Four Roses ‘Super Premium’ Platinum Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (700mL)

The Japanese Market Jewel: A Deep Dive into Four Roses Distillery llc​ ‘Super Premium’ Platinum Bourbon

Welcome to Rare Finds Liquor Store, where our mission is to scour the globe for spirits that are not just bottles, but stories waiting to be uncorked. While many American bourbon enthusiasts are familiar with the core expressions from Four Roses Distillery Visitor Center, there exists a legendary, almost mythical offering that has captivated collectors worldwide: the Four Roses ‘Super Premium’ Platinum Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

This isn’t just another Four Roses bourbon; it is a unique export, crafted specifically for the discerning Japanese market. For those in the know, acquiring a bottle of Four Roses Super Premium is a rite of passage, a symbol of one’s dedication to uncovering the hidden gems of the bourbon whiskey world.

In this definitive guide, we will unravel the mystery surrounding this exquisite small batch bourbon. We’ll explore its unique trans-Pacific history, decode the complex flavor profile that sets it apart, explain the reasons for its coveted status, and answer the most pressing questions about this iconic American Kentucky whiskey.

A Tale of Two Continents: The History of Four Roses Super Premium

To understand the Four Roses Super Premium, one must first understand the remarkable relationship between Four Roses and Japan. In a pivotal move in 2002, the Kirin Brewery Company, Ltd. of Japan acquired the Distillery Four Roses. Rather than altering the beloved American brand, Kirin invested heavily, restoring the distillery to its former glory and championing the quality that defines Four Roses bourbon whiskey today.

This deep connection made Japan a key market, leading to the creation of exclusive expressions not commonly found in the United States. The Four Roses Super Premium Japan release is the crown jewel of these exports. It represents a harmonious blend of traditional Kentucky bourbon craftsmanship with the meticulous, quality-obsessed sensibility of the Japanese market.

This straight bourbon whiskey is often a blend of some of Four Roses’ most prized and mature recipes, bottled at a higher proof than their standard offerings to deliver an uncompromising flavor experience. It’s a testament to a partnership built on mutual respect for exceptional whiskey.

The Four Roses Alchemy: What Makes This Bourbon Unique?

The magic of any Four Roses whiskey lies in its unique production system, and the Super Premium is a masterful application of this very system. Unlike most distilleries that use one or two recipes, Distillery Four Roses utilizes two distinct mash bills and five proprietary yeast strains, creating ten completely different bourbon recipes.

The Four Roses Super Premium Bourbon is typically a small batch creation, where the master distiller artfully marries a select number of these ten recipes. This allows for a complexity and balance that is nearly impossible to achieve with a single recipe. It’s this pursuit of the best barrel bourbon batch that defines the Super Platinum expression.

• The Mash Bills:

  • Mash Bill B: Higher rye content (35%), contributing spicy, robust character.

  • Mash Bill E: Lower rye content (20%), contributing soft, delicate fruitiness.

• The Yeast Strains: Each of the five yeast strains imparts a specific characteristic:

  • V (Delicate Fruit)

  • K (Slight Spice)

  • O (Rich Fruit)

  • Q (Floral Essence)

  • F (Herbal Notes)

By blending specific recipes from this palette, the creators of the Four Roses Super Premium achieve a symphony of flavors, making it a true Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey of unparalleled depth.

Tasting the Platinum Standard: A Sensory Analysis

A Four Roses Super Premium review would be incomplete without delving into the liquid itself. Pouring a glass reveals a beautiful, deep amber hue, hinting at its careful maturation.

• Nose: The aroma is an intricate and inviting bouquet. Initial notes of ripe red berries, honey, and vanilla are prominent. As it opens up, the high-rye influence reveals itself with subtle hints of cinnamon and clove, balanced perfectly by floral and herbal undertones (likely from the ‘Q’ and ‘F’ yeast strains). The alcohol is present but integrated, promising a robust palate.

• Palate: The first sip confirms the nose’s complexity with a rich, velvety mouthfeel. The flavor profile is a masterful balance of sweet and spicy. Luscious caramel, maraschino cherry, and baked apple lead the way, followed by a crescendo of peppery rye, dark chocolate, and oak. The combination of mash bills and yeast strains creates a layered experience where no single note dominates, but rather harmonizes into a rich, full-bodied straight Kentucky bourbon whiskey.

• Finish: The finish is long, warm, and remarkably smooth. The spicy notes gradually recede, leaving behind a lingering sweetness of honeyed fruit and a touch of dry, elegant oak. It’s a satisfying conclusion that invites another sip and solidifies its “Super Premium” status.

This bourbon is best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to unlock its full aromatic potential. It stands as a contemplative spirit, designed for slow sipping and appreciation.

The Hunt for the Export: Why is Four Roses Super Premium So Rare?

