1792 Small Batch Bourbon

Very smooth for 93 proof. Love it

750ml neat in Glencairn at home. After a few Kentucky Mules, I must admit. Nose: mild heat, caramel, oak, dry grains. Not musty, but definitely dry. Taste: some rye spice up front, followed by oak, mild caramel, and a touch of fennel. Lingering grains and spice. Not unpleasant, but far from ideal. 8/23/19.

Smooth, sweet

Sweet and vanilla notes. Buttery with easy finish.

I've enjoyed some other 1792 store pick offerings in the past, finding them somewhat flawed but funky and unique and a decent value option. So with that in mind, I decided to try the base bourbon and see if the theme holds true. On the nose we have typical 1792; butterscotch, caramel, banana, and buttered dinner rolls. Not a particularly powerful aroma, but pleasant enough. Palate brings some green apple, sweet corn, clove, and cinnamon, along with all the sweet notes also found in the nose. Lacking a little bit of richness, maybe. Things go south in the finish. Medium length and nutty, but with some ethanol astringency not found in the higher proof 1792 products. Mouthfeel is thin. Overall, I feel that maybe the proof point of just under 94 proof is not the best vehicle for the flavor profile. While cheaper, there is a significant drop off in quality from both the Bottled In Bond and Full Proof store picks that seem to be prevalent in my area. Next time I'm in the mood for the unique flavor of a 1792 product (and that day will come) I will just shell out the extra $14 or so for one of those rather than re-buying this one.

On the rocks