Buffalo Trace’s Sister Distillery Releases Two Remarkable New Whiskeys

Despite its lineage, Barton 1792 Distillery has kept a relatively low profile.

Based in Bardstown, Kentucky, the distillery has roots dating back to 1879, making it the oldest continuously operational brand in town, even surviving Prohibition. Today, it sits comfortably below the radar compared to its Bluegrass State brethren Heaven Hill and Buffalo Trace (the latter of which is owned by Sazerac, who also owns Barton 1792). 

In 2002, it debuted the 1792 brand (named after the year Kentucky became a state), which has become unquestionably Barton’s most notable line today. 

Now, 1792 is branching outside of its comfort zone a bit with two new expressions that will certainly raise eyebrows.

Barton 1792

Rye not

1792 is well-known for its high-rye bourbon but, until today, has yet to release a straight rye whiskey — this means the mashbill must contain at least 51% rye grain (instead of bourbon’s corn-based mashbill). The rye grain itself is sourced from the northern United States, along with Canada and Europe. 

Added to the permanent collection, 1792 Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey utilizes the same signature natural yeast used for the brand’s bourbon. According to Barton, the yeast introduces a “subtle fruit-forward sweetness that balances the rye’s intensity.” 

As such, you’ll experience warm baking spices and spiced fruit jellies on the nose. The rye spice exhibits prominently on the palate, along with cinnamon candy and molasses, giving way to a long finish with mulling spices and sweet oak. It’s bottled at 100 proof.

Barton 1792

Old man in the room

Next up is easily 1792’s most premium offering to date. The oldest whiskey the brand’s ever made, 1792 XV is a 15-year bourbon, blending a range of barrels aged 15 to 22 years. 

Notable for operating in the budget-to-mid-tier range, 1792 rarely gets above the $50 mark. That’s why this new 15-year expression is so notable. Besting the brand’s previous old-man whiskey, the 12 Year, the XV carries a steep suggested retail price of $250. Even the 12-year can be found well under $100 on the secondary market.

Barton 1792

It’s also important to mention that the XV is the first-ever cask-strength expression from 1792, landing at 124.2 proof (62.1% ABV). (Note: This is to be distinguished from the 1792 Full Proof, which simply matches the liquid’s 125 proof upon barrel entry. In other words, it may have to be cut with water to achieve that level.)

The stronger proof here means you can experience the full profile with more intensity. You’ll find sweet cola, leather and vanilla extract on the nose. Meanwhile, the palate offers up dark cherry and cocoa, with a rich oak and caramel finish.

Barton 1792

Availability and pricing

Currently, the 1792 XV is a travel retail exclusive, meaning you can find it at select airports like SFO, LAX or South Korea’s Incheon International Airport. Price sits at $250.

On the other hand, the Straight Rye Whiskey has already started rolling out in select markets. It’s much more affordable at a suggested retail price of $40.

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