Louisville.com broke the news recently that Jim Rutledge, Master Distiller of Four Roses, will retire effective September 1. Rutledge has been in the industry for nearly 50 years and is credited with bringing Four Roses back from the brink of almost certain extinction. He shows no signs of slowing down in his retirement years, saying he will continue on as brand ambassador for Four Roses. He will also be doing consulting for startup distilleries to help keep bourbon’s brand identity strong.
“We make the best bourbon in the world, always have and always will,” Rutledge said in a recent interview. He is well-known in the bourbon world for restoring the good name of Four Roses bourbon in America when it was returning to the U.S. market after being an export-only brand for decades.
The perception of Four Roses in America at that time was based on a blended product with the same name, but that was made in Indiana, Maryland and contained as much as 60% grain neutral spirits. Rutledge convinced Kirin to discontinue the blended product and allow him to focus on a top shelf Single Barrel offering. The brand took off from there, eventually becoming a multiple award-winning bourbon brand.
Bourbons Bistro will be celebrating Jim Rutledge’s career August 29. This is a great opportunity to toast one of bourbon’s greatest influencers and wish him well in his retirement. Complementary appetizers and a cash bar will be offered. Reservations are requested and can be made by calling (502) 894-8838.
Photos Courtesy of Maggie Kimberl
