Four Roses Bourbon Single Barrel Pick “A Dozen Roses” – A Unique Expression of Craftsmanship

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we believe the most exciting bourbon discoveries often come from the unique vision of a dedicated selection team. While standard shelf offerings provide consistency, it’s the exclusive Single Barrel Picks that offer a true, unfiltered glimpse into the soul of a distillery. The Four Roses Bourbon Single Barrel Pick “A Dozen Roses” is a premier example of this craft—a hand-selected expression that showcases the pinnacle of what a Four Roses single barrel bourbon can be.
This isn’t just another bottle of Four Roses whiskey; it’s a curated experience. Each “A Dozen Roses” selection represents a specific recipe chosen for its exceptional character, offering bourbon enthusiasts a chance to explore the nuances of the Four Roses Distillery‘s legendary ten-recipe system. In this definitive guide, we’ll explore the magic of the Single Barrel Pick program, provide an in-depth Four roses single barrel bourbon review of this particular selection, explain what makes these bottles so special, and guide you on how to add one of these unique American Kentucky whiskey treasures to your collection.
The Art of the Single Barrel Pick: Beyond the Standard Bottle
The Four Roses Single Barrel program is a cornerstone of the brand’s identity, but the “Private Selection” or “Pick” program takes it a step further. It allows retailers, bars, and groups to visit the distillery and sample barrels from various recipes, ultimately selecting one that best represents their desired flavor profile.
“A Dozen Roses” is the name given to a specific barrel selection, implying a selection of exceptional quality and balance, much like a perfect bouquet. Unlike a small batch bourbon, which is a blend of multiple barrels for consistency, a single barrel bourbon is the pure, unadulterated expression of one specific barrel, from one specific recipe, aged in one specific location in the warehouse. This means no two picks are exactly alike, and finding one with a name like “A Dozen Roses” signifies a barrel that the selection committee believed was among the best barrel bourbon batch options available.
Decoding the Recipe: The Heart of “A Dozen Roses”
The magic of any Four Roses single barrel bourbon lies in its four-letter recipe code. For a pick like “A Dozen Roses,” this code is your key to understanding its flavor DNA. Let’s assume, for the purpose of this profile, that “A Dozen Roses” is an OBSV recipe, one of the most beloved for its balance. Here’s what that means:
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O – Distilled at the Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, KY.
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B – The high-rye (35%) mash bill. This provides a robust, spicy backbone that defines the structure of the bourbon.
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S – Designates it as a straight bourbon whiskey.
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V – The “Delicate Fruit” yeast strain. This is the star of the show, imparting beautiful notes of ripe pear, apple, honey, and a characteristic floral aroma.
If “A Dozen Roses” were an OESK recipe, the profile would shift towards a softer, low-rye base with a “Slight Spice” kick. This variability is what makes hunting for different Four Roses single barrel picks so thrilling. Each bottle is a unique chapter in the Four Roses story, and “A Dozen Roses” is a particularly distinguished chapter.
Tasting a Unique Identity: A Sensory Four Roses Single Barrel Review

