Maker: Barton 1792, Bardstown, Kentucky, USA (Sazerac)
Style: Standard recipe straight bourbon.
Age: NAS (at least 4 y/o)
Proof: 92 (46% ABV)
Michigan state minimum: $28/1 liter. Comes out to $21/750 ml
Appearance: Shiny copper.
Nose: Pretty hot for a 92 proofer. Cinnamon imperials, baking spice.
Palate: Cinnamon disks, cayenne pepper, oak.
Finish: More candy notes, but some oaky tannin and caramel.
Parting words: When Costco announced that they were going to be releasing a new line of Kirkland bourbons, all distilled at Barton 1792, I was excited, even though there were some who shrugged their shoulders. As you know, dear readers, I love Very Old Barton. Unfortunately, it’s highly allocated in the Great Lakes State where I live. As much as I love it, I find it hard to motivate myself to drive all over the metro area looking for a $14 bourbon. Kirkland Small Batch is slightly easier to find, but at least it comes in bigger bottles.
The question on my mind when this line was announced was which recipe was going to be used for it, Barton or the high malt 1792 recipe. After spending a couple months with this bottle, I can firmly say that I have no idea. If pressed on the matter, I would say Barton, given the sweetness and spice.
Either way, this is pretty much what I expect in a $21 bourbon. Some oak and spice, but a little thin. Strangely enough, I actually like this bourbon better on the rocks. Everything seems to be much more harmonious and integrated.
At any rate, Kirkland Small Batch: Barton 1792 is recommended! I really hope my local Costco gets some of the Bottled-in-Bond, or Single Barrel in soon!
Sipology 