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Everything you need to know about Barton Distillery Distillery
Most popular bottles from the distillery
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Barton 1792 Full Proof Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey£89.99 Inc VAT -
Barton 1792 Bottled in Bond Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey£69.99 Inc VAT -
Barton 1792 8 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey Ridgemont Reserve£899.99 Inc VAT -
Barton 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey£44.99 Inc VAT
A brief History
Barton, Kentucky Region, USA. Founded in 1879
Barton Distillery: Heart of Kentucky Bourbon
Barton Distillery lies in Bardstown, Kentucky—often called the “Bourbon Capital of the World”. Founded back in 1879, this site has grown into a major producer of American bourbon. While its name might not be as familiar as some craft distilleries, its output plays a major role in bourbon history and modern whiskey culture.
What gives Barton its edge? It marries traditional production methods (corn‑rye‑barley mash bills, American white oak barrels) with a spirit of accessibility—you’ll find bourbons from Barton that are bold, rich, and still friendly to newcomers. If you’re a UK whisky drinker curious about American bourbon, Barton offers a flavour‑rich introduction that doesn’t compromise on character.
Flavour Profile:
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| Spicy |
Sweet |
Oaky / Woody |
Barton is known for producing bourbons that hit comfortable, familiar notes while still feeling robust. Expect warm vanilla and honey sweetness up front, followed by caramel or toffee richness, then the wood‑driven spice and oak backbone that gives the bourbon its backbone. The result is a whisky experience that feels full‑bodied but not overwhelming—ideal if you’re used to Scotch single malts and looking to explore American whiskey.
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Oak / Wood Spice |
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Toffee / Caramel |
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Vanilla |
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Honey |
Popular Bottlings & Releases
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1792 Small Batch – Barton’s flagship premium bourbon, well known among enthusiasts.
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1792 Full Proof – Higher strength version of the 1792 line, richer and more intense.
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Very Old Barton – A value bourbon with solid house character, offering good depth at a more affordable level.
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Kentucky Tavern / Kentucky Gentleman – Further down the price‑scale side of Barton’s range, still representing the house style for casual sipping.
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The Distillery
The Distiller: Barton Distillery
Location: Bardstown, Nelson County, Kentucky, USA
 Open in maps |
 1792bourbon.com |
 +1 502-348-3991 |
Visitor Centre & Tours
Yes — Barton offers public tours and tastings where visitors can explore parts of the distillery floor, see the rick‑houses and sample some bourbon. It’s a strong visit option for anyone in Kentucky looking to understand bourbon production and heritage.
Ownership & History
Current Owner: Sazerac Company
Historical Highlights:
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Founded in 1879; site has deep roots in the bourbon industry.
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Over time the company was known under names such as Tom Moore Distillery and Barton Brands.
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In 2009 the Sazerac Company acquired Barton and its portfolio of brands.
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In 2018 a warehouse collapse caused the loss of thousands of barrels, which triggered investment in new facilities.
Distillery Facts
Overview & History
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Located in Bardstown, Kentucky, the distillery traces its roots back to operations founded in the late 1800s (around 1879/1889).
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Initially known under different names (including the “Tom Moore” site) before becoming known as Barton Distillery.
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The distillery is now operated under the umbrella of the Sazerac Company, a large spirits conglomerate.
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Experienced significant events in its history, including a warehouse collapse in 2018 where many barrels were lost.
Production & Style
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Produces Kentucky straight bourbon and other American whiskey styles, using the local limestone‑filtered spring water typical of the region.
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Uses a mash bill of corn, rye and malted barley (as is standard for many bourbons), and matures in fresh charred American white‑oak barrels.
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Warehousing is traditional — large rickhouses (multiple stories of barrel storage) lead to variation in maturation due to temperature, airflow and height.
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Some of its premium brands emphasise “high‑rye” mash bills and cask strength bottlings, indicating a spicier, bolder bourbon profile.
Key Brands & Expressions
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The “1792 Bourbon” brand (formerly “Ridgewood Reserve 1792” or “1792 Ridgemont Reserve”) is one of its more premium lines, marketed with a high‑rye bourbon profile.
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Other well‑known brands produced at Barton include “Very Old Barton” and other value or regional bourbons.
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Releases include small batch, full proof, bottled‑in‑bond and single barrel editions, giving variety in strength, finish and age.
Flavour Profile & Appeal
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The bourbons from Barton Distillery often show rich vanilla, caramel, toasted oak and spice (from rye) on the palate.
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The higher‑rye “1792” styles tend toward pronounced spice, dried fruit and robust oak influence.
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The combination of barrel maturity, Kentucky climate, and traditional production contribute to bold, full‑bodied bourbon character.
Significance
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Barton Distillery plays a meaningful role in the Kentucky bourbon industry, both historically and in modern premium bourbon segments.
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Its premium bourbon range helped raise the profile of small‑batch and high‑rye bourbons in the broader whiskey market.
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The distillery’s history of major incidents (warehouse collapse, etc.) also underlines the challenges of bourbon maturation and storage.
Barton Whisky to Buy
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