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1792 Small Batch vs Old Forester 100 Proof
1792 Small Batch and Old Forester 100 Proof are cut from similar cloth: two takes on high-rye bourbons, where the real difference is proof (93.7 vs. 100).
Key Specifications
| Feature | 1792 Small Batch | Old Forester 100 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 93.7 proof (46.9% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +6 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$26 – $34 | ~$26 – $32 |
- 1792 Small Batch does 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.
Old Forester 100 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
1792 Small Batch Old Forester 100 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: 1792 Small Batch 6 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 7 out of 10
spice 7/6 spice: 1792 Small Batch 7 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: 1792 Small Batch 4 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 3 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: 1792 Small Batch 6 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: 1792 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10
heat 5/5 heat: 1792 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land close together on every flavor axis — the differences are in texture and proof more than character.
- 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.
- Old Forester 100 Proof: The bottle most people should buy from this range: the same recipe as the 86 with enough proof to actually taste it. One of the strongest arguments on the shelf for spending six dollars more.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with 1792 Small Batch if you want an overlooked, spice-forward Kentucky bourbon that punches above its price.
- Go with Old Forester 100 Proof if you want the best value in the Old Forester range and a superb old-fashioned base.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (1792 Small Batch); neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Forester 100 Proof).