Bourbon, with its strict rules and devotion to tradition, does not always welcome foreign influence. But in Bardstown—the “Bourbon Capital of the World”—the Barton 1792 Distillery has decided to add a touch of French elegance to its legacy. The Sazerac-owned producer has announced the release of 1792 Cognac Cask Finish, the first cask-finished bourbon to enter its permanent portfolio.
This isn’t just another limited-edition experiment. It’s a statement of intent, signaling that 1792 believes finishing techniques—once considered novelties—deserve a permanent seat at the bourbon table.
A Decade in the Making
The announcement arrives almost a decade after the distillery’s first flirtation with finishing: the 2015 release of 1792 Port Cask Finish. Since then, Barton 1792 has dabbled in wine and fortified wine casks, each adding texture and dimension to the distillery’s high-rye mashbill. But Cognac, with its reputation for refinement and layered fruit character, stood out from the pack.
Ross Cornelissen, Barton 1792’s master distiller, explained: “We’ve experimented with a range of premium cask finishes, but Cognac immediately stood out for how naturally it complements our small batch bourbon. Extended finishing in Cognac casks reveals dessert-like notes and layered complexity, while showcasing the full-bodied character of the small batch Bourbon and its signature high-rye recipe.”
Flavor Profile
The whiskey begins life like all 1792 bourbons: a Kentucky straight spirit distilled from the brand’s flagship mashbill and aged in new American white oak barrels. But instead of heading straight to bottling, this batch spends an additional six months resting in French Cognac casks.
The result is a bourbon bottled at 47.5% ABV (95 proof) that offers aromas of dark cocoa and rich caramel. On the palate, drinkers can expect ripe plum, apricot, cherry, and a Bananas Foster note that leans into the dessert-like qualities Cornelissen described. Creamy vanilla and sweet oak round out the finish, balancing indulgence with structure.
Andrew Duncan, global brand director of 1792 Whiskey, called the release “a new flavor chapter in this brand’s story,” adding that the Cognac Cask Finish is already becoming a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts. “We’re pleased to offer a whiskey that invites both new and experienced spirits fans to enjoy premium cask-finished bourbon,” Duncan said.
Price and Availability
Unlike many special releases that vanish into the secondary market before most fans can taste them, 1792 Cognac Cask Finish is here to stay. The expression joins the brand’s permanent range and is available nationwide in the United States through Sazerac’s distribution network.
The suggested retail price is $37.99, positioning it as an accessible yet distinctive option in the increasingly crowded finished-whiskey category.
A Bridge Between Traditions
By marrying the robust character of Kentucky bourbon with the elegance of French Cognac, Barton 1792 has created more than just a new bottle. It has built a bridge between two of the world’s great spirits traditions. For collectors, it offers novelty at an affordable price. For everyday bourbon drinkers, it extends an invitation to explore the evolving landscape of American whiskey without leaving behind the hallmarks that define it.
For more information, head over to the distillery’s official website.
