Editor’s Note: A sample of this whiskey was provided to us by those behind it. The Whiskey Wash, while appreciative of this, keeps full independent editorial control over this article.Despite a label as widely distributed as 1792, and as big a marketing power as Sazerac is, finding detailed information about Barton’s history or products requires a bit of excavation. For some quick facts, the 1792 brand is in honor of the year Kentucky joined the Union, and the distillery actually started in 1874 under the name Morton Spring. It merged with a competitor in 1916 and was renamed at that time to Tom Moore Distillery. That name remained until Sazerac’s 2009 purchase changed it to the current name, Barton 1792 Distillery.
Tasting Notes: 1792 High Rye Whiskey
Vital Stats: 94.3 proof, no age statement (but 8-year is likely), no grain bill information, $36 for a 750ml.
Appearance: Golden orange in the glass with thick and super slow legs. Attractive.
Neat: The aroma leads with vanilla extract, candied orange peel, rye spice, and a bit of heat. On the palate it is clearly a rye with the distinctive peppery spice character, cinnamon, light woodiness, and old-time candy flavors. The finish is lingering with the wood creating dryness, and some sweet and boozy notes warming the ending.
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Water: With a few drops of water those previously mentioned aromas blend really well. It also becomes a bit perfumey, and adds some notes of acetone and pink eraser. On the palate the previous notes are still present, but the rye spice increases as the water opens it up, a hint of nutmeg arises. The finish is a bit quicker, but still with warmth.
Final Thoughts & Score:
Score: 82/100
The first sips on a clean palate were the best. Further into the glass I noticed new aromas and flavors, sometimes welcome, sometimes clashing, coming from every direction. I really liked the complexity, but there were also some unfortunate components like the acetone, which came on as I added water. That likely will keep High Rye from being a bottle that disappears quickly from my shelf.
But since rye is really great in cocktails, and given this one’s price point, it’s a fine purchase to round out a home bar, or to sip neat (the recommended experience for this one) and appreciate a more complex rye whiskey.
