Four Roses 125th Anniversary 2013 Limited Edition Small Batch

Four Roses Bourbon Review​ – 125th Anniversary 2013 Limited Edition Small Batch: A Rare Bourbon Worth Celebrating

Welcome to Rare Finds Liquor Store, where we specialize in uncovering the spirits that define eras. In the world of rare bourbon, certain bottles transcend mere collectibility to become historic landmarks. The Four Roses 125th Anniversary 2013 Limited Edition Small Batch is one such bottle—a pinnacle achievement from the Four Roses Distillery that is widely regarded as one of the finest small batch bourbons ever released.

This isn’t just another expression; it is a celebration, a milestone, and a masterclass in blending. For collectors and connoisseurs, securing a bottle is akin to owning a piece of modern bourbon history. In this definitive guide, we will explore the legacy of this iconic release, decode the symphony of flavors that earned it perfect scores, and explain why it remains a benchmark for American Kentucky whiskey.

A Celebration of Resilience: The 125th Anniversary Context

To understand the significance of the 2013 Limited Edition, one must appreciate the remarkable renaissance of the Four Roses bourbon whiskey brand. The year 2013 marked 125 years since the company’s founding, a journey fraught with challenges. After being pulled from the American market for decades to become a bottom-shelf blended whiskey, the brand was revitalized following its acquisition by the Kirin Brewery Company in 2002.

Under the leadership of Master Distiller Jim Rutledge, Four Roses bourbon whiskey was restored to its original purpose: producing premium, signature-recipe Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. This 125th-anniversary release was not just a celebration of age; it was a triumphant declaration that Four Roses had returned to its rightful place among the world’s elite bourbon whiskey brands. It was a statement of quality, a testament to resilience, and a gift to the bourbon community that had championed its comeback.

The Art of the Blend: Deconstructing a Masterpiece

The magic of Four Roses whiskey lies in its unique ten-recipe system, and the 2013 Limited Edition is the ultimate expression of this alchemy. Unlike a single barrel bourbon, which showcases one specific recipe, this small batch bourbon is a meticulously crafted blend of four of their most exceptional and mature recipes, carefully selected by Jim Rutledge himself.

This release was a pursuit of the best barrel bourbon batch, combining:

• 18-Year-Old OBSV: A venerable bourbon from the high-rye (35%) mash bill with the delicate fruit yeast (V). This component provided profound depth, oak, and rich fruit notes.

• 13-Year-Old OBSK: From the high-rye mash bill with the slight spice yeast (K), adding a robust, spicy backbone.

• 13-Year-Old OESK: From the low-rye (20%) mash bill with the slight spice yeast (K), contributing a softer, fruit-forward spice.

• 13-Year-Old OESV: From the low-rye mash bill with the delicate fruit yeast (V), offering elegant, floral, and sweet fruit characteristics.

The result was a straight bourbon whiskey of staggering complexity, bottled at a robust 51.6% ABV (103.2 proof)—a strength that perfectly carries the dense flavors without overwhelming the palate.

Tasting a Legend: A Sensory Review of the 2013 Four Roses whiskey Limited Edition

Any Four Roses-bourbon review of this caliber must be approached with reverence. Pouring a glass reveals a deep, russet-hued amber, signaling its extensive aging.

• Nose: The aroma is an opulent and layered bouquet that rewards patience. Initial waves of dark chocolate, rich caramel, and ripe cherries are immediate. As it breathes, it unfolds to reveal baking spices (cinnamon, nutmeg), seasoned oak, and a distinctive floral undertone—a signature of the V yeast strain. The ethanol is remarkably integrated for the proof, offering warmth without sharpness.

• Palate: The first sip is a revelation of texture and flavor. The mouthfeel is rich, oily, and coating. Flavors of dried figs, maraschino cherry, and honeyed apricot lead the way, seamlessly intertwined with dark, creamy caramel. The high-rye content then emerges gracefully, presenting not as sharp heat but as a complex blend of baking spices and black pepper. The older OBSV component provides a structured, dry oakiness that balances the sweetness perfectly. It is a masterful interplay of fruit, spice, and oak that defines a world-class straight Kentucky bourbon whiskey.

• Finish: The finish is exceptionally long, warm, and transformative. The fruity sweetness gradually recedes, leaving behind a lingering, elegant tapestry of spice, dark chocolate, and a touch of mint. It’s a finish that seems to last for minutes, inviting quiet contemplation and solidifying its legendary status.

This bourbon is a contemplative spirit, designed to be savored neat. Adding a few drops of water can release even more hidden floral and fruity notes, but it is a complete experience straight from the bottle.

The Collector’s Grail: The Rarity and Hunt for the 2013 Release

Finding a Four Roses 125th Anniversary 2013 Limited Edition for sale today is the ultimate challenge for a serious collector. Its status as a rare bourbon is cemented by several factors:

1. Limited Production: As a commemorative release, it was produced in a single, finite batch. Once those bottles were allocated and sold, they were gone forever.

