From Bourbon Vat to Tasting Table: Crafting the Ultimate Four Roses Flight Tray

There is something deeply spiritual about a good glass of bourbon. It’s a spirit defined by time, patience, and the wood it matures in. So, when the team at Open Grain Woodwork was tasked with creating a custom bourbon tasting tray for the iconic Four Roses Bourbon, we knew we had to build something that didn’t just hold a glass—it needed to tell a story.

We are incredibly proud to unveil our custom Four Roses Bourbon Tasting Tray, a project that seamlessly blends authentic bourbon history with functional, modern design.

Sourced From the Soul of Bourbon History

The standout feature of these tasting trays is the very material they are built from. We didn’t just head to the lumber yard for standard oak. Instead, the wood for these trays was sustainably reclaimed from actual, massive wooden Four Roses vats that were used for decades in the real production of their bourbon.

Every grain line, knot, and discoloration in these 3/4″-thick trays holds the history of thousands of gallons of world-class bourbon. When you lift one of these trays, you are quite literally holding a piece of the Four Roses legacy.

Designed for the Ultimate Tasting Experience

A great bourbon flight requires more than just pouring a few glasses; it’s an immersive sensory experience. We designed this 14-7/8″ x 6-3/8″ tray to be the ultimate companion for both casual enthusiasts and master tasters.

Here is a breakdown of the thoughtful features built into the design:

  • Four Dedicated Tasting Spaces: The top row features four precision-routed circular pockets (2-1/8″ diameter, 3/8″ deep) designed to securely cradle standard bourbon tasting glasses, preventing any accidental slips or spills.

  • A Touch of Sweetness (The Truffle Square): To the right of the tasting slots sits a single, smaller 2-1/8″ square pocket. This is specifically designed to hold a gourmet chocolate truffle, offering the perfect flavor pairing to complement the complex notes of the bourbon.

  • The 2” Note Section: Bourbon tasting is all about comparison. To make tracking proofs, age statements, and mash bills easy, we integrated a 2″ high, 13-3/8″ wide acrylic pocket inlay. Tasters can easily slide in note cards or use dry-erase markers to write down their thoughts on each pour.

  • The Iconic Four Roses Logo: Proudly anchoring the design, the laser-engraved Four Roses Bourbon logo sits elegantly below the note section, separating the functional areas of the tray and reminding everyone of the heritage behind the spirit.

Built to Last: Finish and Protection

Because bourbon tasting can occasionally get a little messy, we coated each tray with a premium, durable clear coat finish. This protective layer seals the historic vat wood, guarding it against moisture and stains while highlighting the deep, rich natural grain of the heritage oak.

Finally, to give the tray an elegant, floating profile and protect high-end bar tops from scratches, we installed durable rubber feet on the underside. These non-slip pads ensure the tray stays firmly in place, no matter how lively the tasting session gets.

Bring Your Vision to Life

At Open Grain Woodwork, we love turning reclaimed materials and unique stories into functional works of art. Whether you’re looking for a custom piece for your commercial distillery, a commercial bar space, or your home bar, we can bring it to life.

Explore more of our custom commercial and residential projects, or reach out to start your own custom build by visiting us at Open Grain Woodwork.

Cheers to history you can hold in your hands!