I've been looking ahead to sitting down for this 1792 small batch bourbon review because, honestly, the bottle just looks cool on a bar cart. There is something about that broad, heavy glass and the gold-toned stopper that makes this think that it need to cost double exactly what it actually does. But as anyone who has spent a few years hunting for containers knows, a pretty decanter doesn't always imply the liquid inside of is worth the particular shelf space.
If you aren't acquainted with the brand name, 1792 comes out there of the Barton 1792 Distillery within Bardstown, Kentucky. It's owned by Sazerac, the same massive parent company that gives us Buffalo Trace, Pappy Vehicle Winkle, and Eagle Rare. However, 1792 has always felt like the somewhat edgy cousin towards the more "traditional" Zoysia grass Trace profile. It's a high-rye bourbon, and it carries a bit of a punch that will sets it aside from the sweeter, corn-heavy profiles several beginners gravitate toward.
The First Impression: The Container and the Name
Before we actually crack the seal, let's talk about the name. This used to end up being called "1792 Ridgemont Reserve, " but after a bit of a legal scuffle using the folks over at Woodford Reserve, they fallen the "Ridgemont" and kept it basic. The year 1792 commemorates the season Kentucky became a state, which is definitely a nice jerk to its heritage.
The container itself is iconic. It's a flat, wide oval that appears out in a sea of round or square containers. Seems substantial in your hand. The "Small Batch" content label is there, even though as is the situation with many modern bourbons, the term "small batch" is a bit hazy. It doesn't tell us exactly how several barrels were mixed, however in the framework of the massive distillery like Barton, it's safe to state it's a curated selection aimed at the specific flavor user profile.
What's Under the Hood?
With this 1792 small batch bourbon review , we're looking at the spirit bottled at 93. 7 proof. That's an extremely specific number, isn't it? Most bourbons land on even numbers like 90, 100, or info. The rumor work says the blenders at Barton discovered this exact evidence to be the "sweet spot" where the rye spice and the walnut tannins balanced out perfectly without being overly aggressive.
While Barton doesn't officially disclose their mash bill (the recipe of grains), it's widely recognized this is a "high-rye" bourbon. Most estimations put the rye content material somewhere between 15% and 25%. This explains why it provides a reputation with regard to being a bit "spicier" than your own average bottle of Maker's Mark or even Evan Williams.
Taking a Sniff: The Nose
Whenever you pour the glass and allow it sit for any minute, the very first thing you notice isn't actually the spice. It's the sweet taste. I get a lot of heavy caramel plus butterscotch right off the particular bat. There's the distinct fruitiness that will I've come in order to associate with Barton—it's such as a mixture of dried apricot and maybe a little bit of bit of green apple.
Yet then, the rye starts to peek through. There's a noticeable layer of black pepper and cinnamon. It's not a "burn" exactly, yet it's a razor-sharp, crisp scent that cuts through the heavier sugar information. If you really get your nasal area inside, you might catch a hint of old leather or oak, which suggests there's several decent age for the juice, even if there isn't a good age statement upon the front of the bottle anymore (it used to be an 8-year bourbon, but now it's a mixture of various ages).
The Flavor: Does It Live Up to the Hype?
The first drink is where things get interesting. The mouthfeel is surprisingly creamy to get a 93. 7-proof whiskey. It jackets the tongue well, starting with a burst of honey and vanilla. This is usually the "classic" bourbon side of the 1792 profile.
However, regarding halfway through the sip, the rye takes over. This is where the 1792 small batch bourbon review gets a little subjective. If you like a smooth, easy-sipping bourbon that will go down like water, this might amaze you. It provides a "zing" in order to it. I flavor cloves, more cinnamon, and a strike of rye loaf of bread. There's also a very specific be aware that many enthusiasts point out within 1792: banana . It isn't a clean, bright banana, but more like the baked banana bread or a circus peanut candy. Some people love it; several people find it a little odd, but it definitely gives the bourbon personality.
The oak is present but not overwhelming. This provides a great structural "dryness" to the back associated with the palate that keeps the caramel from becoming as well cloying.
The conclusion
The end is medium to long. It doesn't disappear instantly, yet it doesn't hang up around forever such as some of the particular barrel-proof monsters. This leaves you with a lingering warmness in the upper body plus a taste of charred oak and spicy black pepper. It's a "dry" finish, meaning this leaves your mouth area feeling a bit thirsty, which usually makes me want to grab another sip.
How It Compares to the Competition
When you're looking at the particular $30 to $35 price range, the competition is fierce. You've got large hitters like Buffalo Trace, Elijah Craig Small Batch, plus Old Forester 100 Proof.
Compared to Buffalo Trace , 1792 is very much bolder and spicier. Buffalo Trace is like a cozy blanket—it's soft, special, and approachable. 1792 is more just like a well-tailored suit—it has more edges and demands a bit more attention.
Compared to Elijah Craig , 1792 feels "brighter. " Elijah Craig usually leans into deep cocoa, weighty oak, and darkish fruit. 1792 stays in the realm of citrus, rye spice, and that will signature banana notice.
In the event that you're a fan of Wild Chicken 101 , a person might actually discover 1792 to be a sophisticated alternative. It has a similar "kick, " though the taste profile is greatly different.
Who Is This For?
This isn't necessarily the bottle I'd give to somebody who has by no means tasted bourbon prior to. The rye essence might be a bit much with regard to a complete novice. However, for somebody who has tried the "basics" and wants to explore what the high-rye mash bill can do without having to shell out $80 on the craft bottle, this particular is a wonderful choice.
It's also a killer beverage bourbon . Since of that 93. 7 proof plus the spice forwardness, it doesn't get lost when you mix it. It makes an incredible Old Fashioned. The rye information play off the bitters beautifully, plus the caramel sweet taste keeps the beverage balanced. If you like a Manhattan but find that 100% rye whiskey is too harsh, using 1792 Small Batch is definitely a great middle ground.
Conclusions: The Value Idea
To cover up this 1792 small batch bourbon review , we have to speak about value. In today's market, where "limited edition" bottles are being marked as much as astronomical costs, 1792 Small Batch remains refreshingly inexpensive. You can almost usually find it around the shelf, and it rarely breaks the particular $35 mark.
Is it the best bourbon on the planet? Simply no. Is it probably the most complex? Probably not. However it is consistent, flavorful, plus distinct . This doesn't taste like every other bourbon around the shelf, and that's a win in my book. It has enough personality in order to be enjoyed nice, enough proof in order to stand up upon a large snow cube, and more than enough spice to shine in a cocktail.
If you're tired of the search for Buffalo Trace or you're fed up with the standard entry-level bottles, grab the bottle of 1792. Even if the juice inside doesn't become your favorite, the bottle will certainly at least look solid on your shelf. But my figure is, once you get past that preliminary rye "zing, " you'll find yourself reaching for it more often as opposed to the way you expected.
It's a workhorse bourbon having a "premium" feel, and in the current rum world, that's the pretty rare combination to find. The next time you're at the particular liquor store staring at the wall structure of brown spirits, give the gold stopper a shot. You may just find your daily put.