Compare
1792 Small Batch vs Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Put 1792 Small Batch next to Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against a classic, high-wheat stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | 1792 Small Batch | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | 12 years |
| Proof | 93.7 proof (46.9% ABV) +3 proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$26 – $34 ~$505 less | ~$170 – $900 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- 1792 Small Batch and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
1792 Small Batch Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 7/3 spice: 1792 Small Batch 7 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: 1792 Small Batch 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10
heat 5/3 heat: 1792 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: 1792 Small Batch 4 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: 1792 Small Batch 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: 1792 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 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.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, spiced finish.
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 Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (1792 Small Batch); neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B).