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1792 Small Batch vs Penelope Architect
1792 Small Batch and Penelope Architect sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: an old-guard, rye-forward classic versus a sourced, classically built blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | 1792 Small Batch | Penelope Architect |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Four-Grain Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 7% rye, 15% wheat, 3% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 93.7 proof (46.9% ABV) | 104 proof (52% ABV) +10 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$26 – $34 ~$35 less | ~$60 – $70 |
- 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.
Penelope Architect
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
1792 Small Batch Penelope Architect
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: 1792 Small Batch 6 out of 10, Penelope Architect 7 out of 10
spice 7/6 spice: 1792 Small Batch 7 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
oak 6/5 oak: 1792 Small Batch 6 out of 10, Penelope Architect 5 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: 1792 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
heat 5/6 heat: 1792 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: 1792 Small Batch 4 out of 10, Penelope Architect 3 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.
- Penelope Architect: Penelope's four-grain blend finished with French oak staves chosen for their tannin. The French oak adds berry, cherry and warm spice to a vanilla-heavy base.
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 Penelope Architect if you want a four-grain bourbon with a French oak finish that adds berries and warm spice with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (1792 Small Batch); neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Architect).