A Four Roses single barrel bourbon review of a pick like “A Dozen Roses” is an exploration of its unique character. The following notes are representative of what you might expect from a well-chosen OBSV selection, but remember, the beauty is in its singularity.
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Nose: The aroma is an inviting and elegant bouquet, true to its name. Immediate notes of fresh pear, apricot, and honeydew melon leap from the glass, courtesy of the V yeast. Beneath this fruity top layer lies a foundation of vanilla custard, light caramel, and a very subtle hint of floral essence, like rose petal or fresh-cut herbs. The high-rye content announces itself not with aggression, but with a soft, peppery warmth that ties the aroma together.
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Palate: The first sip confirms the nose’s promise with a medium-bodied, silky mouthfeel. The delicate fruit notes lead the way, with flavors of baked apple, honey, and a touch of citrus zest. The 35% rye mash bill then gracefully emerges, providing a perfect counterpoint with flavors of cinnamon, white pepper, and a slight nuttiness. The balance is impeccable—neither too sweet nor too spicy, but a harmonious dance between the two. It’s a classic, well-rounded profile that exemplifies why Four Roses single barrel OBSV is so highly sought after.
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Finish: The finish is medium to long, clean, and satisfyingly warm. The fruit sweetness gently fades, leaving behind a lingering spice and a touch of dry oak. It’s a refreshing and incredibly drinkable finish that invites you back for another sip immediately.
This straight Kentucky bourbon whiskey is typically bottled at barrel strength, often between 100-120 proof, which concentrates these flavors beautifully. It is best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to unlock even more complexity.
The Hunter’s Prize: The Allure of the Single Barrel Pick
Finding a specific Four Roses Bourbon Single Barrel Pick A Dozen Roses for sale is a rewarding challenge for any enthusiast. Its appeal lies in its exclusivity:
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Limited Quantity: A single barrel yields only 150-200 bottles. Once that barrel is bottled and sold, it’s gone forever, making each pick a rare bourbon by definition.
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Unique Flavor Profile: This is not the standard Four Roses Single Barrel (which is always OBSV). A pick can be any of the ten recipes, offering a taste of recipes like OESK or OBSF that are not commonly found on shelves.
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Curated Quality: The “A Dozen Roses” name implies that this barrel was chosen over others for its superior balance and character. It has passed the rigorous palate of a selection committee, ensuring a high-quality experience.
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Community and Story: Each pick has a story—the story of the group that selected it, the recipe chosen, and the reason behind the name. Owning one connects you to that narrative.
This is where Rare Finds Liquor Store excels. We actively participate in these selection programs to bring unique, curator-approved single barrels directly to our customers who are looking to buy bourbon whiskey online beyond the standard offerings.
A Accessible Luxury: Understanding the Four Roses Single Barrel Price
The Four Roses single barrel bourbon price for a private selection is typically a step above the standard single barrel, and for good reason. You are paying for the exclusivity, the higher proof (if barrel strength), and the expert curation that went into selecting that specific barrel.
When you consider the Four Roses bourbon price for a pick like “A Dozen Roses,” you are investing in a unique experience. You are getting a single barrel bourbon that offers a distinct and memorable flavor journey, one that may never be replicated. For the enthusiast seeking to deepen their understanding of Four Roses, this represents exceptional value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the difference between the standard Four roses single barrel bourbon and a Private Selection like “A Dozen Roses”?
A: The standard Four Roses Single Barrel is always the OBSV recipe and is bottled at 100 proof. A Private Selection like “A Dozen Roses” can be any one of the ten recipes and is typically bottled at its natural barrel strength, which can vary from 100-120 proof. The private selection is a one-of-a-kind, non-chill filtered expression chosen for its unique profile.
Q2: How do I know which recipe my “A Dozen Roses” bottle is?
A: The recipe code is always printed on the side of the bottle’s label. Look for a four-letter code like OBSV, OESK, etc. This is your key to understanding the flavor profile before you even open it.
Q3: I’ve read a Four Roses Bourbon Single Barrel breaking bourbon review. What does that mean?
A: “Breaking Bourbon” is a popular and respected online whiskey publication. A Four roses single barrel bourbon breaking review refers to an analysis published by that site. These reviews are a great resource for understanding the quality and typical profile of different recipe picks, but remember, each barrel is unique!
Q4: Are these Four roses single barrel bourbon picks a good investment?
A: While they can appreciate in value due to their limited nature, their true value is in the drinking experience. They are an “investment” in your personal whiskey journey, offering a chance to taste a truly unique expression of Four Roses that may never be available again.
Q5: What does “Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey” on the label guarantee?
A: This is a legally protected term that ensures the whiskey was:
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Made from a grain mix of at least 51% corn.
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Aged in new, charred oak barrels.
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Distilled and aged in Kentucky.
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Bottled at 80 proof or higher.
This Four Roses Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey not only meets but excels within these standards.
Q6: Why is Rare Finds Liquor Store the best place to buy a Single Barrel Pick online?
A: Rare Finds Liquor Store is more than a retailer; we are curators. We taste and select barrels based on their exceptional quality and unique stories. When you buy bourbon online from us, especially a single barrel pick, you are getting a bottle that has been personally vetted by our team for excellence. We are a trusted source for authentic, well-chosen rare bourbon.
Conclusion: Your Personal Invitation to Explore
The Four Roses “A Dozen Roses” Single Barrel Pick is more than a bottle of bourbon; it’s an invitation. An invitation to explore the depth of a legendary distillery, to appreciate the art of selection, and to experience a flavor profile that is uniquely yours for a fleeting moment.
It represents the perfect intersection of accessibility and exclusivity in the world of American whiskey Kentucky. While not as scarce as a decades-old limited edition, it offers a level of personality and purity that makes it a cornerstone of any sophisticated bourbon collection.
At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we are passionate about bringing these singular expressions to your doorstep. We invite you to explore our current selection of Single Barrel Picks and discover the unique story that each one, like “A Dozen Roses,” has to tell.





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