Finding Four Roses Super Premium for sale outside of Japan is the primary challenge that defines this bottle. Its scarcity in the U.S. market is driven by a clear and simple fact: it was never intended to be sold here.

1. A Targeted Export: This expression is produced and allocated specifically for the Japanese market. The entire supply chain, from distribution to retail, is focused there from the outset.

2. Limited Allocations: The quantities that make their way to international retailers like Rare Finds Liquor Store are minuscule. They are often secured through specialized importers or secondary market connections, making them a true rare bourbon find.

3. Collector Frenzy: The combination of its high quality, exclusive Japanese-market packaging, and intriguing backstory has made it a must-have for collectors of both Four Roses whiskey and Japanese-market exclusives. This demand vastly outstrips the tiny supply available internationally.

4. The “Forbidden Fruit” Appeal: There is an inherent allure in possessing something not readily available in your own country. The Four Roses Super Premium Japan bottle embodies this appeal perfectly.

This is where Rare Finds Liquor Store provides immense value. We navigate the complex global market to source authentic, pristine bottles of such exclusive spirits for our discerning clientele.

Investing in an International Treasure: The Four Roses Super Premium Price

Discussing the Four Roses Super Premium price requires context. Since it is not officially sold in the U.S., there is no domestic MSRP. The price is determined by its import costs, its significant rarity, and its high demand among collectors.

When you invest in a bottle of Four Roses Super Premium, you are acquiring more than just whiskey. You are obtaining a piece of international bourbon history—a tangible example of the global reach of American whiskey Kentucky and a testament to a unique cultural exchange in the spirits world. For the connoisseur, the value lies in its unique flavor profile, its beautiful presentation, and the story it tells.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the main difference between this and the standard Four Roses Bourbon?
A: The core difference is its market destination and recipe composition. The Four Roses Super Premium is a Japan-exclusive small batch bourbon that often uses a unique, high-proof blend of their ten recipes, resulting in a more complex and robust profile compared to the standard Yellow Label. It’s a step above even their single barrel bourbon offerings in terms of rarity and exclusivity.

Q2: I’ve heard Four Roses has many recipes. How does that affect the flavor?
A: You’ve heard correctly! The Distillery Four Roses uses two mash bills and five yeast strains to create ten distinct bourbon recipes. This system is their “secret weapon.” For a small batch bourbon like the Super Premium, the master distiller acts like a chef, blending specific recipes to create a target flavor profile—be it more fruity, spicy, or floral. This allows for incredible depth and a signature balance that makes Four Roses whiskey so unique.

Q3: Is Four Roses Super Premium a single barrel or a small batch bourbon?
A: The Four Roses Super Premium is a small batch bourbon. This means it is a carefully crafted blend of a select number of barrels (often from multiple recipes) to achieve a consistent and complex flavor profile that represents the pinnacle of their blending art for the Japanese market.

Q4: How can I find a bottle of Four Roses Super Premium for sale?
A: Finding this Japan-exclusive bourbon for sale requires a specialized retailer. General searches for “bourbon for sale near me” will almost certainly not yield results. Your best option is to partner with a premium online retailer like Rare Finds Liquor Store that specializes in sourcing rare bourbon from around the world. We are a trusted destination for those looking to buy bourbon whiskey online, including such hard-to-find international expressions.

Q5: What does “Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey” on the label mean?
A: This is a legally protected term that signifies a high-quality straight bourbon. It means the whiskey was:

• Distilled and aged in Kentucky.

• Aged in new, charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years.

• Made from a grain mix (mash bill) of at least 51% corn.

• Bottled at 80 proof or higher.
  The Four Roses Super Premium not only meets these standards but exceeds them, representing a premium example of a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey.

Q6: Can I trust buying such a rare bottle from Rare Finds Liquor Store online?
A: Absolutely. Rare Finds Liquor Store is built on a foundation of authenticity, expertise, and customer trust. We are recognized as one of the best place(s) to buy bourbon online for collectors. We guarantee the provenance and condition of every bottle we sell. With secure, discreet, and fully compliant shipping, we make the process of finding and acquiring a legendary bottle like Four Roses Super Premium seamless and reliable.

Conclusion: A Platinum Standard Worth the Pursuit

The Four Roses ‘Super Premium’ Platinum Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is more than just a spirit; it is a narrative in a bottle. It tells a story of cross-cultural collaboration, of distilling artistry, and of the global thirst for exceptional American whiskey Kentucky.

While its journey from a Japanese shelf to your glass is a long one, the reward is an unforgettable tasting experience that showcases the very best of what the Four-Roses Distillery can achieve. It is a testament to the fact that some of the world’s finest bourbon whiskey can sometimes be found in the most unexpected places.

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we are your dedicated scouts on this global hunt. We pride ourselves on bringing these extraordinary finds directly to you, ensuring that your collection is not just comprehensive, but curated with stories and significance. Explore our selection today, and let us help you discover a rare find that transcends borders.