Four Gate Kelvin Collaboration III Batch 12 Bourbon Whiskey

The Vanguard of Bourbon: Four Gate Kelvin Collaboration III Batch 12 Bourbon Whiskey

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we are constantly searching for the next pinnacle of American whiskey craftsmanship. While many bourbon whiskey brands rest on tradition, a new generation of artisans is pushing the boundaries of what straight bourbon whiskey can be. Leading this charge is Four Gate, and we are proud to present a bottle that exemplifies their innovative spirit: the Four Gate Kelvin Collaboration III Batch 12 Bourbon Whiskey. This is not just another Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey; it is a deliberate and masterful evolution of the category, a limited-edition masterpiece for the collector who believes that tradition and innovation can create something extraordinary.

Four Gate has carved a unique niche in the world of premium American whiskey by specializing in one thing: the art of the secondary maturation. They seek out exceptional, mature stocks of straight Kentucky bourbon whiskey and then apply a final, transformative finish in the world’s most exquisite casks. The Kelvin Collaboration III is a stunning result of this philosophy.

Brand & Series Background: Four Gate & the Kelvin Collaboration

Four Gate Whiskey Company was founded with a mission to release small batches of uniquely finished American whiskey. While they source their whiskey rather than distilling in‑house, they partner with Kelvin Cooperage (a cooperage originally founded in Scotland, later operating in Louisville) to experiment with creative barrel finishing styles.

The Kelvin Collaboration series is Four Gate’s signature annual release, each batch offering a different finishing approach. Batch 12, the third iteration (Kelvin Collaboration III), mixes tradition and innovation in a compelling way.

The Four Gate Philosophy: Curation and Transformation

The fundamental question in the bourbon vs whiskey conversation is one of rules and creativity. Bourbon has strict legal definitions, but within those rules, there is room for artistry. Four Gate operates in this space. They are not distillers; they are virtuoso finishers.

Their process is twofold:

1. Source the Best: They begin with already mature, high-quality straight bourbon from Kentucky. This ensures a magnificent foundation.

2. The “Four Gate” Finish: This is where the magic happens. The bourbon undergoes a secondary aging process in a carefully selected cask that adds a final, complex layer of flavor.

For the Kelvin Collaboration III Batch 12, the finishing casks are the star of the show. This release features a finish in Sicilian Marsala Barrels. The choice of Marsala, a fortified wine from Italy known for its rich, oxidative notes of dried fruit and nuts, is a bold and inspired decision that sets this American Kentucky whiskey apart from any other on your shelf.

A Masterpiece of Collaboration:

The name “Kelvin Collaboration” itself tells a story. It represents a partnership between Four Gate’s founders and a master in the industry—in this case, often focusing on a specific type of cask or a unique finishing technique. This collaborative spirit ensures that each batch is a focused experiment in flavor, overseen by experts dedicated to achieving a specific profile. Batch 12 is not a mass-produced product; it is a limited, artisanal release with a distinct personality, making it a premier bourbon for sale for those who appreciate nuance and story.

Production & Technical Details

Blend & Maturation

• This expression is a blend of 9‑year and 12‑year Kentucky straight bourbons.

• The mash bills are:
    • 9‑year: 75% corn / 13% rye / 12% malted barley 
    • 12‑year: 74% corn / 18% rye / 8% malted barley

Barrel Finish
After the base bourbon aging, Four Gate finished this blend in PX Sherry‑Rum casks (barrels that first held Pedro Ximénez fortified wine, then dark rum) sourced via Virago Spirits in Richmond, VA. 
This dual‑use cask finishing introduces layers of fortified wine richness and rum depth to complement the bourbon core.

Proof & Limited Release

• Bottled at 123.7 proof (61.85% ABV)

• Total bottles produced: 1,647

• It is classified as Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey thanks to its sourcing and aging specifications.

Because it is a straight bourbon (age stated, matured in new charred oak barrels before finishing, no added flavor or coloring), it qualifies under U.S. law as a straight bourbon whiskey and by virtue of its sourcing and style, aligns closely with straight Kentucky bourbon traditions.

A Sensory Exploration: Tasting Four Gate Kelvin Collaboration III

Tasting this whiskey is an experience in discovering harmony between the classic and the unexpected. It is a bourbon whiskey that demands attention and rewards the patient connoisseur.

