1792 Port Finish Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The 1792 Reserve Bourbon And Port Finish Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we recognize that the most memorable bourbons often emerge from innovative finishing techniques that transform traditional profiles into something extraordinary. 1792 Port Finish Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey represents a masterful marriage of Kentucky bourbon tradition with Portuguese wine sophistication—a small batch bourbon that achieves remarkable complexity through secondary maturation. This isn’t just another finished whiskey; it’s a rare bourbon that demonstrates how careful cask selection can elevate American Kentucky whiskey to new heights of elegance and depth.

This definitive guide explores the sophisticated finishing process, the complex tasting profile, and the collector’s significance of 1792 Port Finish—a release that has achieved near-legendary status since its discontinuation and continues to captivate bourbon enthusiasts seeking the ultimate expression of wine-finished American whiskey.

The 1792 Legacy: Foundation for Innovation

To fully appreciate 1792 Port Finish, one must first understand the distinguished heritage of Barton 1792 Distillery. Established in Bardstown, Kentucky—the spiritual heart of bourbon country—this historic distillery has been crafting exceptional spirits since 1879. The 1792 name commemorates Kentucky’s year of statehood, honoring the Commonwealth’s profound connection to America’s native spirit.

What makes Barton’s approach particularly noteworthy is their balance of tradition and experimentation. While maintaining time-honored production methods for their core expressions, they’ve periodically released innovative finished whiskeys that showcase the distillery’s creative range. The 1792 Port Finish Bourbon stands as perhaps the most successful of these experiments—a whiskey that respects bourbon’s foundational character while embracing the transformative power of wine cask finishing.

The Art of Port Finishing: Beyond Secondary Maturation

The “port finish” in Port Finish 1792 represents more than just a marketing term—it signifies a meticulous process that fundamentally transforms the whiskey’s character. After initial maturation in new charred American oak barrels, select bourbon is transferred to port wine casks for additional aging. This secondary maturation allows the whiskey to extract complex compounds from the wine-soaked wood while developing additional layers of flavor.

For those exploring the nuances of bourbon vs whiskey, 1792 whiskey​ Port Finish serves as a fascinating case study in how American whiskey can embrace international influences while maintaining its essential character. The port finishing doesn’t obscure the bourbon’s identity but rather enhances it, creating a spirit that’s both recognizably bourbon and intriguingly transformed.

Production Excellence: The Marriage of Two Worlds

The creation of 1792 Port Finish Bourbon involves careful selection and precise timing:

• Proof: 94.4 Proof (47.2% ABV)

• Base Whiskey: Aged 6-8 years in new charred oak

• Finish: Additional months in port wine casks

• Filtration: Light filtration to preserve character

The proof point is strategically chosen—high enough to carry the complex flavors but moderate enough to make the whiskey approachable and highlight its nuanced character. The duration of port finishing is particularly crucial; too little time and the port influence would be superficial, too much and it would overwhelm the bourbon’s essential character.

What sets 1792 bourbon Port Finish apart from other wine-finished bourbons is its remarkable balance. The port influence enhances rather than dominates, complementing the bourbon’s inherent flavors rather than competing with them.

The Discontinuation: Understanding the Rarity

The status of 1792 Port Finish discontinued has significantly contributed to its legendary status among collectors. While Barton 1792 Distillery has never officially detailed the reasons for discontinuing this expression, several factors likely contributed:

• Limited availability of quality port casks

• Production constraints at the distillery

• Strategic portfolio simplification

• The challenging nature of consistent port finishing

The 1792 Port Finish release was always a limited proposition, but its discontinuation has transformed it from a special release into a true collector’s item. For those wondering about 1792 Port Finish for sale today, understanding this context is crucial—you’re seeking a piece of American whiskey history that represents a specific moment in Barton’s innovative journey.

1792 Port Finish Review: A Tasting Experience Like No Other

A comprehensive 1792 Port Finish review reveals a bourbon of extraordinary complexity and elegance. The tasting experience showcases how careful port finishing can create something greater than the sum of its parts.

The Nose: An Olfactory Masterpiece
The aroma immediately signals this whiskey’s distinctive character. Initial notes of dark cherry and raspberry jam speak to the port influence, while beneath these emerge the classic bourbon foundation of caramel and vanilla. The integration is seamless—dried fruit notes intertwine with baking spices and toasted oak. Subtler aromas of dark chocolate, orange zest, and roasted nuts add sophistication. The alcohol is barely detectable, creating an approachable yet complex nosing experience that invites deep exploration.

The Palate: Luxurious Flavor Integration
The mouthfeel is remarkably silky and rounded, immediately distinguishing this from traditional bourbons. The initial taste delivers a sophisticated dance between fruit and spice. Rich port-influenced flavors of blackberry, plum, and fig provide a fruit-forward foundation that gradually gives way to the bourbon’s inherent character.

