Distillery: Barton 1792 Distillery
Proof: 91.2
Age: NAS (At least 4 years)
Utah Price: $42.99
Product Availability: Allocated product
Link to Availability Information
1792 Sweet Wheat is a standout bourbon that brings a softer, more approachable character. Its use of wheat in the mash bill sets it apart from traditional whiskies, offering a gentle sweetness.
The 1792 brand originates from the Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, which has been producing bourbon since 1879. The distillery is known for its commitment to traditional craftsmanship and producing small-batch, high-quality bourbons. The 1792 line is named in honor of the year Kentucky became a state, emphasizing its deep roots in the heart of bourbon country.
1792 Sweet Wheat is a product of experimentation within the brand. Most bourbons use rye as the secondary grain in the mash bill, which adds spice and a bold character. However, Sweet Wheat replaces rye with wheat, creating a smoother and softer whiskey. This “wheated” bourbon allows the natural sweetness of corn and the delicate flavors imparted by wheat to shine through.
This particular expression is aged for more than 4 years in new charred oak barrels, allowing the sweetness and subtle complexities of the wheat to develop fully. Its release is initially limited, making it an allocated and potentially difficult bottle to find.
Tasting Notes
Nose:
The aroma of 1792 Sweet Wheat is soft and inviting. On the nose, you get an initial wave of sweet vanilla, caramel, and honey, underscored by notes of toasted oak and a hint of ripe fruit. The absence of rye in the mash bill allows more delicate scents like fresh-baked bread and butterscotch to emerge.
Palate:
On the palate, this bourbon offers a smooth, creamy mouthfeel. It opens with sweet flavors of caramel, toffee, and vanilla, quickly followed by the warmth of brown sugar and a hint of cinnamon. The wheat component adds a unique softness and rounds out the overall profile, contributing flavors reminiscent of freshly baked bread and subtle nuttiness.
Finish:
The finish is medium and pleasantly warming. It leaves behind lingering notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, with a touch of spice. There is a dryness at the end, which keeps it from becoming overly sweet, making it a well-balanced pour.
Overall Impressions
1792 Sweet Wheat is a beautiful expression of a wheated bourbon that showcases how the use of wheat can transform a bourbon’s character. Its smooth and creamy profile, combined with a blend of sweetness, oak, and subtle spice notes, makes it an exceptional choice for those looking to explore a different side of bourbon.
For fans of wheated bourbons like Weller or Maker’s Mark, 1792 Sweet Wheat offers an intriguing alternative with its own unique spin. Its approachable nature also makes it an excellent starting point for those new to bourbon. Given its limited availability and high quality, it’s a bottle worth seeking out and savoring.
