by EllenJ » Thu Nov 23, 2006 1:05 am
Carolyn,
There are (at least) TWO Four Roses whiskeys. One is the straight bourbon made only for export by Seagrams. That is the one most of us here speak of, since (1) it is a straight whiskey, and (2) it is available in very select areas in the United States (Kentucky and,.... well, Kentucky). The other Four Roses is a blended whiskey (and always was) that, after Prohibition, was made (at several locations) by Paul Jones' Frankfort Distillery company, located in Louisville. In the early '40s it was sold to Seagrams. About six years ago, Seagrams sold all its beverage spirits holdings, and the Kirin company of Japan (Four Roses BOURBON's major Asian distributor) purchased the brand and the distillery in Lawrenceburg, KY. They did not, however, purchase the blended Four Roses whiskey brand. THAT Four Roses was America's most popular whiskey, regardless of the fact that it may have been deemed unworthy by purists.
As for its connection (if any) with Rufus Roses and Company, of Atlanta, Georgia, the evidence is intriguing but not convincing.
One view can be read at http://www.ellenjaye.com/4roses.htm.