Four Roses LE Small Batch 2012

[squire]

We can, however, generally agree on what's not so good.

[bourbonandbacon]

First off, just wanted to say a big thanks to everyone for trying to help me find a bottle of this juice after i posted in the "help a member" forum (z327, JakeW). Have been looking for this since it came out, and after Hansell's proclamation, i figured there was no chance. Anyway, finally found some in the wild, and couldn't be happier. I have some work to do today, otherwise I would be opening her up right now. Looking at the bottle number, the cynic in me wondered, would they ever do another release using the same "recipe" under the same 2012 label after they won all that praise? Assuming they still have stocks of the 17 year old to mix in. I know it is a "limited edition," but its not like i signed a contract with the distiller when i bought the bottle stating that they were not allowed to make any more of this... Has this been done ever? I don't mean to imply anything bad about Four Roses or Jim Rutledge, it just seems to me, that if you get named bourbon of the year, it might make sense to release more of that stuff in order to let more people try it and grow your brand a bit. If they released another 2,000 bottles say (assuming they have the stocks) it is still a "limited edition," but just limited to 6,062 instead of 4,062.

[OscarV]

As long as it says 4062 bottles I'm sure it's from last Sept probably bottled in Aug.

It really isn't a big seller but it is distributed over a large area and it's only us bourbon fiends that lust for it and track it down.

[Trey Manthey]

Looking at the bottle number, the cynic in me wondered, would they ever do another release using the same "recipe" under the same 2012 label after they won all that praise? Assuming they still have stocks of the 17 year old to mix in. I know it is a "limited edition," but its not like i signed a contract with the distiller when i bought the bottle stating that they were not allowed to make any more of this... Has this been done ever? I don't mean to imply anything bad about Four Roses or Jim Rutledge, it just seems to me, that if you get named bourbon of the year, it might make sense to release more of that stuff in order to let more people try it and grow your brand a bit. If they released another 2,000 bottles say (assuming they have the stocks) it is still a "limited edition," but just limited to 6,062 instead of 4,062.

[hectic1]

First off, just wanted to say a big thanks to everyone for trying to help me find a bottle of this juice after i posted in the "help a member" forum (z327, JakeW). Have been looking for this since it came out, and after Hansell's proclamation, i figured there was no chance. Anyway, finally found some in the wild, and couldn't be happier. I have some work to do today, otherwise I would be opening her up right now. Looking at the bottle number, the cynic in me wondered, would they ever do another release using the same "recipe" under the same 2012 label after they won all that praise? Assuming they still have stocks of the 17 year old to mix in. I know it is a "limited edition," but its not like i signed a contract with the distiller when i bought the bottle stating that they were not allowed to make any more of this... Has this been done ever? I don't mean to imply anything bad about Four Roses or Jim Rutledge, it just seems to me, that if you get named bourbon of the year, it might make sense to release more of that stuff in order to let more people try it and grow your brand a bit. If they released another 2,000 bottles say (assuming they have the stocks) it is still a "limited edition," but just limited to 6,062 instead of 4,062.

[bourbonandbacon]

sorry, i guess as a follow up to my comment to clarify a bit. such a thought was inspired by the fact that the store just got the bottles in, even though it was released in the fall. just seemed a little odd that they would be hitting the stream of commerce so many months later. i think trey raises a good point about the possible different tastes given barrel selection and the vatting process making an additional release on the smb more difficult (though it makes me think that maybe they could do it with a single barrel LE release). i had not considered that factor. i agree with you as well hectic, my tastes of the other smbLE have all been great, and some of the best bourbons i have had to date

[theglobalguy]

If i've learned anything from these boards related to supply and demand it's that liquor laws and distribution is rife with inefficiency. Not the first, nor i suspect the last time you find a limited release hitting the street with a seemingly unrelated delay. I'm fortunate enough to live in Louisville, generally one of the first markets to get new product to shelf, and even here i've hit a few head scratching moments.

[qman22]

I'm having back to back pours of 09 Mariage & 12 SmBLE now. They are both great, but I'm feeling the 2012 more. To me it is fruitier and smoother, whereas the 09 is spicier.

[Diesel]

Don't get me wrong, It's a GOOD release, but IMHO I don't think it's anywhere near great.

[jbrana]

I've had an opportunity to try all of the Mariage/FR LE SmB and IMO they've all been very good and worthy of bourbon of the year consideration. This bottling just happened to fit with Hansell's palate but I could see how someone might like any of the others more than the 2012 and vise versa. Bottom line is that Jim R does a fantastic job creating these LE SmB's bottling and these bottlings really show off his ability to blend the perfect mixture of recipes. I happen to prefer the 09 and 08 to the 12 but that's just because those two fit with my palate more...doesn't mean that the 10 or 11 aren't as good either. Enjoy these bottlings as they are IMO some of the best bottles to come out is mass production each year! :cool:

I agree that the Mariage '08 might be the best so far... don't get me wrong, the '12 is nice too, but not as good as the '08.

[MauiSon]

Okay, my bottle is sitting tight in southern Ohio and I haven't been able to find a photo on the web, so can someone tell me - where's the bottle number? Is it on the neck trim or the back of the bottle? This talk of bottle numbers has got me wondering.

[amftx]

Okay, my bottle is sitting tight in southern Ohio and I haven't been able to find a photo on the web, so can someone tell me - where's the bottle number? Is it on the neck trim or the back of the bottle? This talk of bottle numbers has got me wondering.

Its on the back.

[ShorewoodLiq]

Picked up 4 bottles of 4 Roses LE 2012 Small Batch. Phenomenal whiskey!

One of the better WOTY's I have tried!

[tigerlam92]

Also picked up four bottles of the 2012 LE.

Going to try it shortly and also compare it to the 100th Anniversary Edition.

Cheers

High

[tigerlam92]

Popped one open and enjoying a quick pour. This may be the best of the Four Roses I have tasted so far.

Cheers

Hugh

[JVande]

Did Jim ever disclose the percentages of each of the 4 recipes contained in this bottling?