1792 Bourbon

1792 Bourbon is a premium Kentucky straight bourbon produced at the historic Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, the heart of bourbon country. The brand takes its name from the year Kentucky became the 15th state of the United States, symbolising its deep ties to the state’s heritage and its commitment to traditional American whiskey-making.

The Barton distillery, founded in 1879, is one of the oldest continually operating distilleries in Bardstown. It occupies a sprawling 196-acre site that includes 29 ageing warehouses and a fully functioning bottling facility. This scale gives Barton complete control over production, from grain selection to distillation, maturation, and bottling, a rarity in the bourbon industry today.

Mash Bill and Distillation

1792 Bourbon is known for its high-rye mash bill, which adds spice and structure to the sweetness of the corn. The exact proportions are proprietary, but the style is unmistakable: richer and more robust than a typical wheated bourbon, yet balanced by caramel and vanilla notes from new charred American oak barrels. Distillation takes place in large copper column stills, with careful cuts to retain a bold yet refined flavour.

Ageing and Maturation

Maturation occurs in Bardstown’s rickhouses, where Kentucky’s hot summers and cold winters cause the whiskey to expand and contract within the wood, drawing out deep flavour. The standard 1792 Small Batch is typically aged 8+ years, although the brand does not state an exact age. This extended ageing helps develop the bourbon’s signature complexity, while the high rye content keeps it lively on the palate.

Flavour Profile

1792 bourbons are typically rich, spicy, and full-bodied. Expect aromas of baking spice, caramel, toasted oak, and vanilla, with the rye delivering peppery lift. On the palate, flavours range from brown sugar and toffee to dark fruit and cocoa, finishing with a warming, lingering spice that appeals to both seasoned bourbon drinkers and newcomers seeking a bolder profile.

Reputation and Awards

1792 has earned significant acclaim in recent years, with the Full Proof expression winning World’s Best Whiskey at the 2020 World Whisky Awards. The brand’s combination of accessible pricing, premium quality, and limited-edition innovation has made it a favourite among collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Our 1792 Bourbon selection includes the flagship Small Batch alongside select limited editions, offering both a perfect introduction to high-rye Kentucky bourbon and an opportunity to explore the depth and range of one of Bardstown’s most respected producers. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a robust Old Fashioned, 1792 delivers a taste of Kentucky’s whiskey tradition with a bold, modern edge.