Hypothetical- Will Four Roses ever make a wheater?

[wildrnesxperienc]

Wouldn't that be fun? To see what Rutledge could do with that style? Has anyone ever asked him about that? As a special release or something. Juggling 10 different recipes is already a Herculean task I'm sure, but still, that would be very interesting.

[fishnbowljoe]

I don't think he's been asked about a wheater. I seem to remember that he's been asked about a rye. I can't remember the response though.

[smknjoe]

It was a big, fat, hell no! :grin:

[wildrnesxperienc]

I don't think he's been asked about a wheater. I seem to remember that he's been asked about a rye. I can't remember the response though.

Hmm, that would be interesting too. But a classic rye (~51% rye grain) might not be too terribly different than some of their bourbons being that they're already such a high rye recipe? A wheater, on the other hand, would be very different I would think. Who's got a line to Rutledge??

[wildrnesxperienc]

It was a big, fat, hell no! :grin:

Oh bummer, might have the same reaction to a wheater. Although its still a bourbon. Maybe he hates rye whiskey!!!!

[smknjoe]

This is just a complete guess, but I think that a lot of guys that have been in the bourbon biz for decades think of rye as a mixer more than a sipper. And given Four Roses' not-so-distant past I think they want to steer clear of any kind of "mixer" stigma. As for the wheater, I don't know. They already have 10 different bourbon recipes. More than anyone else I think. I would bet their attitude would be "why?"

[Josh]

That's an interesting question, but I get the impression that there isn't much interest in that on Jim's part. As for rye, I'm sure they have one or more rye recipes in their file cabinet from the Seagram's days, but Jim has said that they have enough trouble keeping up with demand for their bourbons, they don't have time or space for rye, or something to that effect.

[wildrnesxperienc]

That's a fair question. But I would say "Because Four Roses and Jim Rutledge are making some of the best bourbons in the world. Wheated bourbon is a very popular style of bourbon, and it would be very interesting to see the two meet. Jim Rutledge and wheated bourbon."

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[wildrnesxperienc]

That's an interesting question, but I get the impression that there isn't much interest in that on Jim's part. As for rye, I'm sure they have one or more rye recipes in their file cabinet from the Seagram's days, but Jim has said that they have enough trouble keeping up with demand for their bourbons, they don't have time or space for rye, or something to that effect.

I see. Oh well, still be fun to see what he said about wheated bourbon. And fun to wonder about him making it.

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[Restaurant man]

There's about 20 people in this board that will see Jim on Friday. I won't be the one to ask him about the bourbons he's not making. I have far too much interest in the bourbons he IS making. It's fun to dream of a four Roses wheater though.

[sutton]

I asked Jim R. about a rye a few months ago at a tasting - his reply was that capacity constraints prevent them from attempting it at this time; bourbon demand has got them max'd out. I'm sure the answer is the same for a wheater. Rye seems a logical next step if they can increase capacity; a wheater, if at all a thought, has to be behind that.

[jburlowski]

Jim's been asked numerous times, and at least when I've been present, his answer has been: "No.".

[callmeox]

Jim's been asked numerous times, and at least when I've been present, his answer has been: "No.".

I've heard "Not while I'm here" for the rye whiskey question on multiple occasions.

The subtext has been that a "fully aged" rye wouldn't be ready to bottle before he retires and he doesn't want to start something for someone send to finish.

[Restaurant man]

I've heard "Not while I'm here" for the rye whiskey question on multiple occasions.

The subtext has been that a "fully aged" rye wouldn't be ready to bottle before he retires and he doesn't want to start something for someone send to finish.

So Rutledge is retiring? New rumor! Quick to the multiple thread machine! :batman:

[BFerguson]

I've heard "Not while I'm here" for the rye whiskey question on multiple occasions.

The subtext has been that a "fully aged" rye wouldn't be ready to bottle before he retires and he doesn't want to start something for someone send to finish.

this would be exactly what I would do. I've become a master at what I've done. And they isn't a need to prove anything else.

Let the next generation take a on a new challenge and likely master it, to let it be their legacy and contribution

[squire]

I would rather they keep running full tilt at producing their unique whiskys, the crafting of which they have mastered, and not get side tracked with the current rye fad.

[fishnbowljoe]

So Rutledge is retiring? New rumor! Quick to the multiple thread machine! :batman:

He's hinted at retiring for a few years now. Funny, but then he'll say he still has a few things to do. Good man. When he does finally retire he'll be missed.

I've also asked him who is going to replace him if, and/or when he eventually does decide to retire. He was pretty vague about that, and really didn't give an answer.

[Kyjd75]

In conversations I have been a party to with Mr. Rutledge and others from Four Roses, my impression was that the main obstacle to releasing a rye was their parent company, Kirin, was not keen on the idea.

[Restaurant man]

I've also heard the "don't wanna start what I can't finish" line in regards to the rye. There is probably more than one sole reason though.

[Phil T]

It's actually kind of fun to think what JR could do with a wheater recipe or a rye whiskey, but I'm content drinking what they make right now....the finest bourbons in the universe

[squire]

Has anyone asked JR if he likes to drink wheaters or ryes himself?

[hectic1]

According to Jim they have no plans on ever making a wheater while he's around...a straight rye is a different story.?

[MyOldKyDram]

So you're saying there's a chance?

[Yeti]

I know it's ultimately just a testament to the quality product they produce, but the daydreaming about Four Roses creating new product lines is funny to me. Were the aficionados clamoring for S-W to make straight rye in the 60s? Take the opportunity to really know all 10 recipes, and explore the delicious small batch possibilities, and drink one of the great wheat recipe bourbons and straight ryes that already exist on the market. Those whiskies, like the Four Roses whiskey, have been refined and proven by their respective distilleries.

[squire]

Exactly, I'm in favor of celebrating by comparison the differences between what's already available which may have to be done twice just to verify the results.