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1792 Small Batch vs Ancient Age
1792 Small Batch and Ancient Age are cut from similar cloth: two takes on high-rye bourbons, where the real difference is proof (93.7 vs. 80).
Key Specifications
| Feature | 1792 Small Batch | Ancient Age |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 15% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 93.7 proof (46.9% ABV) +14 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$26 – $34 | ~$14 – $18 ~$14 less |
- 1792 Small Batch and Ancient Age do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
1792 Small Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Ancient Age
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
1792 Small Batch Ancient Age
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 7/4 spice: 1792 Small Batch 7 out of 10, Ancient Age 4 out of 10
oak 6/3 oak: 1792 Small Batch 6 out of 10, Ancient Age 3 out of 10
heat 5/2 heat: 1792 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Ancient Age 2 out of 10
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: 1792 Small Batch 6 out of 10, Ancient Age 5 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: 1792 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Ancient Age 4 out of 10
nuttiness 4/4 nuttiness: 1792 Small Batch 4 out of 10, Ancient Age 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line here.
- 1792 Small Batch: Barton's flagship and one of the most under-discussed bottles at its price. A high-rye character with cocoa and orange peel, and considerably more going on than the shelf position suggests.
- Ancient Age: The bottom rung of the Buffalo Trace ladder and priced accordingly. Thin and simple at 80 proof, but it is recognisably the Mash Bill #2 recipe and it does its job in a highball without complaint.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with 1792 Small Batch if you want an overlooked, spice-forward Kentucky bourbon that punches above its price with more proof behind it.
- Go with Ancient Age if you want the cheapest honest mixer in the lineup and you are not drinking it neat.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (1792 Small Batch); cocktails, highball (Ancient Age).