Introduction
Today, we're diving into 1792 Single Barrel Bourbon. This is the fourth in a lineup of five 1792 bourbons we're drinking to end Season 7 of the podcast, after 1792 High Rye, 1792 Sweet Wheat and 1792 Small Batch.
Let's be upfront: our recent experiences with the 1792 brand have been underwhelming. Brad and I have had a string of disappointments, but we’re hoping this Single Barrel offering can turn things around. This bourbon comes in at 98.6 proof (49.3% ABV), which has been diluted down from barrel strength. While we're curious about how this one will stack up, it’s worth noting that we’re dealing with a sample that’s been on the shelf for a while, so here’s hoping it still holds up.
The following review is taken from our episode "The 39 Steps / 1792 Single Barrel Bourbon." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
Nose
Brad: I was pleasantly surprised by the nose on this one. It’s got a mix of bubble gum, caramel, and vanilla that’s rich and enticing. It even reminds me of those birthday cake-flavored Timbits with sprinkles inside. Overall, I’m giving the nose an 8/10.
Bob: I didn’t have as much luck. For me, it was dominated by oak, and I even picked up a salty, meaty note that threw me off. After a few minutes, some vanilla started to come through, but the oakiness remained overpowering. I’m giving it a 6/10.
Taste
Brad: The palate carries forward a lot of vanilla, almost like vanilla extract. There’s some nuttiness, caramel, and that cake-like sweetness turns into something more akin to cheap white frosting. It’s a solid but not spectacular palate, so I’m landing at 7.5/10.
Bob: I enjoyed the palate more than the nose. It starts with a sugary sweetness of vanilla and caramel, followed by a nice heat that builds as you swallow. The finish was a big surprise, with a burst of cinnamon and oak that gave this bourbon the backbone I felt the others were missing. I’m also giving it a 7.5/10.
Finish
Brad: The finish continues with the same general flavors from the palate—oak, vanilla, and a touch of maraschino cherry. What stood out to me was how these flavors lingered, though not as long as I might have hoped. It’s a fairly straightforward finish, but it holds up well enough without any major off-notes. There’s a bit of that cherry sweetness that I find in many wheated bourbons, but here, it’s more like a faint echo rather than a dominant note. The finish isn’t particularly complex, but it’s pleasant enough to round out the drinking experience. I’ll give it a 7.5/10.
Bob: I found the finish to be the highlight of this whiskey. It builds on the palate’s warmth, with the cinnamon and oak becoming more pronounced as it goes down. What really impressed me was the way the flavors intensified rather than tapering off. There’s a solid, lingering heat that reminds you you’re drinking something a bit more robust, even at under 100 proof. I also noticed a slight herbal quality that added an interesting twist right at the end. For me, the finish is the strongest part of this bourbon, and I’m giving it an 8/10.
Balance
Brad: When it comes to balance, this bourbon is straightforward and consistent. It doesn’t have the complexity or depth that some of the better single barrels offer, but it doesn’t have any major flaws either. The flavors transition smoothly from nose to finish, which is a good sign. However, nothing really stands out or evolves much as you sip it. It’s a solid pour, but it’s not going to blow anyone away with its intricacy. I’d give it a 7/10 for balance.
Bob: I’m with you on the balance here, Brad. What I appreciated most was the way the bourbon seemed to build and develop as I drank it. The flavors got more interesting and complex as I went from nose to finish, which is always a positive sign for me. It doesn’t start strong and then fizzle out; instead, it ramps up and leaves you with a solid, satisfying finish. That said, the consistency is key here—it’s not a rollercoaster of flavors, but rather a steady climb. I’m giving it a 7.5/10 for balance.
Value
Brad: Value is where things get a bit tricky. From what I’ve seen online, single barrels of 1792 typically go for around $70, but that seems to be more of a secondary market price. In Ohio, this bottle retails for about $40, which makes a big difference in how I’d assess its value. If we’re talking about the secondary market price, I’d say it’s a decent value but not exceptional, more like a 6/10. However, at the $40 MSRP, it’s much more appealing, especially if you’re looking for a solid single barrel experience without breaking the bank.
Bob: I hate to poke holes in your theory, Brad, but yeah, in Ohio, this is priced at $39.99. And for an allocated bourbon, that’s really not bad. Given the limited release status, I think it’s worth considering what you’re getting for the price. At MSRP, I think this is a really solid buy, and I’d give it a 7.5/10. But if we’re considering the higher end of the price spectrum, say around $55, then it’s still a decent value, just not as impressive. At that point, I’d drop my score down to a 6/10 as well.
Final Scores
Bob: My final score comes out to 35/50.
Brad: I’m just a bit higher at 36/50.
Conclusion
Together, that averages out to a 35.5/50 or 71/100. This is right on the cusp of being a recommendable bottle. If you’re curious about 1792 Single Barrel, we’d suggest trying a pour at a bar or splitting a bottle with a friend. It’s a solid bourbon, but not one that we’d immediately suggest buying a full bottle of unless you know you’re a fan of the flavor profile.
