Experience a true blast from the past with this 1990 Very Old Barton Bottled in Bond, a testament to classic Kentucky craftsmanship. This 100-proof, age-stated (implied by BIB) bourbon delivers a rich and complex profile of dark fruits, toasted caramel, and refined oak. A rare opportunity to savor a piece of bourbon history, offering remarkable depth and character that belies its past affordability.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A sophisticated and complex opening, belying its modest origins. Initial notes of toasted caramel and burnt sugar are quickly followed by dried dark fruits – fig and plum – with a whisper of aged oak and vanilla bean. A faint undercurrent of pipe tobacco and old leather develops, alongside a subtle spice cabinet aroma of nutmeg and star anise. There's a surprising freshness too, like a hint of orange peel or dried cherry, suggesting a well-integrated, mature spirit.

Palate: The palate arrives with a confident yet smooth presence, immediately showcasing the Bottled in Bond proof. A rich interplay of sweet and savory notes unfolds. Dark brown sugar and a slightly bitter dark chocolate provide depth, balanced by a generous helping of baking spices: cinnamon, clove, and a touch of black pepper. The oak influence is prominent but refined, offering a pleasant dryness without being astringent. Subtle hints of roasted nuts, particularly pecan, emerge, alongside a persistent creamy vanilla and butterscotch character. The mouthfeel is substantial and coating, a true testament to its age and proof.

Finish: A long, warm, and exceptionally satisfying finish that slowly fades. The spice notes linger, particularly cinnamon and a gentle, warming pepper. The oak returns, providing a drying, tannic grip that cleanses the palate, leaving behind echoes of dark fruit, charred caramel, and a faint whisper of a smoky, leathery note. There's a pleasant lingering sweetness, almost like a dark honey, that keeps you wanting another sip.

About the Distillery

Barton Distilling Company, now part of Sazerac, boasts a long and storied history in Kentucky bourbon production. Established in 1879, it has been a resilient force through Prohibition and beyond, consistently producing accessible yet quality whiskeys. Known for its traditional distillation methods, Barton has cultivated a reputation for solid, no-nonsense bourbons that often overdeliver for their price point, making it a favorite among those who appreciate classic Kentucky profiles.