1792 Full Proof Single Barrel Bourbon (Neat Drinker’s Association and QBB Pick) Quick Review

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My reviews tend to be long-winded and very in-depth. I know that many readers don’t have the time or patience to read them all. This is why I have decided to create a “Quick Review” format. I’m not going to cover backstories, distilling methods or anything like that if I know I’ve covered it in a previous review of a similar bottle. You’ll find that a lot of these quick reviews will be based on single barrel picks because their backstory is usually the same with the exception of the group that picked them.

Introduction

The Neat Drinkers Association (NDA for short) is a group based out of San Francisco and the surrounding area. I also want to disclose that I’m a member of this group even though I was not involved in this barrel pick. The NDA has previously partnered up with Quality Bourbons and Barbecue – a local restaurant in the bay area – in the past for other picks. Members of the NDA got access to about half the barrel and the rest were sold at QBB.

1792 Full Proof Single Barrel Pick

This pick was from a barrel that was filled in January, 2013 and tucked away in Warehouse M on the 6th rick of the second floor. It was 8 years old by time it was bottled. The artwork for the sticker was done by Ana ‘Vee’ Valdez (follow them at @cordiforms on Instagram). The NDA commissions their sticker art from local tattoo artists and uses themes that center around a particular band or album to match the vibe of the whiskey they picked.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich brown sugar, baked apples, candied citrus zest and raisins. Tannins include a mild amount of oak and a decent amount of worn leather. There’s also a scent that reminds me of cinnamon-sprinkled pinwheels.

Palate: My tastebuds immediately pick up on the huge amount of leather. Oak and barrel char are present, but in smaller amounts. There’s a hint of anise, cinnamon and clove – very rye-forward traits. Sweetness comes from burnt caramel and vanilla wafers. Fruit notes come from cherries, apples and a hint of banana.

Finish: Sticky toffee and a good amount of (in-check) heat. That’s probably from the ground black peppercorns. The high-rye taste sticks around from the palate and turns slightly herbal. Two classic Barton notes follow all the way through the finish with banana and leather. Oak and barrel char also follow the leftover flavors until the end.

Score: 7.7/10

I’ve never had a 1792 Full Proof pick that has landed below a 7.5/10. Conversely, I’ve never had any that have breached into the 8’s. This pick by the NDA/QBB straddles the line between both as quintessentially Barton bourbon, albeit on the simpler side. I felt it drank just as bold and robust as I expected it would. The mouthfeel was great and the finish lasted forever. I even noticed how it tasted a bit more heavy with rye character than previous picks.

Whenever I’m offered a 1792 Full Proof Pick, I rarely turn them down. This is the sweet spot of Barton in terms of age (around 7 years old) and proof. These picks can also be wildly off-profile which makes them really fun to experience. I’m happy I got the chance to experience this bottle for under $60.