1792 Full Proof “Party Like It's 1792” Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon The Prime Barrel Pick #18

1792 Full Proof Bourbon is a cask strength bourbon from Sazerac, the same company that owns Buffalo Trace. While Buffalo Trace's primary cask strength bourbon, Stagg Jr, is related to 1792 Full Proof, they are quite different. But just like Buffalo Trace, though, 1792 also does several single barrel selections, primarily of 1792 Single Barrel and 1792 Full Proof.

We did a 1792 Single Barrel pick a couple of years ago for a retail partner, which was very successful. That left us wanting to do more, so we jumped on it when the opportunity presented to select a barrel of 1792 Full Proof barrel. We like the batched 1792 Full Proof Bourbon. It has won multiple awards, including the 2020 World Whisky of the Year by Jim Murray. However, single barrels always have a life of their own, often bringing different traits to the table as part of their nature. 

Just like the standard 1792 Full Proof Bourbon, this barrel is fantastic. It comes in at 125 Proof with quite a bit of an angel's share. Tasting notes are as follows:

• Nose: Banana Foster, creme brûlée, dried orange peel, and cracked vanilla bean
• Palate: Dense, chewy, and smokey with notes of banana custard and vanilla wafers
• Finish: Long finish with lingering notes of orange meringue, banana, and black peppercorns.

Overall, it's an improvement over the already enjoyable standard Full Proof release.

1792 Bourbon was initially introduced into the market by Barton as "Ridgewood Reserve 1792". The Brown-Forman Corporation sued Barton for trademark infringement, arguing that the similar name and bottle design of Ridgewood Reserve could potentially create consumer confusion with Brown-Foreman's older Woodford Reserve brand. A federal judge ruled in favor of Brown-Forman in 2004, and Barton changed the product's name to "1792 Ridgemont Reserve" to comply with the ruling. Later, the company dropped the "Ridgemont Reserve" from the title, making it just "1792 Bourbon". Our sticker plays on this historical nugget, and the "Artist Formerly Known As" theme was born. 

This barrel will be supporting is New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA). Prince was an ultimate artist, so the selection was very apropos. Celebrated artists, including director Julie Taymor, composer Eliott Goldenthal, and architect Ricardo Scofidio, all have the NYFA to thank, at least in part, for their success. Founded in 1971, the group provided nascent New York artists in sixteen disciplines, from literature to the performing arts, with financial backing and publicity. Donations help provide services and fellowships to more than 150 New York artists.