Four Roses first came to Louisville in 1884 when founder Paul Jones Jr. opened an office on Main Street’s Whiskey Row.
One hundred twenty-seven years later, “it’s great to be back,” master distiller Jim Rutledge said yesterday during the official opening of the Four Roses Bourbon Barrel Loft on the third floor of the Bluegrass Brewing Co.’s downtown location, 300 W. Main St.
“With its ‘speakeasy feel,’ this is an instant classic right here,” Mayor Greg Fischer said just before declaring Aug. 11 “BBC and Four Roses Bourbon Barrel Loft Day” and leading everyone in a toast.
I guess there is a speakeasy element to the Bourbon Barrel Loft; it’s on a separate floor and you have to climb a staircase from the main restaurant to get there. But this is no dark, cramped, dingy space. Two walls of nearly floor-to-ceiling windows flood the nearly 3,000 square feet with natural light and provide great views of the Yum Center, the new Whiskey Row Lofts and the ever-increasing life and activity of this part of downtown.
There are several distinct seating areas, including a section of plush white leather sofas and overstuffed chairs upholstered in fabric covered with red leaves, if not roses; a section of long tables embellished with driftwood candle holders; and a section in a front corner that can be closed off with sliding glass doors for smaller parties.
Exposed-brick walls and polished wood floors give a warm feel to the entire space, which can be rented for events ranging from staff meetings to wedding receptions. Read more about that here.
