Description
About Very Old Barton Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (1.75L)
Federal regulations in the United States (27 C.F.R. 5 to be specific) require that bourbon be made from a mashbill of at least 51% corn before being matured in new oak barrels and bottled at 80 proof or higher. Bourbon that meets these requirements and that has been aged for a minimum of at least two years may be called straight bourbon.
What It Is / Key Details
-
Producer / Ownership: Very Old Barton is produced by Barton Brands (Barton Distillery) in Bardstown, Kentucky (now under the Sazerac Company).
-
Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. “Straight” means it has been matured at least two years and meets certain US legal requirements for bourbon.
-
Proof / ABV Variants: It is bottled in multiple proofs: 80 proof (40% ABV), 86 proof (43% ABV), 90 proof, and 100 proof (50% ABV).
-
Aging / Age Statement: Historically, Very Old Barton used age statements like 6 years, but more recent versions have removed the explicit age statement (NAS). Some bottles still carry a “6” on the neck, but that is more symbolic than definitive.
-
Mash Bill / Ingredients: The typical mash bill (grain recipe) is about 75% corn, 15% rye, 10% malted barley for many versions.
-
Availability / Formats: It comes in multiple bottle sizes, including large formats like 1.75 L (for example, an 86‑proof 1.75 L listing is found)
Flavour Profile & Tasting Notes
Here’s what drinkers commonly report, and what you might expect in terms of aroma, taste, and finish:
| Component | Typical Notes / Character |
|---|---|
| Nose / Aroma | Vanilla, caramel, light oak, leather, sometimes corn sweetness, mild spice. |
| Palate / Taste | Caramel and toffee duking with oak and spice. Some dried fruit or raisin notes in the higher proof versions. Some versions also show nutty or leather undertones. |
| Finish | Warm and dry, with lingering oak / wood, spice, and some residual sweetness. The stronger proofs tend to have more bite; the lower proofs are smoother but less expressive. |
Strengths, Weaknesses & Overall Considerations
Strengths / What It Does Well
-
Good “bang for the buck”: Many consider Very Old Barton to be solid value — good flavour for a modest price, especially in higher proof versions.
-
Versatility: The different proofs allow options — lower proof is smoother and easier neat or with ice; higher proof versions offer more bold flavour and stand up in cocktails.
-
Heritage and consistency: A long‑standing brand with recognizable style. Even if age statements have shifted, the brand identity and flavor profile are somewhat consistent over time.
-
Character / boldness: Particularly in 86, 90, or 100 proof versions, there is enough oak, spice, and wood influence to make it interesting rather than boring.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.