Finding the best bourbon can be a subjective quest, but when a panel of experts unanimously declares a winner, it’s worth paying attention. Recently, at the prestigious Singapore World Spirits Competition, the $50 bottle of 1792 Full Proof Bourbon was named the best bourbon of 2024. Here’s why this affordable spirit has earned such high praise.
Image credit: ReserveBar
The Competition and Its Significance
The Tasting Alliance, known for organizing top-tier events like the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the New York Wine & Spirits Competition, held the Singapore World Spirits Competition last month. This event gathered whiskey experts from around the world to evaluate and rank numerous bourbons. Out of all the entries, four bourbons received the coveted Double Gold medal: Peg Leg Porker 8-Year-Old Grey Label Tennessee Straight Bourbon, W.L. Weller Full Proof Bourbon, Brother’s Bond Original Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and 1792 Full Proof Bourbon.
Why 1792 Full Proof Stands Out
While the other Double Gold winners are both hard to find and expensive, 1792 Full Proof stands out for its availability and affordability, priced at just around $50. The bourbon is a non-chill filtered spirit bottled at 125 proof (62.5% ABV), which is the same proof it enters the barrel. This method is said to produce a fuller, richer flavor, which evidently impressed the judges.
A Proven Track Record
1792 Full Proof is no stranger to accolades. It was previously named World Whisky of the Year by Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible and won Double Gold earlier this year at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In fact, 1792 bourbons performed exceptionally well in San Francisco, with five of their bottles earning Double Gold medals, a remarkable achievement for a brand that offers just eight varieties in total.
The Appeal of 1792 Full Proof
What makes 1792 Full Proof so special? Its tasting notes include vanilla, caramel, and smoke, delivering a robust and satisfying experience. Its high proof and rich flavor profile make it a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts who appreciate a strong and complex spirit.
Where to Find It
Given its new title, 1792 Full Proof is likely to fly off the shelves soon. It’s currently available online at retailers like Caskers for about $50. For bourbon lovers, this bottle offers a rare combination of quality and affordability, making it a must-try for anyone looking to explore what a top-tier bourbon tastes like.
Final Thoughts
In a world where the “best” bourbon is often subjective, the unanimous decision of a panel of experts provides a clear recommendation. 1792 Full Proof not only delivers exceptional flavor but does so at a price point that makes it accessible to a wide audience. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon drinker or just starting to explore the world of whiskey, 1792 Full Proof is a bottle worth adding to your collection.
About 1792 Bourbon
1792 Bourbon, named after the year Kentucky was officially recognized as a state, is a distinguished product of the Barton 1792 Distillery. Located in Bardstown, Kentucky, the distillery is one of the oldest fully operational distilleries in the state, boasting a rich heritage that dates back to 1879. The bourbon is a celebration of Kentucky's proud tradition of whiskey-making and stands out for its bold, complex flavor profile.
The Barton 1792 Distillery, known for its meticulous craftsmanship, employs traditional methods alongside modern innovations to produce its bourbon. The mash bill for 1792 Bourbon includes a higher-than-average percentage of rye, which contributes to its distinctive spice and character. This high-rye content gives the bourbon a lively and robust flavor, featuring notes of caramel, vanilla, dried fruit, and a hint of black pepper. The aging process, conducted in new charred American oak barrels, imparts a deep, rich color and further enhances the complexity of the bourbon.
1792 Bourbon offers several expressions, each with unique characteristics that cater to a variety of palates. The core expression, 1792 Small Batch, is known for its smooth, balanced flavor and slightly spicy finish. Other expressions, such as the 1792 Full Proof, 1792 Bottled in Bond, and 1792 Sweet Wheat, showcase different aspects of the bourbon's versatility and the distillery's skill in creating nuanced, high-quality spirits.
The Barton 1792 Distillery itself is a testament to Kentucky's enduring legacy in the bourbon industry. Nestled in the heart of bourbon country, the distillery spans over 196 acres and includes 29 barrel aging warehouses, a fully operational distillation site, and a visitor center. The distillery's commitment to quality is evident in every step of the production process, from grain selection to bottling.
Overall, 1792 Bourbon represents a blend of tradition and innovation, offering whiskey enthusiasts a bold and flavorful experience that pays homage to Kentucky's storied past. Its distinctive high-rye profile, combined with the expertise of the Barton 1792 Distillery, makes it a standout choice for those seeking a premium bourbon that embodies the essence of American craftsmanship.
