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Woodford Reserve vs 1792 Small Batch
On paper Woodford Reserve and 1792 Small Batch are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so price (~$35 – $42 vs. ~$26 – $34) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Woodford Reserve | 1792 Small Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) | 93.7 proof (46.9% ABV) +3 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$35 – $42 | ~$26 – $34 ~$9 less |
- 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
Woodford Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
1792 Small Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Woodford Reserve 1792 Small Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 6/7 spice: Woodford Reserve 6 out of 10, 1792 Small Batch 7 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Woodford Reserve 6 out of 10, 1792 Small Batch 5 out of 10
heat 4/5 heat: Woodford Reserve 4 out of 10, 1792 Small Batch 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Woodford Reserve 3 out of 10, 1792 Small Batch 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Woodford Reserve 6 out of 10, 1792 Small Batch 6 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Woodford Reserve 6 out of 10, 1792 Small Batch 6 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.
- Woodford Reserve: The most widely poured premium bourbon in America, and a genuinely well-made one. Dried fruit and cocoa over a balanced 18% rye mash, finished smooth enough to please almost anyone.
- 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.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Woodford Reserve if you want a polished, widely available crowd-pleaser that never puts a foot wrong.
- Go with 1792 Small Batch if you want an overlooked, spice-forward Kentucky bourbon that punches above its price.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Woodford Reserve); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (1792 Small Batch).