1792 Bourbon 12 Years Review

The 1792 Bourbon 12 Years (aka 1792 Aged Twelve Years) is the exact same mash and bourbon and as the typical 1792 Small Batch Bourbon. The only differences are the age, the proof, and the price. Which is actually a lot of difference.

1792 Bourbon 12 Years

The standard 1792 small batch is NAS but is rumored to contain barrels from 6-9 years of age which would make it a 6-year-old if it were stated. The 1792 Aged Twelve Years is made from barrels aged for at least 12 years; so roughly double the rumor. The standard is 46.85% ABV and the 12-year-old is 48.3%; different, but not extremely. Finally, the price of the standard SmB is around $25 and the 12 yo will be around $50; double again.

So for double the price you get, possibly, double age. Is it worth it? Let’s find out in the bourbon review below.

1792 Bourbon 12 Years Review: Details and Tasting Notes

In Barton 1792’s Words:

“Super-complex up-front aromas. The first thing that hits the palate is a subtle but rich sweetness. It is full, slightly creamy, with a hint of pleasant spice that settles on the tongue. At the end, there is a touch of oaky smokiness that rounds out the aromas. The subtle smokiness of the oak married to the slightly spicy rye flavors and the complex aromas are a nod to what one should expect from a well-matured bourbon.”

1792 Aged Twelve Years Details (price, mash bill, cask type, ABV, etc.)

Details (price, mash bill, cask type, ABV, etc.)

Region: Kentucky, USA

Distiller: Barton 1792
Mash Bill: At least 51% Corn + Rye + Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 12 Years
ABV: 48.3%

Price: $50

Tasting Notes

EYE
Polished oak

NOSE
Heavy, dried dark fruit, oak, toffee, complex spice, leather and cocoa.

PALATE
Oak, herbal, complex spice, toffee, leather, dark fruit, citrus and vanilla.

FINISH
Long -> Oak, herbal, spice and dark sweets.

BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Good sense of balance, medium-full body and an oily feel.

Some darn good whiskey. Barton tends to make some good whiskey, but this is the best they’ve put out yet.

1792 Bourbon 12 Years Review: Overall and Score

Fantastic stuff. The Aroma is rich and heavy and as it opens it pulls in a bit of chalk; Palate is rich and heavy the whole time with layers that shift from stronger to weaker and back giving it a multifaceted, changing, experience; Finish is a long and oaky fade with a dusting of sweet and spicy notes.

This 1792 Bourbon 12 Years is a fantastic bourbon. I tried it at home and then 3 days later tried it at the SoCal Whiskey Club’s event we did with 1792 and I have to say, tasting it there I felt it was even better than the sample. So much so I pre-ordered a bottle from K&L at the event. So money meet mouth… and soon bourbon too.

SCORE: 90/100 (A-)