1792 Small Batch Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey

1792 Small Batch Bourbon is a bold yet beautifully balanced expression of Kentucky whiskey craftsmanship. Produced at Bardstown's historic Barton 1792 Distillery, this award-winning bourbon combines a distinctive high-rye recipe with carefully selected, oak-matured barrels to create an exceptional interplay of warming spice, rich caramel and smooth vanilla. Bottled at a confident 46.85% ABV and presented in its elegant signature decanter, it is a sophisticated choice for bourbon enthusiasts, memorable gifting and classic whiskey cocktails.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Deep amber in the glass, 1792 Small Batch opens with inviting aromas of toasted oak, buttery caramel and vanilla, lifted by orange zest and hints of dark cherry. The palate is rich and full-bodied, revealing brown sugar, toffee and roasted nuts before its signature high-rye character introduces cinnamon, pepper and lively baking spice. Beautifully balanced between sweetness and intensity, the finish is warm, lingering and pleasantly dry, with echoes of dark chocolate, vanilla and seasoned oak.

Key Details

• Distillery: Barton 1792 Distillery (Sazerac Company)
• Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Region: Bardstown, Kentucky, USA
• ABV: 46.85% (93.7 Proof)
• Volume: 750ml
• Mash Bill: Signature High-Rye Bourbon Recipe
• Maturation: New Charred American White Oak Barrels
• Age Statement: No Age Statement
• Production: Small-Batch Marriage of Selected Mature Bourbon Barrels
• Signature Serve: Neat, over ice, or in a classic Old Fashioned with an orange twist

Craftsmanship & Story

The story of 1792 Small Batch begins in Bardstown, Kentucky, where Barton 1792 Distillery has been producing whiskey since 1879. Established on a historic site renowned for its natural springs, the distillery remains the oldest fully operating distillery in Bardstown, a town celebrated as the Bourbon Capital of the World. Today, under the ownership of the Sazerac Company, its 196-acre estate encompasses traditional distilling facilities, the legendary Tom Moore Spring and 29 barrel-ageing warehouses. The bourbon takes its name from 1792, the year Kentucky became America's fifteenth state, honouring the region's enduring whiskey heritage. Crafted using the distillery's signature high-rye recipe, the spirit develops its distinctive character through traditional bourbon production, maturation in new charred oak and the careful selection of barrels by the Master Distiller. The result is a whiskey that confidently balances historic craftsmanship with an expressive, contemporary personality.

Special Features

What distinguishes 1792 Small Batch is its assertive high-rye character, which brings an energetic dimension to the familiar richness of Kentucky bourbon. While corn provides the essential sweetness, a generous proportion of rye introduces vibrant baking spice, pepper and subtle herbal complexity, creating a flavour profile that is both bold and remarkably balanced. Bottled at 93.7 proof, the whiskey retains satisfying depth and presence without overwhelming its caramel, vanilla and oak notes. Its distinctive presentation adds another layer of appeal: a broad-shouldered, decanter-inspired bottle with gently flared sides, substantial glass and an elegant gold-toned stopper. Instantly recognisable on the shelf, it reflects the bourbon's confident character and makes an attractive addition to a home bar or premium whiskey gift collection.

Ageing & Maturation

1792 Small Batch develops its richness and complexity through maturation in new, charred American white oak barrels within Kentucky's traditional ageing warehouses. As the seasons change, the interaction between spirit and wood encourages the development of deep amber colour, toasted oak, caramel, vanilla and warming spice. Rather than relying on a fixed age statement, the Master Distiller selects and marries mature barrels for their complementary flavour profiles, seeking a consistent balance of sweetness, structure and the bourbon's distinctive high-rye intensity. The result is a richly layered Kentucky straight bourbon with depth, warmth and a lingering oak-spiced finish.

Recognition & Accolades

1792 Small Batch has earned significant international recognition for its combination of bold high-rye character, Kentucky oak maturity and impressive balance. Its honours span major whiskey and spirits competitions, reinforcing its reputation as an accomplished and consistently respected small-batch bourbon.

• Best Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon – World Whiskies Awards (2025)
• Double Platinum – ASCOT Awards (2026)
• Double Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2021)
• Gold Outstanding – International Wine & Spirit Competition (2021)
• Gold – Super Premium – The American Whiskey Masters (2026)
• Gold – World Whiskies Awards (2025)
• 93/100 Points – Ultimate Spirits Challenge (2020)
• Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2020)
• Gold – American Whiskey Awards (2020)
• Gold – Los Angeles International Spirits Competition (2019)
• Gold – TAG Global Spirits Awards
• 92.5/100 Points – Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible

From category-winning recognition to repeated Gold and Double Gold honours, this record reflects the enduring appeal of a bourbon that combines generous flavour and unmistakable rye spice with the polish expected from a premium Kentucky whiskey.

Cocktail Pairings

With its confident 93.7 proof, caramel richness and signature high-rye spice, 1792 Small Batch has the structure to remain beautifully expressive in classic whiskey cocktails. Its combination of sweetness, oak and peppery warmth works particularly well with bitters, citrus, vermouth and fresh mint.

• 1792 Old Fashioned: Aromatic bitters and an orange twist frame the bourbon’s caramel, vanilla and toasted oak, while its lively rye spice keeps this timeless serve wonderfully defined.
• Bardstown Manhattan: Sweet vermouth rounds the whiskey’s baking spice and oak with dark fruit and herbal richness, creating a silky, sophisticated after-dinner cocktail.
• High-Rye Boulevardier: Bittersweet Italian aperitivo and sweet vermouth meet peppery rye, caramel and charred oak in a rich, warming cocktail with impressive depth.
• Kentucky Whiskey Sour: Fresh lemon cuts brightly through brown sugar and vanilla, while a silky foam softens the bourbon’s spice into an elegant balance of richness and acidity.
• Mint Julep: Fresh mint and crushed ice draw out the whiskey’s brighter herbal qualities while allowing caramel sweetness and warming rye spice to emerge beneath.
• Bourbon Paper Plane: Amaro, aperitivo and fresh lemon bring bittersweet citrus energy to the bourbon’s toffee, spice and oak, creating a vibrant modern classic.

For the purest expression begin neat or over a large cube, then turn to an Old Fashioned or Manhattan when you want its high-rye personality to become the backbone of a beautifully structured cocktail.

Food Pairings

The bold high-rye character of 1792 Small Batch thrives alongside equally generous flavours. Slow-roasted pork belly with a maple glaze echoes its caramel sweetness while rye spice cuts through the richness; mature Gouda or blue cheese draws out toasted nuts and dark fruit. For dessert, pair with a dark chocolate tart or orange-infused truffles, where bittersweet cacao complements charred oak and vanilla while citrus mirrors the bourbon’s brighter lift.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

1792 Small Batch makes an impressive gift for bourbon enthusiasts and anyone beginning to explore premium American whiskey. Its historic Bardstown provenance, distinctive high-rye recipe and extensive international recognition give it genuine substance, while the broad decanter-style bottle and elegant gold-toned stopper provide the visual presence expected of a memorable whiskey gift.

It is equally rewarding kept for your own collection. Enjoy it neat to explore the full interplay of caramel, vanilla, oak and rye spice, add a little water to gently open its aromatics, or serve over a large cube for a softer, slower sip. Its combination of intensity and balance also makes it versatile enough to move effortlessly from contemplative sipping to a beautifully made classic bourbon cocktail.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order 1792 Small Batch Bourbon online for fast, secure NZ-wide delivery. Every bottle is carefully packed, with premium gift packaging and a personalised message available from COVE 27.