The Appearance:
The liquid has a deep, russet-toned amber color, hinting at both its initial maturation and its transformative journey in the dark Marsala casks.

The Nose: An Aromatic Tapestry
The bouquet is immediately complex. The foundational notes of a quality straight bourbon are all there—rich caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak. But they are swiftly joined and elevated by the Sicilian influence. Aromas of stewed red fruits, dried fig, and roasted hazelnut weave through the classic notes. There’s a distinctive grape-like sweetness, a hint of dark chocolate, and a subtle, warm spice that is uniquely Marsala.

The Palate: A Cascade of Complex Flavors
On the palate, the whiskey is rich, oily, and full-bodied. The initial flavor is a burst of dark cherry and raisin, a direct gift from the Marsala casks. This fruity wave is seamlessly integrated with the core bourbon flavors of brown sugar, creamy toffee, and baking spices like cinnamon and clove. The oak provides a perfect, structured backbone, offering notes of leather and dark cocoa that prevent the sweetness from dominating. The mouthfeel is luxuriously thick, coating the palate and allowing each flavor to develop slowly. This is a straight bourbon whiskey experience that is both familiar and thrillingly novel.

The Finish: A Long and Luxurious Conclusion
The finish is exceptionally long and warming. The notes of dried fruit and oak spice linger for an impressively long time, with a final, satisfying hint of walnut and dark honey. It’s a clean, elegant, and memorable fade that solidifies its status as a top-shelf American whiskey Kentucky.

Why Four Gate is a Modern Benchmark

In a crowded field of bourbon whiskey brands, Four Gate stands apart for several key reasons:

• Uncompromising Quality: By starting with mature, well-sourced bourbon, they ensure a superior base product before the finish even begins.

• Innovation Without Gimmickry: Their finishes are thoughtful and complementary, designed to enhance and complexify the bourbon, not mask it.

• Ultimate Collectibility: Each batch is a limited edition with a unique recipe. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever, making every bottle a coveted item for collectors.

The Value of an Artisanal Bourbon

When considering bourbon for sale at this level, the value is in the artistry, scarcity, and unparalleled drinking experience. The Four Gate Kelvin Collaboration III is not a mass-market bourbon; it is a hand-crafted, small-batch phenomenon. For the enthusiast looking to buy bourbon online that represents the cutting edge of the category, this bottle is a compelling and worthy investment. It offers a tasting journey that simply cannot be replicated by standard shelf offerings.

Bourbon vs Whiskey: Terminology & Positioning

• Whiskey (or whisky) is a general term for distilled spirits made from grain mash, including Scotch, Irish, rye, bourbon, and more.

• Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that must satisfy specific legal requirements: made in the U.S., at least 51% corn in the mash, aged in new charred oak, distilled to ≤ 160 proof, and bottled at ≥ 80 proof.

• A straight bourbon is a bourbon aged at least two years and without additives.

• Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey is a straight bourbon made in Kentucky, though many bourbon lovers extend the “Kentucky style” label to similarly produced bourbon from outside Kentucky.

Four Gate Kelvin Collaboration III Batch 12 is clearly a straight bourbon whiskey and, thanks to its Kentucky heritage and sourcing, aligns with kentucky straight bourbon whiskey style expectations.

Your Premier Online Destination for Cutting-Edge Bourbon

Finding a bottle of Four Gate requires a retailer that is as dedicated to innovation as the brand itself. A generic search for “bourbon for sale near me” is unlikely to yield such a specialized product.

This is where Rare Finds Liquor Store excels. As a premier destination to buy bourbon whiskey online, we actively curate our selection to include the most exciting and innovative producers like Four Gate. We are your trusted source for the next great American Kentucky whiskey. When you choose to buy bourbon online from us, you are accessing a world of curated quality and guaranteed authenticity.

We strive to be the best place to buy bourbon online for those who seek more than just a name—they seek an experience.

If you are ready to explore the vanguard of bourbon, to taste a whiskey where Kentucky tradition meets Italian elegance, your search ends here. Four Gate Kelvin Collaboration III Batch 12 is a rare find, a modern classic, and a testament to the brilliant future of American whiskey.