Stone fruit | Dried apricot | Light rye spice | Caramel | Mellow

Baking spices | Cinnamon | Honey | Graham cracker | Medium-bodied

Black pepper | Cinnamon | Caramel | Toasted oak | Long

Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and is the oldest continuously operating distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Part of the Sazerac family, the brand has continually expanded its portfolio while also serving as the distillation source for numerous other brands. 1792 Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is a permanent addition to the core lineup, and the first rye the distillery has released under the 1792 label.

To make this rye, 1792 used the same yeast that is used for their bourbons, which “introduc[es] a subtle fruit-forward sweetness that balances the rye’s intensity,” according to 1792 Master Distiller Roos Cornelissen. The rye grains are globally sourced from Canada, Europe, and the United States’ northern region, and according to Cornelissen, the “Canadian rye contributes floral lift, northern U.S. grain delivers peppery spice, and European rye provides bready, herbal depth, resulting in a refined, multi-dimensional rye that anchors vibrant spice with aromatic elegance.” The distillation and barrel entry proofs are the same as what’s used for the bourbon.

1792 Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey’s flavor profile leans heavily towards bourbon, with familiar caramel, stone fruit, dried apricot, honey, and toasted oak on the back end. Rye spice, baking spices, cinnamon, and black pepper layer in throughout the sip, giving it a healthy spice backbone. It lacks the punchy dill notes and nostril-flaring intensity that really high rye mash ryes often deliver, instead leaning much harder into the sweeter side. Because of this, it will be met with open arms from bourbon drinkers, and it will be one of the first I recommend for bourbon drinkers who want to try something in the rye category on a budget. If you are already familiar with and enjoy rye, expect one that leans into the sweeter side.