Two Landmark Releases Expand Portfolio Barton 1792 Distillery has introduced 1792 Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, its first-ever straight rye expression, alongside 1792 XV, a 15-year-old bourbon that represents both the oldest age-stated expression and the brand's inaugural cask-strength, unfiltered release. The launches come on the heels of significant industry recognition: 1792 Full Proof earned the only Platinum Award at the 2026 Denver International Spirits Competition and was named the highest-rated spirit overall, while 1792 Single Barrel captured Best of Show (2nd Place). Five additional expressions from the brand earned Gold medals.
Kentucky Straight Rye at $39.99 1792 Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is bottled at 100 proof and available now in select markets through Sazerac's distributor network at a suggested retail price of $39.99 per 750ml bottle. The expression uses the brand's signature bourbon yeast rather than a neutral alternative, introducing subtle fruit-forward sweetness to balance rye spice. A globally sourced blend of rye grains from Canada, Europe, and the northern United States creates the flavor profile: Canadian rye contributes floral lift, northern U.S. grain delivers peppery spice, and European rye provides bready, herbal depth. Bottled at 100 proof, the whiskey opens with aromas of warm baking spices and spiced fruit jellies, leading to a palate of assertive rye spice, cinnamon candy and rich molasses, with a finish marked by lingering mulling spices and gentle sweet oak. "We felt the rye reached its peak at 100 proof," says Ross Cornelissen, Master Distiller at Barton 1792. "Here, the whiskey showcases a seamless integration of rye spice, oak and yeast influence. Many seasoned bourbon drinkers turn to rye when they're ready to explore something new. With 1792 Bourbon's high-rye mash bill, this release offers fans a familiar spice profile with a recognizable rye character."
XV at Cask Strength, $249.99 1792 XV emerges at 124.2 proof after 15 years of maturation in virgin charred American white oak barrels. The uncut, unfiltered expression is available now through Global Travel Retail at select airports—Los Angeles International, San Francisco International, and South Korea's Incheon International—at a suggested retail price of $249.99. The bourbon builds on the profile of 1792 Aged Twelve Years, with three additional years of maturation bringing deeper oak presence and concentrated sweetness. It reflects the intensity associated with 1792 Full Proof while representing a significant milestone for the brand's maturation program. Aromas include sweet cola, leather and vanilla extract, followed by a palate of dark cherries and cocoa, finishing with rich oak and dark caramel. "This release wasn't part of a planned experiment in barrel-proof whiskey," Cornelissen explains. "We noticed that several of our oldest barrels were developing extraordinary characteristics, with flavors and nuances that stood out on their own. That discovery inspired us to do something special, which ultimately led to the creation of XV."
Why It Matters
Barton 1792's entry into the straight rye category and its first cask-strength expression signal broader portfolio maturation and confidence in extending beyond the core bourbon lineup. For retailers and on-premise operators, the $39.99 rye provides an approachable entry point to the 1792 brand, while the limited-distribution XV cask-strength positioning targets premium travel retail—a high-margin channel increasingly important to spirits producers.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