2. Critical Acclaim: Upon release, it received universal critical acclaim, including several perfect scores and “Whiskey of the Year” accolades. This immediate recognition created a massive surge in demand that the limited supply could never hope to satisfy.

3. Historical Significance: It represents a key moment in the Four Roses Distillery timeline—a celebration of their 125-year journey and their triumphant return to quality. This narrative adds immense collectible value beyond the liquid itself.

4. Appreciating Asset: Due to its limited nature and legendary reputation, this bottle has become a blue-chip asset in the secondary market. Its value has consistently appreciated, making it both a tasting experience and a significant investment.

This is the precise niche Rare Finds Liquor Store is designed to fill. We operate as curators and hunters, leveraging our network to source pristine, authentic bottles of historic releases like this for a discerning clientele that understands true value.

Investing in History: Understanding the Four Roses 125th Anniversary Price

Discussing the Four Roses bourbon price for this specific bottle requires a shift in perspective from standard retail. There is no longer an MSRP; its value is determined by the market forces of extreme rarity and iconic status.

When you consider the Four Roses whiskey price for the 2013 Limited Edition, you are not just paying for whiskey. You are investing in a piece of bourbon history—a bottle that represents the peak of a master distiller’s career, a turning point for a legendary brand, and an unforgettable sensory experience. For the serious collector, the value is justified by its provenance, its perfect critical reception, and its place in the pantheon of all-time great American whiskey Kentucky releases.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How does this 125th Anniversary edition differ from the standard Four Roses Small Batch?
A: The difference is profound. The standard Small Batch is an excellent, readily available bourbon whiskey from Four Roses. The 125th Anniversary is a historic, limited-edition blend that includes extremely old stocks (up to 18 years) from four of their ten prized recipes. It was bottled at a higher proof and crafted to be a definitive, once-in-a-lifetime expression, earning it perfect scores and a legendary reputation far beyond their core range.

Q2: Is this bourbon a single barrel or a small batch?
A: The Four Roses 125th Anniversary 2013 is a small batch bourbon. This means it is a blend of a select number of exceptional barrels (in this case, four different recipes) to create a specific, complex flavor profile that a single barrel bourbon could not achieve on its own. This blending art is what allows for its unparalleled depth and balance.

Q3: I’ve seen other “super premium” Four Roses bottlings. How does this compare?
A: While the Japan-market Four Roses Super Premium Bourbon is an excellent and rare export, the 125th Anniversary Limited Edition exists in a different tier. As a commemorative, critically lauded release with very old component stocks, it is generally considered more complex, desirable, and valuable among global collectors than the standard Super Premium export.

Q4: How can I find this specific 2013 Four Roses bourbon bottle for sale?
A: Finding this specific vintage is the hallmark of a specialized hunt. General searches for “bourbon for sale near me” will not be successful. Your only reliable path is through premium retailers like Rare Finds Liquor Store that specialize in rare bourbon and vintage spirits. We are a trusted destination for collectors looking to buy bourbon whiskey online, providing access to legendary bottles from the past.

Q5: What does “Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey” legally guarantee?
A: This designation is your assurance of quality and authenticity. It means the spirit is:

• Bourbon: Made from a grain mix of at least 51% corn.

• Straight: Aged for a minimum of two years in new, charred oak barrels.

• Kentucky: Distilled and aged in the state of Kentucky.
  The Four Roses 125th Anniversary not only meets these standards but exemplifies the heights of quality this classification can achieve.

Q6: Why should I trust Rare Finds Liquor Store to purchase such a valuable bottle online?
A: Rare Finds Liquor Store is built on a foundation of expertise, authenticity, and discretion. We are recognized as one of the best place(s) to buy bourbon online for serious collectors. We guarantee the provenance and condition of every bottle, providing detailed provenance and secure, fully insured shipping. We make acquiring a landmark bottle like the Four Roses 125th Anniversary a secure and seamless experience.

Conclusion: The Legacy of a Landmark Bourbon

The Four Roses 125th Anniversary 2013 Limited Edition Small Batch is more than a spirit; it is a landmark. It captures a moment in time when a great American distillery celebrated its past while showcasing the absolute peak of its potential. It is a reference point against which other small batch bourbons are measured.

While the opportunity to acquire a bottle is a rare privilege, its legacy endures in every exceptional release from the Four Roses Distillery that has followed. It set a new standard and reminded the world of the sublime artistry possible in a bottle of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey.

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we are your dedicated connection to these liquid legends. We pride ourselves on bringing these monumental finds to a community that appreciates their history, their craft, and their unparalleled taste. Explore our curated collection and let us help you secure a rare find that is not just a bottle for your shelf, but a story for your lifetime.