Barton 1792 Small Batch

This 1792 Small Batch has come a long way. It started life as Ridgewood Reserve, but because of a lawsuit lost against Woodford Reserve in 2002, it was rechristened 1792 Ridgemont Reserve. Today it is simply called 1792 Small Batch. It matured for 8 years and is botlled at 93.7 proof, which is 46.85% ABV. 1792 refers to the year in which Kentucky became the 15th State of the USA. It is therefore also the tasting bourbon at the yearly Kentucky Bourbon Festival.

On the one hand, the nose is honeysweet on loads of caramel and vanilla, but on the other hand also has a very green, herbal side. It reminds me somewhat of pine cones and varnish. In the background, I get some mokatine and coffee. A nice hint of dark fruit, but it does not come through completely.

It is wonderfully creamy and mouth coating and immediately feisty from the spices. Think black pepper and a truckload of nutmeg. The dark fruit returns, somewhat more prominent than on the nose, as well as the coffee. After the spices fade somewhat, it turns soft and sweet.

Feel free to call this a long finish, with some oak and spices at the death.

When I first tried this, some 5 years ago, I paid less than 35 EUR. Today’s bottling is around 55 EUR. A very good bouron indeed. Thanks, Jan.