Barton 1792 adds 15YO Bourbon to range
Sazerac’s Barton 1792 Distillery has introduced two landmark whiskeys to its portfolio: straight rye and XV, a 15-year-old cask strength Bourbon.
Established in 1879, Barton 1792 Distillery claims to be the oldest continuously operating distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. The distillery’s name pays homage to the year Kentucky was recognised as the 15th state.
The two new expressions join the brand’s range alongside flagship Small Batch Bourbon, expressions such as Aged Twelve Years, Cognac Cask Finish, Single Barrel, Full Proof, and Bottled In Bond.
Although the brand’s range is presented in the same flat bottle shapes, different expressions can be identified by their colour-coded neck tags.
Boasting a green tag and an ABV of 50%, 1792 Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is the brand’s first-ever straight rye expression.
The annual release was crafted by Barton 1792’s master distiller Ross Cornelissen, who used the brand’s signature Bourbon yeast, introducing a subtle, fruit-forward sweetness to the whiskey.
The rye used was sourced from Canada, Europe, and the northern US. The Canadian rye is said to provide a floral lift, the northern US grain a peppery spice, and European rye a bready, herbal depth to the final expression.
The nose offers aromas of warm baking spices and spiced fruit jellies, followed on the palate by notes of rye spice, cinnamon candy, and rich molasses.
“We felt the rye reached its peak at 100 proof. Here, the whiskey showcases a seamless integration of rye spice, oak and yeast influence,” Cornelissen explained.
“Many seasoned Bourbon drinkers turn to rye when they’re ready to explore something new. With 1792 Bourbon’s high-rye mash bill, this release offers fans a familiar spice profile with a recognisable rye character.”
1792 Straight Rye is now available in select markets through Sazerac’s distribution network, with an SRP of US$39.99 for a 750ml bottle.
XV cask strength Bourbon
Standing more than a neck length taller than other expressions, with its slim bottle, Barton 1792 XV is the brand’s oldest age statement bottling to date.
It is also the distillery’s inaugural cask strength expression, bottled unfiltered at 62.1% ABV after 15 years’ maturation in virgin American oak casks.
The expression builds on two of the distillery’s previous releases: Aged Twelve Years and Full Proof.
In developing XV, the distilling team at 1792 selected ‘exceptional’ barrels, sampling and measuring each to uncover its unique proof and character. They conducted multiple blend iterations, refining combinations of barrels and proofs until they achieved a final expression that highlights the Bourbon’s maturity and complex flavour profile.
The result is a Bourbon that presents aromas of sweet cola, leather and vanilla extract, with dark cherries, cocoa, rich oak, and dark caramel on the palate.
“This release wasn’t part of a planned experiment in barrel-proof whiskey,” Cornelissen added. “We noticed that several of our oldest barrels were developing extraordinary characteristics, with flavours and nuances that stood out on their own. That discovery inspired us to do something special, which ultimately led to the creation of XV.”
Released exclusively on the travel retail channel, the XV is presented in an elongated 1-litre bottle with a suggested retail price of US$249.99.
The 15-year-old Bourbon is now available at select airports, including Los Angeles International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, and Incheon International Airport in South Korea.
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