1792 Cognac Cask Finish Bourbon Review – Tasting Notes, Price & Is It Worth It?

Introduction

The 1792 Cognac Cask Finish is one of Barton 1792 Distillery’s latest forays into finished bourbon, taking their high-rye Kentucky Straight Bourbon and giving it a second maturation in French cognac casks. The goal? To add a layer of rich fruit, honeyed sweetness, and refined elegance to Barton’s naturally bold and spicy profile.

Finishing bourbon in wine and spirit casks has become increasingly popular in recent years, but cognac finishes are still relatively rare compared to port or sherry. Done well, they can create a luxurious depth of flavor; done poorly, they can overwhelm the whiskey’s base character. This release aims to strike that delicate balance.

In this review, we’ll break down how well Barton integrates the cognac influence, whether it enhances the bourbon, and if it’s worth picking up at its approachable price point.

Background: The Barton 1792 “Limited” Lineup

Barton 1792 Distillery, located in Bardstown, Kentucky, has been producing whiskey since 1879. While the flagship 1792 Small Batch remains a mainstay, the brand has gained attention in recent years for its special releases and experimental finishes.

Past examples include:

• 1792 Port Finish – Port wine casks added jammy red fruit and spice.
• 1792 High Rye – Not a finish, but a mash bill variation that turned up the pepper and spice.
• 1792 Sweet Wheat – A softer, sweeter wheated mash bill that swapped rye for wheat.
• 1792 12 Year – 12 year age statement, showcasing what Barton can deliver when left in a barrel for a decade plus.

The Cognac Cask Finish builds on this tradition by marrying Kentucky bourbon with the nuanced character of French cognac barrels.

Bottle Details

1792 Cognac Cask Finish

• Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, finished in Cognac casks
• ABV: 47.5% (95 Proof)
• Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Barton’s standard high-rye bourbon recipe)
• Age: NAS (likely ~6 years before finishing)
• Finish Time: Undisclosed (rumored 6–12 months in cognac casks)
• Distillation: Barton 1792 Distillery, Bardstown, KY
• Price: $40 (Retail)
• Secondary Price: $100–$150 (at the time of this review)
• Availability: Limited release

Tasting Notes

Nose:
Dark, fruit-forward notes jump out immediately—figs, raisins, and grape jelly—wrapped in a layer of caramel and vanilla. Beneath the sweetness, there’s a dusting of cinnamon and a touch of toasted oak. The cognac influence is clearly present but not overpowering, giving the nose a rich and inviting character.

Palate:
Medium-bodied with a burst of grape and stone fruit up front, followed by Barton’s signature rye spice. Toffee, almond, and light honey appear mid-palate, alongside a hint of orange zest. The cognac finish adds depth, but the flavors don’t feel as fully integrated as they could be—at times the fruitiness sits on top of the bourbon rather than melding seamlessly with it.

Finish:
Medium in length, with lingering grape skin, caramel, and a touch of drying oak. A faint nuttiness and baking spice appear at the very end, leaving a pleasant but somewhat restrained aftertaste.

How Much Would I Pay for 1792 Cognac Cask Finish?

💰 Max Price I Would Pay: $50

At its $40 retail price, this is a solid buy—especially if you enjoy finished bourbons with a fruity edge. Once it climbs much higher, it’s harder to justify, and at secondary prices of $100–$150, it’s firmly in “skip it” territory.