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1792 Small Batch vs Buffalo Trace
Put 1792 Small Batch next to Buffalo Trace and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against a classic, corn-forward stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | 1792 Small Batch | Buffalo Trace |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 93.7 proof (46.9% ABV) +4 proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$26 – $34 | ~$28 – $35 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- 1792 Small Batch and Buffalo Trace do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Buffalo Trace
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
1792 Small Batch Buffalo Trace
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 7/5 spice: 1792 Small Batch 7 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10
heat 5/4 heat: 1792 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: 1792 Small Batch 6 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: 1792 Small Batch 6 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: 1792 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/4 nuttiness: 1792 Small Batch 4 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- 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.
- Buffalo Trace: The reference-point Kentucky bourbon: balanced brown sugar and vanilla sweetness, a whisper of mint, and just enough oak and spice to keep it interesting. Nothing is loud, which is exactly the point at 90 proof.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with 1792 Small Batch if you want an overlooked, spice-forward Kentucky bourbon that punches above its price without hunting for it.
- Go with Buffalo Trace if you want the balanced, everyday Kentucky benchmark that does nothing wrong at a fair price.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (1792 Small Batch); neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace).