Barton 1792 Aged 12 Years Bourbon Whiskey
48.3% ABV (96.6 proof) | 750mL | 12 years old | High-rye Kentucky straight bourbon — the 1792 Aged 12 Years Bourbon Whiskey is the age-stated flagship of Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky — the oldest fully-operating distillery in Bardstown, established 1879. Crafted from the same high-rye mash bill as the distillery's Small Batch bourbon and aged a full twelve years in Warehouse Z, it is released once a year in limited summer quantities under Master Distiller Danny Kahn. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
The 1792 brand is named for the year Kentucky became a state, and the Aged 12 Years expression is its connoisseur bottling: the high-rye recipe gives it a spicier backbone than the standard Small Batch, and twelve Kentucky summers in oak round it into something rich and complex. It earned Master at the 2024 American Whiskey Masters, Gold at the 2022 International Wine & Spirit Competition, and Silver at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2020 and 2021 — one of the most decorated bourbons at its price.
Tasting notes
Official notes describe rich vanilla and cocoa, a full body, delicate fruit notes, and a lingering smoky oak finish. Master Distiller Danny Kahn calls it "super-complex up front" with a subtle, rich sweetness, a creamy palate, pleasant spice, and a touch of oaky smokiness at the end.
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 12-year age statement — rare at this price
- 96.6 proof, high-rye Kentucky straight bourbon
- Master, 2024 American Whiskey Masters; Gold, 2022 IWSC
- Annual limited summer release from Barton 1792 Distillery, Bardstown KY
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Neat or with a splash of water — at 96.6 proof it opens beautifully. Also superb in an old fashioned built for sipping.
Frequently asked questions
What proof is 1792 Aged 12 Years?
It is bottled at 96.6 proof (48.3% ABV).
Is 1792 Aged 12 Years a limited release?
Yes — it is released once a year in limited quantities each summer, and allocations sell through quickly.
What does "high rye" mean here?
It uses the same high-rye mash bill as 1792 Small Batch — a spicier recipe than standard bourbon, though the exact percentages are undisclosed.
