “With Anthology, we wanted to create a series that allows us to tell the deeper stories behind Four Roses through rare and intentional releases. Chapter One: Origin pays tribute to the moment that inspired our name and the values of connection and passion that continue to define our brand today.”
Crafted from the OBSF recipe, known for its delicate herbal notes and rich fruit character, the 21-year-old bourbon was matured under careful stewardship, resulting in an exceptionally layered and elegant profile, and bottled at up to 124.9 proof. On the nose, deep apricot is mingled with vanilla and spiced mint. The palate unfolds with creamy oak tones and deep flavors of ripe cherry, cacao, and rich honey, culminating in a rich finish of antique oak and lingering rich fruit.
The launch of Anthology coincides with Meet Me with Four Roses, the brand’s campaign that places Four Roses at the heart of life’s shared moments by celebrating those rare pauses away from the noise, when people connect more deeply with those who matter most, all elevated with a glass of Four Roses Bourbon in hand. Continuing this spirit of connection, Four Roses will host an immersive pop-up experience at the brand’s original headquarters on Louisville’s historic Whiskey Row, offering guests an up-close, first-hand look at the story, craftsmanship, and legacy behind Four Roses. Through curated experiences inspired by the inaugural Anthology release, visitors will step deeper into the brand’s history while exploring the inspiration and artistry behind Chapter One: Origin.
Chapter One: Origin will be available exclusively at the Four Roses Visitor Center beginning July 10 and at the Whiskey Row event on July 11 for a suggested retail price of $500. Around 1,200 bottles will be released, underscoring the rarity and collectability of the inaugural chapter.
For updates on news and events pertaining to the Anthology series, visit FourRosesBourbon.com and follow @FourRosesBourbon on social media.
Sources consulted (web research):
- Four Roses Anthology Chapter One Origin 21 Year Single Barrel 11988201
- Four Roses Anthology Chapter 1 Origin Bourbon 1238276654
- Four Roses Debuts Anthology Series With Oldest Release In Brand History
- Four Roses Debuts Oldest Ever Bourbon In New Anthology Series
- Four Roses Launches New Anthology Series With 21 Year Bourbon
- Four Roses Debuts Anthology Series With Oldest Release In Brand History
- Anthology Collection
Source: BevNET