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1792 Small Batch vs Old Forester 1897 Bottled-in-Bond
1792 Small Batch and Old Forester 1897 Bottled-in-Bond are cut from similar cloth: two takes on high-rye bourbons, where the real difference is price (~$26 – $34 vs. ~$45 – $55).
Key Specifications
| Feature | 1792 Small Batch | Old Forester 1897 Bottled-in-Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 4 years |
| Proof | 93.7 proof (46.9% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +6 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$26 – $34 ~$20 less | ~$45 – $55 |
- 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 1897 Bottled-in-Bond
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
1792 Small Batch Old Forester 1897 Bottled-in-Bond
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: 1792 Small Batch 6 out of 10, Old Forester 1897 Bottled-in-Bond 7 out of 10
spice 7/6 spice: 1792 Small Batch 7 out of 10, Old Forester 1897 Bottled-in-Bond 6 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: 1792 Small Batch 6 out of 10, Old Forester 1897 Bottled-in-Bond 7 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: 1792 Small Batch 4 out of 10, Old Forester 1897 Bottled-in-Bond 3 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: 1792 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Old Forester 1897 Bottled-in-Bond 5 out of 10
heat 5/5 heat: 1792 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Old Forester 1897 Bottled-in-Bond 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 1897 Bottled-in-Bond: The bonded entry in the Whiskey Row series and a noticeable step up in density from the standard 100. More oak and more weight, though the price gap to the 100 proof is harder to justify than the flavour gap suggests.
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 1897 Bottled-in-Bond if you want a bonded, denser take on the Old Forester profile with more barrel behind it with slightly more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (1792 Small Batch); neat, old-fashioned (Old Forester 1897 Bottled-in-Bond).