Kentucky Gentleman 1976

Experience a rare sip of history with the 1976 Kentucky Gentleman, a testament to Barton's enduring craft. This "Superb Quality" straight bourbon offers a remarkably balanced and nuanced profile, showcasing the elegant evolution of whiskey over decades.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A surprisingly delicate and inviting nose, considering its age and proof. Initial impressions lean towards dried apricot and faint stewed apples, quickly followed by a layer of aged oak and a subtle nuttiness, perhaps roasted peanuts or almonds. A very gentle hint of vanilla bean and a distant, almost dusty, baking spice – cinnamon and a whisper of clove – emerge with time in the glass. There's an underlying sweetness, reminiscent of light caramel or toffee, but it remains understated.

Palate: The palate opens with a smooth, almost velvety texture, belying its 86 proof. The initial sweetness from the nose translates into a soft, honeyed character, quickly interwoven with a pronounced, but not overwhelming, oak influence. Notes of dried dark fruit – figs and dates – appear, along with a mild rye spice that adds a pleasant counterpoint to the sweetness. Hints of aged leather and pipe tobacco suggest the vintage, while a faint char and a touch of black pepper round out the mid-palate. It's remarkably balanced for a NAS bourbon from this era, with no harsh edges.

Finish: The finish is medium in length, elegant, and surprisingly clean. The oak lingers pleasantly, accompanied by a touch of drying tannins. Sweetness recedes, leaving behind a subtle echo of roasted nuts and a wisp of dark chocolate. The spice remains soft, a gentle warmth that fades gracefully, inviting another sip. There's a delicate earthiness and a slight mineral quality that speaks to its years in the barrel.

About the Distillery

Barton Distilling Company, now Barton 1792 Distillery, boasts a rich history dating back to 1879 in Bardstown, Kentucky. Known for producing a wide range of bourbons, they have been a consistent presence in the American whiskey landscape, often recognized for their adherence to traditional distillation methods.