Four Roses Limited Edition Single Barrel 2012

Four Roses Limited Edition Single Barrel 2012 – A Collector’s Bourbon Treasure

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we encounter many rare spirits, but few hold the mystique of the true unicorn bottle—the one that defined a category and whose legend only grows with time. The Four Roses Limited Edition Single Barrel 2012 is precisely that: a foundational pillar of modern bourbon collecting and a bottle that set a new standard for what a single barrel bourbon could be. This isn’t just a rare bourbon; it is the origin story for one of the most sought-after series in the American Kentucky whiskey world.

Released under the watchful eye of the legendary Master Distiller Jim Rutledge, this bottle represents a moment of pure, unadulterated confidence in the Four Roses Distillery‘s ten-recipe system. For the collector seeking to own a piece of the bedrock upon which the modern Four Roses mythos was built, the 2012 Limited Edition Single Barrel is non-negotiable. This definitive guide will explore the profound significance of this landmark release, provide a detailed historical Four Roses bourbon review, and illuminate why this particular straight bourbon whiskey remains the white whale for countless enthusiasts.

A Bold Experiment in Excellence: The 2012 Context

To understand the magnitude of the Four Roses Limited Edition Single Barrel 2012, one must look at the bourbon landscape of the early 2010s. Four Roses, under Jim Rutledge’s stewardship, was in the midst of its triumphant renaissance. The Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition series was already gaining critical acclaim, but Rutledge had a different vision for 2012. Instead of a blend, he would showcase the pinnacle of a single, exceptional barrel.

This was a bold move. A small batch bourbon allows a master distiller to create balance and complexity by blending multiple recipes. A Four Roses Single Barrel Limited Edition, however, puts all its faith in one recipe, one barrel, and one moment in time. The 2012 release was the first in this now-legendary line of Limited Edition Single Barrels, and its success would prove the incredible quality and consistency achievable within the Four Roses system. It was a statement that each of their ten recipes was capable of standing alone as a world-class whiskey.

The Recipe Revealed: A Singular Profile of Power and Finesse

The Four Roses 2012 Limited Edition Single Barrel Bourbon was drawn from the Four roses Obsk​ recipe. Let’s decode what made this particular barrel so special:

• O – Distilled at the Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, KY.

• B – The high-rye (35%) mash bill, providing a robust, spicy backbone.

• S – Designates it as a straight bourbon whiskey.

• K – The “slight spice” yeast strain, which imparts rich, baking spice notes and a full body.

This barrel was selected at 17 years old—an extraordinary age statement that is almost unheard of for a single barrel bourbon in the modern era. It was bottled at a cask strength of 54.3% ABV (108.6 proof). This combination of a mature, high-rye recipe and a advanced age created a whiskey of immense power and complexity, a true best barrel bourbon batch that would set the benchmark for all that followed.

Tasting a Legend: A Historical Four Roses Single Barrel Review

A Four Roses bourbon review of the 2012 Limited Edition is an exercise in tasting history. Those fortunate enough to have sampled it describe an experience of profound depth and balance, a testament to Jim Rutledge’s impeccable selection skills.

• Nose: The aroma is reported to be a masterclass in mature bourbon. The 17 years of aging brought forth deep, resonant notes of seasoned oak, dark chocolate, and rich leather. This was balanced by the OBSK recipe’s characteristic baking spices—cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg—along with underlying layers of dried cherry, honey, and a distinctive nuttiness. The high proof was said to be seamlessly integrated, offering warmth that carried the dense aromatics without any harsh ethanol.

• Palate: The palate was described as remarkably rich and viscous. The initial wave was a complex blend of dark caramel, toasted nuts, and stewed plums. The 35% rye content then unfolded gracefully, not with aggressive heat, but with a sophisticated, evolving spice profile—black pepper, allspice, and a touch of anise. The 17 years in oak provided a structured, dry tannin that perfectly grounded the sweeter and spicier elements, preventing any one note from dominating. It was a straight Kentucky bourbon whiskey of breathtaking integration and maturity.

• Finish: The finish was legendary for its length and warmth. The spicy and oaky notes slowly faded, leaving a lasting impression of dark chocolate, cinnamon, and a final, elegant hint of dried fruit. It was a finish that lingered for minutes, a final, emphatic statement from an extraordinary barrel.

This bourbon was, and remains, a contemplative spirit meant to be savored neat, a privilege granted to a select few.

The Pinnacle of Rarity: Why the 2012 is a Ghost

The hunt for the Four Roses Limited Edition Single Barrel 2012 is the ultimate challenge in bourbon collecting. Its status as a rare bourbon is absolute, driven by factors that have cemented its legendary status:

1. The First of Its Kind: As the inaugural release in the Limited Edition Single Barrel series, it holds immense historical value. It is the prototype, the bottle that started it all.

