1792 Small Batch 1.75L is a high-rye Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 93.7 proof (46.85% ABV) in a 1.75-liter handle format. This expression earned a Double Gold Medal at the 2011 San Francisco Wine and Spirits Competition and scored 95 points at the 2012 Ultimate Spirits Challenge — the same score awarded to Pappy Van Winkle's 23 Year Old that year.Quick Facts: ABV: 46.85% (93.7 proof) | Origin: Kentucky, USA | Aged no less than 8 years | Distillery: Barton 1792 DistilleryProduction & HeritageThe Barton 1792 Distillery, established in 1879 in Bardstown, Kentucky, is one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the state. 1792 Small Batch is built on a high-rye mashbill of 75% corn, 15% rye, and 10% malted barley — notably rye-forward compared to most bourbons in its class. The liquid is aged no less than eight years in the distillery's storied Warehouse Z, and each batch is crafted in smaller volumes to maintain consistency and character across every bottle.Tasting NotesAroma: Vanilla and butterscotch arrive first, followed by toasted oak and a distinct layer of baking spice. The high-rye grain bill announces itself early, with warm cinnamon and a trace of dried fruit beneath the sweetness.Taste: The entry is smooth with caramel and vanilla, quickly giving way to a mid-palate surge of rye spice. Stone fruit and a subtle leathery quality develop as the bourbon opens up, creating a brash yet well-balanced profile that rewards attention.Finish: Long and warming, with oak tannins, dark sugar, and cinnamon persisting well after each sip. The dryness builds gradually, leaving a satisfying spice-driven close.How to Drink 1792 Small BatchAt 93.7 proof, this bourbon is well-suited for sipping neat or with a single large ice cube, which tempers the proof while preserving the rye-driven character. A few drops of water can further open up the caramel and stone fruit notes. Old Fashioned: The bold rye spice and caramel sweetness stand up beautifully to bitters and orange expression without fading. Manhattan: Its dry, spice-forward finish complements sweet vermouth and creates a structured, layered cocktail. Boulevardier: The bourbon's oak backbone and dark sugar notes hold their own against Campari's bitterness. Best For Stocking a home bar with a reliable, high-proof daily sipper Hosting bourbon tastings where the 1.75L format serves a crowd without running short Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who values award-winning expressions at an accessible price point Batch cocktail preparation for parties or seasonal entertaining Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does 1792 Small Batch taste like? 1792 Small Batch leads with caramel and vanilla sweetness before a pronounced rye spice takes over, finishing long and dry with oak tannins and cinnamon warmth. The high-rye mashbill gives it a bolder, spicier character than many bourbons in its tier.How does 1792 Small Batch compare to Buffalo Trace? Both are Kentucky straight bourbons at similar price points, but 1792 Small Batch carries a higher rye percentage in its mashbill, resulting in more pronounced spice and a drier finish. Buffalo Trace tends toward a softer, more fruit-and-vanilla-forward profile at a lower 90 proof.Is 1792 Small Batch good for sipping neat? Yes — the 93.7 proof delivers enough intensity to be engaging neat without being harsh, and the eight-plus years of aging provide the oak structure and complexity that reward slow sipping.Where is 1792 Small Batch made? 1792 Small Batch is produced at the Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, a facility founded in 1879 and located in the heart of bourbon country.What foods pair well with 1792 Small Batch? Smoked brisket or pulled pork matches the bourbon's oak and spice; dark chocolate highlights the caramel sweetness; sharp cheddar contrasts the rye bite; pecan pie echoes the vanilla and toasted-nut notes; and charcuterie with dried fruit complements the stone fruit and leather undertones.What sizes does 1792 Small Batch come in? 1792 Small Batch is commonly available in 750ml and 1.75L formats, with the larger handle offering better value for regular consumption or entertaining.Is 1792 Small Batch worth the price? 1792 Small Batch positions as a premium-value bourbon — aged at least eight years with a Double Gold Medal pedigree and a 95-point Ultimate Spirits Challenge score, it delivers quality that punches well above its price tier.Why 1792 Small Batch?Few bourbons in this value range carry eight-plus years of age, a 93.7-proof bottling strength, and a competitive award record that includes a 95-point score from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. The high-rye mashbill — 15% rye compared to the more common 8-10% in standard bourbon recipes — is the engine behind its signature spice and dry finish. Aging in Warehouse Z at the historic Barton 1792 Distillery adds another layer of distinction, as warehouse placement directly influences the temperature swings and maturation curve of each barrel. The result is a bourbon with genuine complexity and character that has earned recognition alongside expressions costing several times more.
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