The Kentucky-based Four Roses Distillery, has announced the launch of the third release in its limited-edition Experimental Series.

Four Roses Experimental Series No. 003: Chestnut (52% ABV), a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in chestnut casks, is said to demonstrate how less conventional wood finishes can bring new dimensions to Four Roses’ signature flavour profile.

The project began with trials exploring how different wood species interacted with Four Roses’ ten Bourbon recipes. Chestnut quickly distinguished itself, imparting subtle yet distinctive flavours that prompted the distillery to expand its experimentation. Four Roses ultimately selected its six-year-old OBSK recipe for the final expression, combining its signature spice and complexity with the sweet, rounded flavours developed in 250-litre chestnut barrels made from wood grown in Japan.

To create this third release in the Experimental Series, mature Bourbon was transferred into chestnut barrels featuring varying levels of toast and char. Each barrel was sampled regularly throughout the finishing process and emptied individually once the desired flavour profile had been achieved, with finishing times ranging from five to eleven weeks. This barrel-by-barrel approach allowed the distillery to capture the distinctive character of the chestnut wood while maintaining the balance of the underlying Bourbon.

Following the previous releases finished in Mizunara and honey-seasoned casks, Four Roses Experimental Series No. 003: Chestnut is said to open with aromas of rich apricot and soft vanilla. The palate is rounded and creamy, with notes of vanilla bean, pear and ripe cherry, complemented by sweet, toasted wood and hints of baking spice.

Commenting on the launch, Brent Elliott, Master Distiller, said: “To me, what makes this release so interesting is how chestnut wood can enhance and highlight the flavours of a bourbon. We explored a number of different wood types in our initial trials, and chestnut stood out for the unique character it brought to the spirit. The OBSK recipe had the complexity and spice we were looking for to complement those flavours, creating a bourbon that feels familiar in its foundation but offers new, distinct flavours in the glass.”

Limited in quantity, Four Roses Experimental Series No. 003: Chestnut, will be available from the Four Roses Visitor Centres in Lawrenceburg and Cox’s Creek from November 20th, for a RRP of $55.00 – 375ml bottle.