2. Extreme Age Statement: A 17-year-old single barrel from Four Roses is an extreme rarity. The angel’s share (evaporation loss) over that time means the yield from such an old barrel is incredibly small.

3. The Jim Rutledge Factor: For many purists, the bourbons selected by Jim Rutledge represent the golden age of modern Four Roses Single barrel bourbon. This bottle is a pure expression of his palate at its peak.

4. Mythological Status: Over a decade after its release, its reputation has only grown. It is frequently discussed in online forums and among collectors as a “holy grail” bottle, driving desirability to astronomical levels.

This is the pinnacle of what Rare Finds Liquor Store strives to offer. We are not just retailers; we are historians and hunters, dedicated to sourcing the foundational bottles of bourbon lore for the world’s most discerning collectors.

Investing in Bourbon History: Understanding the Four Roses 2012 Price

The conversation around the Four Roses bourbon price for the 2012 Limited Edition Single Barrel transcends typical market analysis. Its value is a direct reflection of its iconic status as a “first,” its extreme age, and its legendary provenance.

When you acquire a bottle of the Four Roses Limited Edition Single barrel bourbon 2012, you are not simply purchasing bourbon whiskey. You are making a custodian-level investment in the history of American spirits. You are owning the bottle that launched a legendary series and proved that Four Roses could produce a single barrel of unparalleled age and quality. The Four Roses whiskey price for this expression is a testament to its unparalleled position in the pantheon of great American whiskeys.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between the 2012 Limited Edition Single Barrel and the Small Batch Limited Editions?
A: The key difference is in the blending. The Four Roses Limited Edition Single barrel bourbon​ 2012 is from one single barrel (the Four roses obsk​ recipe), offering a pure, unblended expression of a 17-year-old whiskey. The Small Batch Limited Edition is a blend of multiple recipes and barrels, crafted to achieve a specific, harmonious profile. The Single Barrel is about purity and the character of one exceptional cask, while the Small Batch is about the art of blending.

Q2: Is this the oldest Four Roses Limited Edition ever released?
A: While subsequent Limited Edition Small Batches have included older components (e.g., a 20-year-old in the 2019 release), the Four Roses 2012 Limited Edition Single Barrel Bourbon remains one of the oldest single barrel expressions ever released by the distillery at 17 years old. Its age is a defining feature.

Q3: I’ve found listings for “Four Roses Single Barrel Limited Edition.” How do I know it’s the 2012?
A: Authentic bottles of the Four Roses Single Barrel Limited Edition 2012 will have the year and the specific recipe (Four roses obsk​) clearly printed on the label. Due to its value, this bottle is highly counterfeited. Always purchase from an ultra-reputable source like Rare Finds Liquor Store that can guarantee provenance. Beware of unverified sellers.

Q4: How can I possibly find this 2012 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, relationship-driven retailers like Rare Finds Liquor Store or major auction houses. We are a trusted destination for collectors looking to buy bourbon whiskey online at the highest level.

Q5: What does “Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey” guarantee?
A: This legally protected designation is your assurance of quality and authenticity. It certifies that the whiskey was:

• 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 Limited Edition Single Barrel 2012 is a pinnacle example of this classification.

Q6: Why is Rare Finds Liquor Store the best place to inquire about such a mythical bottle?
A: Rare Finds Liquor Store is built upon a reputation of integrity, deep industry connections, and a genuine passion for spirits history. We are recognized by elite collectors as a source for the truly unobtainable. We provide guaranteed provenance, meticulous care, and a confidential, professional service for acquiring the crown jewels of any collection.

Conclusion: The Barrel That Started a Legacy

The Four Roses Limited Edition Single Barrel 2012 is more than a rare spirit; it is a cultural artifact. It is the tangible beginning of a legacy—the moment Obsk four roses​ demonstrated that its individual components were so exceptional they could stand alone on the world stage. It is the definitive rare bourbon for the Obsk four roses​ purist, a bottle whose influence echoes in every subsequent single barrel limited release.

To own it is to own the genesis of a legend. It is a bottle that commands respect not just for its liquid, but for its profound place in the timeline of a great American distillery.

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we are honored to be the custodians of such legends. We invite you to reach out to us for the opportunity to own a bottle that is not just a testament to great bourbon such as four roses small batch limited edition 2024, four roses 2021 limited edition small batch and  four roses 2022 limited edition but the very catalyst that created a modern unicorn.