1792 High Rye Bourbon

Rating: 14/23 Nose: Tartness with dry barrel spice leading to tannins. There's a kind of caramel sweetness and a bit of vanilla, but those aromas are fairly subdued. It's not overly complex, but it's a pleasant, fairly standard bourbon aroma that I truly believe leans towards the rye. Palate: There's a dry, spicy kick right at the start. I'm getting a bit of a Canadian rye feel here. There's more vanilla sweetness than I anticipated. There's plenty of wood, though slightly less than I expected. The tannins also show a bit more than I prefer. There's an odd watery quality mixed with the spices, as well as some clean, bitter herbs. I'm definitely tasting the rye here. Occasional notes of anise. Very faint hints of peanut. I get a hint of beets sometimes, but not like with some very strong ryes. The palate has a decent amount going on, but it isn't super complex. I like its rye flavor, but the balance is slightly off in places. Finish: Lingering anise and vanilla pod, with some tannins and a spicy burn. Occasional dry woodiness as well. It's somewhat rich and decadent and it lasts a while, so it's acceptable. - Conclusion - I like this. I don't love it, and I do think it needs some refinement, but it's a fairly enjoyable sipper. I'd probably prefer 1792 Sweet Wheat over this, though. Four Roses Single Barrel (15/23) is lighter and highlights its alcohol more while maintaining a spicy character, but the Four Roses has more complexity – though I wouldn't say it's better balanced. Honestly, the two are quite close. I do think, however, that the Four Roses is slightly better due to its nice complexity. I wouldn't rate this lower than a 13. I think it's quite nice. I'm leaning towards a 14, but I might end up bumping it up to a 15. Elijah Craig Small Batch (15/23) is mellower than this, but has a pleasant sweetness, with some chocolate notes. It's a tough decision here, but I think this qualifies as a low 15. Oof, revisiting this for a final taste, I don't like it quite as much. I think it's now a 14. I'm now finding Elijah Craig to be a bit better than this. Thanks to a friend for another rare bourbon sample!

The aroma is of honey, oak, syrup, and apple. Hints of cherry, raspberry, and jam are present, evoking thoughts of baking a cake. I really enjoy it. The taste includes notes of grapes and apples, with a touch of dust. It has a fruity punch flavor, with raisin and sugar. Whipping cream and blood orange notes are also detected. The finish arrives late, developing a spice note reminiscent of baking. I appreciate when the texture in the mouth evolves during the finish, and this one is dynamic and memorable. This is a spicier version of the small batch. The flavors are quite similar to the small batch, leading me to estimate around 25% rye content, assuming other factors are equal. I like it a great deal. If this were a standard release, I would keep it in my collection. The finish offers an exceptional mouthfeel for a bourbon. Anticipating the next pour: 1792 Sweet Wheat

Nose: Abundant florals, rose, honeysuckle, rye spice, candied fruits, subtle herbal notes. Entry: Oily and sweet upfront with significant spice and very noticeable Barton wood character, combined with faint bourbon notes of heather, vanilla, and dark sugars. Finish: Mild with warm spice and sweet lingering notes. This is truly a unique blend of a nice rye recipe with some unusual herbal and floral qualities and some very good bourbon undertones. I appreciate what Buffalo Trace has achieved here; it offers many pleasant flavors and notes without anything unpleasant, and that includes its reasonable price point. If you enjoy a high-rye bourbon, you should definitely try this one. It's an easy addition to your home bar and a relatively mild yet appealing drink, possessing just enough complexity to spark conversation and inviting slow sipping throughout the evening. Well executed by BT, cheers!

Smelled and tasted neat in a glencairn. Nose - Standard bourbon smells of caramel, oak, and vanilla dominate, with a faint hint of varnish. There are also notes of fresh apples and. Taste follows the aroma with caramel, oak, baking spices, and orange zest. The rye spice remains on the moderate finish without being overpowering. It's not harsh at all. As it sat in the glass, the nose developed more prominent caramel and vanilla, while the taste grew a little sweeter. This is a good example of a well-made Kentucky bourbon. I like it more than the 1792 Small Batch or Single Barrel; the rye spice and heavier oak notes make it more engaging for me. Previously, the BiB was my top choice from 1792, but I'd need to compare them directly to see if this one surpasses it.

Appears light amber. Medium body with a smooth, velvety texture. Smell: Abundant caramel sweetness mingled with vanilla. Green apple and pear notes are enhanced by baking spices. A subtle molasses sweetness also lurks in the aroma, making it more intricate than anticipated. Taste: Rich caramel sweetness and green apples dominate initially. Spices and a hint of oak emerge as the spirit warms through the mid-palate to the finish. The finish is substantial, warming, and smooth. It concludes with a candy-like caramel-apple flavor, reminiscent of fairground treats, leaving a sweet aftertaste that encourages another sip. I'm genuinely impressed by this whiskey. It ranks alongside 1792's Sweet Wheat as my top choices from their range that I've sampled. Rated 3.9/5 stars or 4/5 on this platform

Color: Light amber Nose: Caramel is very prominent on the nose, with light vanilla and baking spices, rounded out by pears and green apples. Mild molasses makes an appearance. Palate: Medium-bodied with a velvety texture. Caramel and green apples lead, as oak and spiciness join in the middle, leading to a unique finish that initially warms then mellows, leaving lingering caramel and green apples.