1792 Small Batch and 1792 single barrel Bourbon bottles with Bourbinsane branded glencairns filled with bourbons

1792 Small Batch vs Single Barrel Bourbon Review: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Table of Contents

Introduction

1792 Bourbon, distilled at Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, is known for delivering bold, high-rye bourbon at accessible prices. With a portfolio ranging from Small Batch to Full Proof and beyond, Barton has carved out a respectable lane among value-conscious bourbon drinkers. Two of the most available—and compared—options are 1792 Small Batch and 1792 Single Barrel, the latter of which often comes as a store pick.

In this comparison, we review a Meijer Steward Select barrel of 1792 Single Barrel against the standard 1792 Small Batch to see how they differ in nose, palate, and finish—and which one is worth grabbing.

Bottle Details:

1792 Small Batch

Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
ABV: 46.85% (93.7 Proof)
Mash Bill: Undisclosed, but believed to be high rye
Age: NAS, rumored to be around 4–7 years
Distillation: Barton 1792 Distillery, Bardstown, KY
Price: ~$35

1792 Single Barrel – Meijer Steward Select

Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
ABV: 49.3% (98.6 Proof)
Mash Bill: Same as Small Batch (high rye)
Age: No age statement, but typically older barrels (~6-8 years likely)
Distillation: Barton 1792 Distillery, Bardstown, KY
Price: ~$45

Tasting Notes:

1792 Small Batch

Nose:
Leads with bright caramel, light cinnamon, and ripe orchard fruit. There’s a slightly grassy note under the surface, with hints of vanilla, cornbread, and a whiff of ethanol if you get too close.

Palate:
A fairly straightforward bourbon with notes of dry roasted peanut, caramel drizzle, and light baking spice. The mouthfeel is thin to medium-bodied, and the youth starts to show in the mid-palate where some grain-forward and slightly sharp oak tones emerge.

Finish:
Short to medium, with a flash of vanilla, dry oak, and lingering nuttiness. Not overly complex but clean and easy to sip.

1792 Single Barrel – Meijer Steward Select

Nose:
Immediately richer than the Small Batch—burnt brown sugar, dark cherry, and toasted oak come forward. There’s also a touch of leather, clove, and more developed rye spice that gives the nose an elevated, mature character.

Palate:
Fuller mouthfeel with a more layered profile. Still carries the classic Jim Beam-like dry roasted peanut note, but it’s surrounded by toffee, charred oak, and a hint of orange zest. The spice is dialed up, but so is the sweetness, making for a nice balance.

Finish:
Longer and more robust than the Small Batch. You get dry oak tannins, sweet baking spice, and a little heat that lingers in a pleasant Kentucky hug. There’s more maturity here, both in flavor and in structure.

How Much Would I Pay?

💰 Max Price I Would Pay:

1792 Small Batch: $30
1792 Single Barrel (Meijer): $50 (depending on the single barrel)

1792 Small Batch
⭐ Star Rating: 3/5
🥃 Experience Scale: “Solid starter pour with a hint of spice and youth.”
🥃 Should You Buy 1792 Small Batch?
No. At this price point, there are so many delicious options. If you want a budget-friendly, high-rye bourbon that mixes well or works as a daily drinker, look instead for Old Grand Dad 100 or Knob Creek 100.

1792 Single Barrel – Meijer Steward Select
⭐ Star Rating: 3.5/5
🥃 Experience Scale: “A more refined pour with deeper oak and spice.”
🥃 Should You Buy 1792 Single Barrel?
Yes, especially if you want to explore the fuller potential of the 1792 profile. Of course if you want the fullest potential of 1792, seek out the Full Proof.

Is 1792 Small Batch or Single Barrel Worth It?

In this matchup, the 1792 Single Barrel Meijer Steward Select pick clearly takes the edge. It delivers more richness, structure, and a longer, more satisfying finish. While single barrel picks can vary, 1792 tends to be more consistent in quality than others like Russell’s Reserve or Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve, which can vary wildly depending on the store and barrel selected.

1792 Small Batch is still a solid option for its price. It’s approachable, a little youthful, but reliable for cocktails or casual sipping. However, if you’re chasing a more premium experience and enjoy a bit more oak, spice, and body, the Single Barrel is easily worth the extra $5–$10.