A Guide for the Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, KY
Welcome to Lawrenceburg
Deep in the heart of Bluegrass country, surrounded by the rolling hills of central Kentucky, is a paradise for bourbon lovers: Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Famous for its location on the famous Bourbon Trail, Lawrenceburg is home to several incredible distilleries, including the crown jewel: Four Roses Distillery.
With a setting as fine as its smooth whiskey, Four Roses Distillery combines Spanish Mission-style architecture, small-batch perfection, and over a century of bourbon craftsmanship. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a first-time taster, Four Roses invites you to slow down, sip, and savor.
Visiting Four Roses Distillery: What to Know
Visiting Four Roses Distillery: What to Know
Situated along the scenic Salt River, Four Roses is a striking contrast to many of its Kentucky counterparts. The beautiful, historic building with its strong Spanish influence stands out against the lush Kentucky landscape, making it a relaxing place to enjoy the mellow, floral notes in its spirits. Here are some details for your visit.
The Experience
From the grounds to the warehouse and the bar, Four Roses gives its guests a red-carpet experience. Their friendly, knowledgeable staff are ready to welcome guests to enjoy a drink at Bar 1888 or relax on the outdoor patio to take in the view. More curious guests are welcome to a more immersive experience by booking a tour of the facilities to learn more about their unique approach to Bourbon Making.
Insider’s Tip: Want the full picture? Pair your Four Roses Distillery visit with a stop at their Cox’s Creek Warehouse & Bottling Facility, just outside Bardstown, for a deeper dive into their aging and bottling processes.
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Closed on major holidays
Heritage & Culture
Four Roses' story is one of love, legacy, and resilience—a true American bourbon tale over a century in the making.
1888–1943: A Romantic Beginning
Legend has it that founder Paul Jones Jr. named the bourbon after a Southern belle who wore a corsage of four roses to a grand ball, signaling her acceptance of his proposal. Whether this story is myth or fact, the brand was trademarked in 1888, and the name stuck.
1943–1990s: Overseas Fame
Under Seagram's ownership, Four Roses became wildly popular abroad, especially in Japan and Europe, even while its U.S. presence waned. During this period, only blended versions were sold domestically.
2000s–Today: A Return to Greatness
In 2002, Kirin Brewery Company purchased Four Roses and restored its premium bourbon production to the U.S. market. Since then, Four Roses has become a beloved name in American bourbon, known for its gentle, nuanced flavor and unique production approach using two mashbills and five proprietary yeast strains.
Products & Cocktails
Four Roses isn't just a pretty face—it’s a top-shelf contender with a complex portfolio that highlights balance, character, and approachability.
Core Collection:
- Four Roses Bourbon – Smooth and mellow, ideal for newcomers and cocktail lovers.
- Four Roses Small Batch – A rich blend of four select recipes; ideal for those who want more spice and depth.
- Four Roses Single Barrel – Bold and full-flavored, this bottle showcases one of the distillery’s 10 unique bourbon recipes.
Limited Editions & Premium Picks:
Four Roses Small Batch Select – A higher-proof offering with extra complexity.
- Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch – Released annually and eagerly anticipated by bourbon enthusiasts for its masterful blending.
- Private Selection Bottles – Hand-picked barrel selections available at select retailers or straight from the distillery.
Signature Cocktails:
- Mellow Manhattan – A smooth twist on the classic.
- Four Roses Mule – Bourbon meets ginger for a zesty finish.
- Sweetheart Sour – A floral, citrusy version of the whiskey sour.
- Golden Old Fashioned – Made with Small Batch for added complexity.
These cocktails highlight the delicate spice and fruit-forward notes that set Four Roses apart from other bourbons on the trail.
Distillery Tours
If you’ve ever wanted to understand what makes Four Roses so distinct, a tour is a must. Every visit offers a closer look at their fermentation, distillation, and blending techniques—all performed on-site.
Legacy Tour & Tasting
- Overview: Guided distillery tour plus a tasting of core and premium offerings
- Cost: From $22
- Length: 45–60 minutes
Sensory Tasting Experience
- Overview: A deep dive into aroma, taste, and finish with premium pours
- Cost: From $30
- Length: 45 minutes
Barrel Strength Select Tasting
- Overview: Taste single-barrel selections straight from the cask
- Cost: From $40
- Length: 30–45 minutes
A Premium Location
Check out our Bourbon Country Welcome Center in Lawrenceburg for more bourbon tastings, events, and experiences. Visit our bar to explore our immersive selection of over 150 bourbons and ryes!
What’s even better? The Wild Turkey Distillery is close to our property! Located in Lawrenceburg, KY, our property is perfectly situated near Wild Turkey Distillery and six other Kentucky-renowned distilleries, as well as locally-owned wineries and breweries. Guests who book a tour with us can enjoy a laid-back afternoon with bourbon experts, without worrying about transportation.
Bourbon Barrel Cottages & Tours in Lawrenceburg, KY
Our luxury cottages in Lawrenceburg, KY come with a variety of amenities and are the perfect spot to unwind or recharge after a thrilling day touring the distilleries. For large parties, we also offer our spacious main house rental that accommodates up to 20 guests.
Why You’ll Love Us:
- Private Hot Tubs
- Modern Amenities
- Full-stocked Kitchens
- Covered Patios
- Pet-Friendly
We even have
add-on experiences to customize your stay with perks like early check-in, late check-out, pet accommodation, massage, and more! Book with Bourbon Barrel Cottages & Tours and we’ll meet you in Bourbon Country!
Nature's Symphony
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Meet the Owners!
We are Jay and Angie Ballard, parents to five and grandparents to two, lovers of music, traveling, the outdoors, and all things bourbon.
In preparation for retirement and becoming empty nesters, plans of building a tiny home on our beautiful land--Finnel Farm--led us to where we are now. We thought, how wonderful would it be for others to experience what we get to call home? Guests can immerse themselves in a serene atmosphere surrounded by wildlife and enjoy sitting by the tranquil koi ponds. We're confident you'll love the luxury accommodations that each cottage offers, and there's no doubt you'll leave feeling more relaxed!
Over the past couple of years, the bourbon market has exploded worldwide, and what we offer at Bourbon Barrel Cottages helps attract Bourbon aficionados to our beautiful town, boosting our economy. With our customizable Bourbon Trail Tours, we will provide you with the ultimate bourbon experience you're seeking