Kentucky’s historic Barton 1792 Distillery has released its first permanent Cognac cask-finished expression, combining traditional bourbon-making with French brandy barrel aging to create a new flavor profile for American whiskey enthusiasts.
The new 1792 Cognac Cask Finish takes the distillery’s award-winning Small Batch Bourbon and ages it for at least six months in hand-selected ex-Cognac barrels. The 95-proof whiskey carries a suggested retail price of $37.99 and is now available across the United States through Sazerac’s distribution network.
Cognac Barrels Transform Whiskey
The finishing process begins with fully matured 1792 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which is transferred from charred American White Oak barrels into French oak casks that previously held Cognac. These barrels are strategically placed on the top floors of the distillery’s rickhouses, where temperatures can reach extreme levels during Kentucky summers, accelerating the interaction between whiskey and wood.
“We’ve experimented with a range of premium cask finishes, but Cognac immediately stood out for how naturally it complements our Small Batch Bourbon,” says Ross Cornelissen, Barton 1792 Master Distiller.
According to the official tasting notes, the resulting whiskey opens with aromas of dark cocoa and rich caramel. The palate reveals ripe stone fruits including plum, apricot, and cherry, alongside notes of Bananas Foster and creamy vanilla, finishing with sweet oak.
Historic Distillery Expands Whiskey Portfolio
Barton 1792 Distillery, established in 1879, holds the distinction of being the oldest fully operating distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. The facility spans 196 acres and includes 29 barrel aging warehouses and the legendary Tom Moore Spring, which provides the water for all production.
The distillery previously experimented with finishing techniques through its limited release 1792 Port Cask Finish. The success of that expression paved the way for this permanent addition to the portfolio, which already includes Small Batch, Single Barrel, Bottled in Bond, and Full Proof variants.
The timing of this release follows significant recognition for the brand. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon recently earned the title of “Best Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon” at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards. Additionally, three expressions from the portfolio received Double Gold medals at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
The American whiskey market continues to show strong growth, with premium and super-premium categories driving expansion. Cask-finished whiskeys represent a growing segment as distillers seek to differentiate their products and appeal to consumers interested in unique flavor profiles.
The 1792 Cognac Cask Finish joins a broader trend of American distilleries experimenting with secondary maturation in barrels that previously held wine, sherry, port, and other spirits. This technique, long used in Scotch whisky production, has gained traction among bourbon makers over the past decade.
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