Barton 1792 distillery

Introduction to Barton 1792

A distillery with a passion for craft

Barton 1792 is an iconic Kentucky distillery that embodies the essence of traditional American bourbon craftsmanship. Located in Bardstown, the heart of bourbon country, this historic facility has earned its reputation as one of the most significant bourbon producers in the United States. With a deep connection to Kentucky’s rich distilling heritage, Barton 1792 continues to produce exceptional bourbons that honor tradition while embracing innovation.

The distillery’s sprawling 196-acre complex houses 29 aging warehouses, giving them remarkable control over their bourbon’s maturation process. The distinct limestone water source and carefully selected grains contribute to the characteristic flavor profile that has made their whiskeys beloved by enthusiasts worldwide.

Why we have a soft spot for Barton 1792

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that maintain their authentic character while consistently delivering excellence. Barton 1792 stands out for its unwavering commitment to traditional bourbon-making techniques combined with a willingness to experiment with finishing and aging processes.

The distillery’s flagship 1792 Small Batch offers remarkable complexity and depth at an accessible price point, making it both a connoisseur’s choice and an excellent introduction to premium bourbon. We particularly admire their limited releases, which showcase the depth of their aging inventory and the skill of their master distillers.

The history behind Barton 1792

Origin and development

The distillery was established in 1879 by Ben Mattingly and was originally known as the Tom Moore Distillery. Throughout its long history, it has weathered Prohibition, multiple ownership changes, and the evolving American whiskey landscape to emerge as one of Kentucky’s treasured distilleries.

The “1792” in the current name pays homage to the year Kentucky became a state, reflecting the deep historical roots of bourbon production in the region. The Barton name came from one of its early owners, and in 2009, the facility was acquired by the Sazerac Company, which has continued to honor its heritage while expanding its reach.

In recent years, the distillery has experienced both triumph and challenge, including a dramatic warehouse collapse in 2018 that became national news, yet they persevered and continue to produce exceptional spirits.

The people behind

Today, Barton 1792 operates under the careful guidance of master distillers who blend generations of bourbon-making knowledge with contemporary expertise. Their production team includes individuals who have spent decades perfecting their craft, ensuring that each bottle maintains the quality and character that bourbon enthusiasts expect.

The distillery maintains a relatively low profile compared to some of its Kentucky neighbors, preferring to let their exceptional whiskeys speak for themselves. This humble approach to excellence is part of what makes them special in the bourbon landscape.

The craft and production

From raw material to finished product

Production at Barton 1792 begins with a carefully selected mash bill that typically features a high percentage of corn (the legal minimum for bourbon is 51%, though their recipes often use more), complemented by malted barley and either rye or wheat depending on the expression. This grain mixture creates the foundation for their distinctive flavor profiles.

The distillation takes place in their impressive column stills, which can produce up to 51,000 gallons of whiskey per day. Following distillation, the new make spirit is meticulously barreled at specific proof levels to ensure optimal interaction with the oak during aging.

Maturation and aging

The magic of Barton 1792 bourbon develops during its years in charred new American oak barrels, legally required for bourbon but elevated to an art form at this distillery. Their unique rickhouse design features both heated and non-heated warehouses, creating diverse aging environments that contribute to complex flavor development.

Many of their warehouses are traditional “rackhouses” that rise several stories tall, with each floor offering different temperature and humidity conditions. This variation allows their master distillers to select barrels from specific locations to achieve consistent flavor profiles or unique limited editions.

Some of their most sought-after releases feature extended aging or special finishing techniques that push the boundaries of traditional bourbon while respecting its heritage.

Selected products from Barton 1792

1792 Small Batch – An introduction to the house style

This flagship bourbon perfectly captures the distillery’s signature style. Bottled at 93.7 proof, it offers a sophisticated balance of sweet caramel, vanilla, and oak, complemented by warming baking spices and a hint of rye spiciness. The smooth, full-bodied mouthfeel and long finish make it an excellent introduction to premium bourbon.

With its distinctive high-rye mash bill, 1792 Small Batch delivers a complex flavor profile that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned bourbon enthusiasts. It’s the perfect starting point for exploring what makes Barton 1792 special.

1792 Full Proof – An experience for connoisseurs

For those seeking a more intense experience, the 1792 Full Proof delivers exceptional depth and character. Bottled at a robust 125 proof (the same proof at which it entered the barrel), this expression offers a powerful yet balanced flavor profile featuring rich caramel, dark fruits, and intense oak spice.

The Full Proof has gained considerable acclaim, including winning “World Whiskey of the Year” in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, cementing its status as a world-class bourbon. Expect a rich, oily texture and a lengthy, warming finish that reveals new nuances with each sip – a true bourbon aficionado’s delight.

Visit the distillery

Tours and tastings

Barton 1792 offers visitors an authentic glimpse into traditional bourbon production through their engaging distillery tours. Guests can explore the historic grounds, witness the production process firsthand, and gain insights into the art and science of bourbon making.

The tasting experience typically includes several expressions from their portfolio, allowing visitors to understand the nuances between their different offerings. From their core 1792 Small Batch to limited seasonal releases, these tastings provide a comprehensive introduction to the distillery’s style.

The visitor center also offers the opportunity to purchase distillery-exclusive bottles that may not be available in regular retail distribution, making a visit especially rewarding for collectors.

Frequently asked questions

What is Barton 1792?

Barton 1792 is a historic Kentucky bourbon distillery located in Bardstown, the self-proclaimed “Bourbon Capital of the World.” It produces a range of premium bourbons with a focus on traditional production methods, quality ingredients, and careful aging. Their approach combines time-honored bourbon-making traditions with innovative finishing techniques to create distinctive whiskeys.

Where is Barton 1792 located?

The distillery is located in Bardstown, Kentucky, in the heart of bourbon country. This region is famous for its limestone-filtered water, ideal climate for whiskey aging, and deep historical connections to American whiskey production. The location plays a significant role in the character and quality of their bourbon.

What characterizes Barton 1792?

Barton 1792 is particularly known for its high-rye bourbon recipes that deliver a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Their distinctive aging process in traditional rickhouses creates unique flavor development, and they’re respected for maintaining consistent quality across their core range while also releasing innovative limited editions. The 1792 line, in particular, is recognized for its exceptional value-to-quality ratio.

Where can I buy bourbon from Barton 1792?

You can find selected bottles from Barton 1792 at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate the best offerings from their portfolio, including both their core expressions and limited releases. Our selection ensures you have access to the finest examples of this historic Kentucky distillery’s craft.