Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 125th Anniversary Gift Pack: A Collector’s Dream

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we recognize that the most compelling spirits are those that tell a story. They capture a moment in time, a celebration of heritage, and a promise for the future. The Four Roses Single-Barrel Kentucky Straight 125th Anniversary Gift Pack is one of these landmark offerings—a rare bourbon experience that commemorates a pivotal chapter in the history of the Four Roses Distillery. This isn’t just a bottle of whiskey; it’s a curated collector’s set that honors the past while delivering the exceptional quality that defines their present.
For the collector, the historian, and the bourbon enthusiast, this gift pack represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of the distillery’s renaissance. It combines the beloved, consistent excellence of their Four roses single barrel barrel strength with the special significance of a milestone anniversary. This definitive guide will explore the historical context of the 125th Anniversary, detail the contents of this celebrated gift pack, and explain why this complete package is a cornerstone for any serious collection of American Kentucky whiskey.
A Triumphant Celebration: The Significance of 125 Years
To understand the importance of this gift pack, one must appreciate the journey of the Four Roses brand. The year 2013 marked the 125th anniversary of the company’s founding, but the celebration was about much more than longevity. It was a triumphant declaration of a brand reborn.
After being pulled from the American market for decades, the Four Roses Distillery was revitalized following its acquisition by the Kirin Brewery Company in 2002. Under Master Distiller Jim Rutledge, the brand was restored to its original purpose: producing premium, signature-recipe straight bourbon whiskey. The 125th anniversary was a victory lap—a celebration of the distillery’s triumphant return to its rightful place among the world’s elite bourbon whiskey brands. This gift pack is a tangible piece of that celebration, a time capsule from the peak of the “Rutledge era.”
Unboxing a Legacy: What’s Inside the Gift Pack
The Four Roses Single Barrel 125th Anniversary Gift Pack is a complete experience, designed for both immediate enjoyment and long-term display. It typically includes:
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The Centerpiece: Four Roses Single Barrel
The heart of the package is a full 750ml bottle of the iconic Four roses single barrel barrel strength. This is the classic OBSV recipe—a single barrel bourbon from the high-rye (35%) mash bill and the “V” or “Delicate Fruit” yeast strain. Bottled at 100 proof, it offers a perfect balance of robust spice and rich fruit, a benchmark for what a Barrel Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey can be. -
The Commemorative Glasses
The set includes two exclusive, branded Glencairn glasses or rocks glasses etched with the 125th Anniversary logo. These are not generic barware; they are official keepsakes that elevate the tasting experience and serve as a permanent reminder of the occasion. -
The Collector’s Box
Housed in a premium, specially designed box often featuring gold foil stamping and historical imagery, the entire presentation is worthy of the milestone it represents. This makes it an impeccable gift and a stunning display piece.
This curated approach transforms a standard bottle purchase into an event. It’s an invitation to slow down, pour a dram into the commemorative glass, and savor a whiskey that represents over a century of craftsmanship.
Tasting a Milestone: A Sensory Four Roses Single Barrel Review
A Four Roses single barrel review of this expression is an appreciation of a modern classic. While each barrel has slight variations, the OBSV recipe provides a consistent and beloved profile.
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Nose: The aroma is a vibrant and inviting bouquet. Immediate notes of ripe red berries, dried cherry, and apricot are prominent, courtesy of the “V” yeast. This is followed by a robust backbone of baking spices—cinnamon, clove, and a hint of rye bread—from the 35% rye mash bill. Underneath lies a foundation of vanilla, caramel, and gentle oak.
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Palate: The first sip reveals a medium to full body with a smooth, coating mouthfeel. The flavor is a masterful balance of rich stone fruit and honey, which is quickly complemented by a warming, peppery spice. Notes of caramel apple, dark chocolate, and a touch of nuttiness add layers of complexity. The 100-proof bottling strength provides enough power to carry the dense flavors without overwhelming the palate with alcohol heat.
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Finish: The finish is long, warm, and satisfying. The spicy notes gradually meld with the oak, leaving a lasting impression of cinnamon, dry oak, and a lingering dark fruit sweetness. It’s a clean, vibrant finish that solidifies its status as a world-class straight bourbon whiskey.
The Collector’s Holy Grail: The Rarity of the 125th Anniversary Pack
Finding a Four Roses Single Barrel 125th Anniversary Gift Pack for sale today is a significant challenge. Its status as a rare bourbon collectible is driven by several key factors:
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Limited Commemorative Release: As a special anniversary edition, the gift pack was produced in a finite quantity. Once the initial allocation sold out, it was gone forever.
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Historical Significance: It represents the pinnacle of the Jim Rutledge era and a key milestone in the brand’s modern history, adding immense collectible value beyond the liquid itself.
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Complete Presentation: The inclusion of the commemorative glasses and premium packaging makes it more desirable than a standalone bottle, especially for display purposes.
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Appreciating Asset: Due to its limited nature and iconic status, this gift pack has become a blue-chip asset in the secondary market, with value that has consistently appreciated over time.
This is the precise niche Rare Finds Liquor Store is designed to fill. We operate as curators and hunters, leveraging our extensive network to source pristine, complete sets of historic releases like this for a discerning clientele.
Investing in History: Understanding the Value
The Four Roses single barrel price for this anniversary pack has evolved far beyond its original retail cost. Its current market value is a direct reflection of its historical importance, perfect presentation, and iconic status.
When you acquire this Four Roses 125th Anniversary Gift Pack, you are investing in a museum-quality piece of bourbon history. You are owning a celebration—a boxed set that honors the moment Four Roses cemented its modern legacy. The value is justified by its profound provenance, its completeness, and its place in the pantheon of great American whiskey Kentucky commemorative releases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is the whiskey in this gift pack different from the standard Four Roses Single Barrel?
A: The bourbon itself is the same beloved OBSV recipe that defines the core Four Roses Single Barrel expression. The immense value of this pack lies in its commemorative 125th Anniversary packaging and the inclusion of the exclusive glasses, making it a complete collector’s item.
Q2: What is the proof of the bourbon in this set?
A: The Four Roses Single Barrel included in this gift pack is bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV). This is the same proof as the standard single barrel offering, providing a perfect balance of flavor intensity and approachability.
Q3: Is this a cask strength or barrel strength expression?
A: No, this particular Four Roses Single Barrel is not a cask strength or barrel strength offering. It is bottled at a consistent 100 proof. The value here is historical and collectible, rather than deriving from a unique proof point.
Q4: How can I find this 125th Anniversary Gift Pack for sale?
A: Locating this specific set 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.
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:
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Bourbon: Made from a grain mix of at least 51% corn.
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Straight: Aged for a minimum of two years in new, charred oak barrels.
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Kentucky: Distilled and aged in the state of Kentucky.
This Four Roses expression is a premier example of this classification.
Q6: Why is Rare Finds Liquor Store the best place to buy such a significant collectible?
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 item, especially pivotal sets like this. We provide secure, fully insured shipping and a professional, confidential service for acquiring the crown jewels of any collection.
Conclusion: More Than a Bourbon, A Celebration
The Four Roses Single Barrel Kentucky Straight-Bourbon 125th Anniversary Gift Pack is more than a spirit; it is a historical document. It captures the precise moment a great American distillery celebrated its past and confidently embraced its future. It is the definitive rare bourbon for the Four Roses devotee, a complete package that offers not just a tasting experience but a tangible connection to a legacy.
To own this set is to own a chapter of history. It is a display piece, a conversation starter, and a testament to the enduring appeal of a brand that refused to fade away.
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 gift pack that is not just a testament to great bourbon, but the very symbol of a modern renaissance.




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