I decided for Christmas time I should get a nice bourbon to round out my usual fare. I’d seen 1792 around, but it wasn’t at some of the whiskey tastings I’ve visited. I will add though that I was not disappointed in my choice.
I do get distinct impression though (from various sources) that this is not a true small batch distillery operation, but instead something that maybe is a smaller batch, but is too much automation and flash to wow you into buying it. I realize this is mostly rumor as I don’t tend to try and do a detailed history (seriously they often enough have small novels on the back of bottles and boxes already)
What they Say: “Small Batch. Long Heritage. Ridgemont Reserve ‘1792’ Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey commemorates the year Kentucky became our 15th state. The Ridgemont Still is located at the distillery in Bardstown, the heart of bourbon country. The character, quality and taste of this bourbon embody the bold spirit and rich heritage of a proud land. We know that you will enjoy this handcrafted, small batch bourbon, which was produced under the strictest of standards and with the utmost of Kentucky pride.”
Taste: 7.0 – Much like the smell you get a bit of orange, but the sticking point here is how this tastes sort of velvet-y in your mouth, which is a complement.
Aftertaste: 7.0 – Here though you get that backside of Kentucky bourbon but not offensively, and the taste lingers for a good while
Burn/Smooth: 6.5 – When I use velvet in terms of text, you understandably think there’s little burn – which is true. There’s just a hint, and nice warmth so this hits all the right buttons.
Aroma: 5.5 – Smells more like orange zest than the power of whiskey, but it’s overall a nice smell.
Honesty: 5.0 – Minus points for not using Oxford comma (Yes I am serious). They also have a bit underneath the text in the back for a batch number, but it’s printed on text using a handwritten font to try and seem authentic. I do however like the bottle overall, and it’s not decidedly wanky.
Mixability: 4.75
W/ Rocks: 4.5 – It sort of rushes you to that aftertaste, and it keeps you there a bit longer – not bad, but this is definitely a neat-whiskey for me.
Old Fashioned: 5.0 – It makes an okay Old Fashioned, but again I’d take this neat.
Value: 6.0 – While it is actually reasonable among it’s other short batch whiskey’s it’s not a great deal.
Google Shop Average: $31
Website: http://www.1792bourbon.com/
Reviewer Scores:
BuffaloJern: 6.5
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Metric Score: 41.75/70 |+| Metric Average: 5.96 |+| Reviewer Average: 6.5
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Final Thoughts: While I enjoy other bourbons as my goto – I do like having some better stuff in my bar. On the other hand though there’s other whiskey‘s I’d rather have.