The whiskey’s spice elements emerge as cinnamon, nutmeg, and gentle pepper that complement rather than contrast with the fruit notes. Mid-palate, darker flavors of dark chocolate, coffee, and leather add depth and sophistication. The balance is exceptional—the port finishing enhances the bourbon’s complexity without overwhelming its essential character. This is 1792 Reserve Bourbon at its most elegant and refined.

The Finish: Long and Transformative
The finish is exceptionally long and evolving, with the port-influenced fruit notes gradually receding to allow the bourbon’s oak and vanilla character to reemerge. A pleasant warmth persists without burn, while subtle notes of dried fruit and spice linger elegantly. The entire experience feels cohesive and intentional—a testament to the master blenders’ skill in balancing two distinct flavor profiles into a harmonious whole.

Comparative Analysis: Port Finish vs. Other 1792 whiskey​ Expressions

Understanding where 1792 Port Finish fits within the broader 1792 portfolio helps appreciate its unique position:

• Vs. 1792 Small Batch: The Small Batch offers classic bourbon profile, while Port Finish introduces sophisticated wine influences

• Vs. 1792 Full Proof: Full Proof emphasizes barrel-proof power, while Port Finish focuses on nuanced complexity

• Vs. 1792 High Rye: High Rye showcases grain bill artistry, while Port Finish demonstrates finishing technique mastery

Among finished whiskeys in the 1792 lineup, Port Finish 1792 whiskey​ is widely regarded as the most successful and balanced expression.

The Collector’s Perspective: Investment and Rarity

From an investment standpoint, 1792 bourbon Port Finish represents blue-chip whiskey collecting. The 1792 Port Finish price has appreciated significantly since its discontinuation, with several factors driving its value:

• Limited original production

• Critical acclaim and high ratings

• Successful flavor profile that appeals to both bourbon and wine drinkers

• Growing recognition as a landmark finished bourbon

• Nostalgia for Barton’s innovative period

For those searching for 1792 Port Finish price, understanding these value drivers is essential. This isn’t just another discontinued whiskey—it’s a documented piece of American distilling innovation that represents a specific approach to bourbon finishing that has since become increasingly rare.

Market Analysis: Understanding the Value Proposition

The current market for 1792 Port Finish Bourbon reflects its status as a discontinued gem. While the original 1792 bourbon price for Port Finish was typically $50-$65, current secondary market prices often reach $150-$300 depending on bottle condition and provenance.

Several market factors contribute to this appreciation:

• Limited remaining supply

• Growing interest in wine-finished American whiskeys

• Barton’s reputation for quality

• The expression’s consistent critical praise

• Its status as a benchmark for port-finished bourbons

How to Experience Your 1792 bourbon Port Finish

To fully appreciate this sophisticated spirit, we recommend:

1. The Purist’s Approach: Enjoy neat in a Glencairn glass to appreciate its complex evolution

2. The Comparative Tasting: Sample alongside other wine-finished bourbons to understand its unique position

3. The Special Occasion Pour: Reserve for moments worthy of its significance—this is whiskey meant for contemplation and celebration

4. The Culinary Pairing: Experiment with food combinations—the wine-influenced character complements both cheese and dessert courses beautifully

Finding 1792 Port Finish for Sale

For those seeking 1792 Port Finish for sale, the search requires knowledge, patience, and often significant investment. As a discontinued expression, finding this bourbon available requires connecting with specialty retailers, auction houses, or collectors who understand its significance.

Your search for “bourbon for sale near me” for this specific expression may be challenging, as most remaining bottles are in collectors’ hands. As a trusted destination to buy bourbon online, Rare Finds Liquor Store maintains relationships within the collector community to occasionally offer these coveted discontinued expressions to discerning enthusiasts.

Secure This Masterpiece at Rare Finds Liquor Store

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we consider 1792 Port Finish Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey among the most successful and elegant finished bourbons ever released. Our commitment to connecting collectors with spirits that represent both historical significance and exceptional quality makes us particularly proud to occasionally offer this landmark expression.

When you purchase through us, you receive:

• Guaranteed authenticity and pristine condition

• Expert guidance on the expression’s background and significance

• Secure, insured shipping with temperature control

• Access to our curated selection of discontinued and rare American whiskeys

We’re committed to being the best place to buy bourbon online for collectors who appreciate both the liquid and the story in the bottle.

Experience a piece of bourbon history. For serious inquiries about 1792 Reserve Bourbon and Port Finish and other exceptional discontinued expressions, contact Rare Finds Liquor Store today. Taste the legend before it’s gone forever.