1792 Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey 750ml

For the first time in its history, Barton 1792 has released a rye whiskey — a genuinely significant expansion for a distillery whose reputation has been built entirely on its bourbon lineup. Released July 7, 2026, alongside a companion 15-year cask-strength bourbon (1792 XV), this rye represents, in the words of Brand Director Tyler Smith, the distillery "building on our nearly 150-year legacy while expanding the portfolio in ways that excite both longtime fans and new whiskey enthusiasts."

Limited to one bottle per customer on this initial release.

Master Distiller Ross Cornelissen built the rye around a genuinely global grain sourcing strategy: Canadian rye contributes floral lift, rye grown in the northern United States delivers peppery spice, and European rye adds bready, herbal depth — three distinct regional characters layered into a single mash bill. Rather than the neutral yeast most rye producers rely on, Cornelissen chose 1792's own signature bourbon yeast, a deliberate decision to introduce fruit-forward sweetness that balances rye's naturally intense, spicy character. The whiskey shares its distillation and barrel entry proof (125) with 1792's own bourbon line, though Cornelissen notes the rye actually demanded more precise mashing and fermentation to let its spice-driven identity fully come through. "We felt the rye reached its peak at 100 proof," he explained. "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."

The Daily Pour's independent review found "a nice balance between herbaceous spice and soft, sweet, toasted-oak-adjacent notes. Spice leads, with nutmeg, cinnamon, gingerbread and clove, plus sassafras and a bit of spearmint and pine" — Forbes' own coverage summarized the assessment plainly: "it's a total spice bomb, to be sure, but there's a nice fruitiness here and there that adds needed balance. It's a good entry-level rye." The official tasting notes describe the whiskey opening with warm baking spices and spiced fruit jellies, developing on the palate into rye spice, cinnamon candy, and molasses, closing with mulling spices and sweet oak. This is a genuinely new chapter for one of Bardstown's most storied distilleries — an annual release built to give both dedicated 1792 bourbon fans and curious rye newcomers a familiar, recognizable entry point into the category.

Origins & Craftsmanship

1792 Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, part of the Sazerac portfolio, and marks the brand's first-ever release in the rye whiskey category. Released July 7, 2026, alongside 1792 XV, a 15-year cask-strength bourbon, the rye was developed under Master Distiller Ross Cornelissen using a globally sourced blend of rye grains: Canadian rye for floral lift, northern U.S. rye for peppery spice, and European rye for bready, herbal depth. Rather than a neutral yeast, the distillery used its own signature bourbon yeast, introducing subtle fruit-forward sweetness to balance the rye's inherent intensity.

The whiskey shares its distillation and barrel entry proof (125) with 1792's bourbon line, positioned as a natural extension of the brand's existing High Rye Bourbon, which now serves, per the distillery's own framing, as "the bridge between the brand's low rye bourbon and this new rye whiskey." Bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV), 1792 Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is an annual release, available in select markets through Sazerac's distributor network, with a suggested retail price of $39.99 per 750ml bottle.

Critics Reviews

No formal numerical critic score is confirmed for this product at this time — a very recent 2026 release.

The Daily Pour (extended independent review):
"The palate features a nice balance between herbaceous spice and soft, sweet, toasted-oak-adjacent notes. Spice leads, with nutmeg, cinnamon, gingerbread and clove, plus sassafras and a bit of spearmint and pine."

Forbes (Chris Perugini, press coverage, summarizing The Daily Pour's assessment):
"We found Cornelissen's description to be pretty accurate; it's a total spice bomb, to be sure, but there's a nice fruitiness here and there that adds needed balance. It's a good entry-level rye."

Ross Cornelissen, Master Distiller, Barton 1792:
"We felt the rye reached its peak at 100 proof. 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."

Tyler Smith, Brand Director, 1792:
"Refining and reimagining our whiskey-making process has opened the door to new flavor possibilities. With these releases, we continue to grow the 1792 brand, building on our nearly 150-year legacy while expanding the portfolio in ways that excite both longtime fans and new whiskey enthusiasts."

Official / Breaking Bourbon press release (tasting notes):
"The rye opens with warm baking spices and spiced fruit jellies, leading to a palate of rye spice, cinnamon candy and molasses, with a finish of mulling spices and sweet oak."

Tasting Profile

Nose
Aromatic rye spice and subtle oak lead, joined by warm baking spices and spiced fruit jellies. Nutmeg, cinnamon, and gingerbread build further complexity, alongside sassafras and a hint of spearmint and pine.

Palate
Assertive rye heat opens, balanced by toasted wood and gentle sweetness. Black pepper, cinnamon, rye bread, and honeyed caramel carry the mid-palate, with clove, molasses, and herbal undertones running throughout — a genuine balance between herbaceous spice and soft, sweet, toasted-oak character.

Finish
Medium to long, closing with lingering spice, mulling spices, and sweet oak, alongside a gently warming sweetness that reflects the distillery's signature bourbon yeast fermentation.

Quick Overview

Cocktail Suggestions

Manhattan
2 oz 1792 Straight Rye · sweet vermouth · Angostura bitters · Luxardo cherry.

Sazerac
2 oz 1792 Straight Rye · sugar cube · Peychaud's bitters · absinthe rinse — a fitting choice given the whiskey's Sazerac lineage.

Neat or On the Rocks — the recommended serve for sipping.