Barmen 1873 Bourbon 750ML

Barmen 1873 Bourbon 750ML is a blend of straight bourbons bottled at 46% ABV (92 proof) in a 750ml format. This release earned a Silver Medal at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and was developed alongside Peggy Noe Stevens, one of the bourbon industry's most respected master tasters and the first female Master Bourbon Taster in the world.

Quick Facts: ABV: 46% (92 proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky & Indiana, USA  |  Blend of Straight Bourbons  |  Producer: Coors Whiskey Co.

Production & Heritage

Barmen 1873 is produced by Coors Whiskey Co. and draws its name from the founding year of the Coors family business. Rather than distilling in-house, the brand sources straight bourbon from two well-regarded facilities: Bardstown Bourbon Company in Kentucky and MGP/Ross & Squibb in Indiana. The final blend is bottled in Bardstown, Kentucky, at a robust 92 proof — a step above the standard 80-proof threshold that gives the whiskey added body and intensity. Peggy Noe Stevens contributed her palate expertise during the blending process, shaping the final flavor profile through careful barrel selection across both source distilleries.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Warm melted caramel leads, followed by a wave of raspberry and soft cedar. There is an inviting sweetness balanced by gentle wood tones that set the stage for the palate.

Taste: The entry is approachable, with vanilla and caramel arriving first in classic bourbon fashion. Mid-palate, grilled peach, raisin, and apple add layers of fruit complexity, while traces of coffee, dark chocolate, dill, and mint emerge in the background. At 92 proof, the flavors carry real weight without turning aggressive.

Finish: The finish runs long and spicy, led by candied ginger, cinnamon Red Hots, and charred oak. A slightly funky quality lingers at the tail end, adding an unexpected dimension that keeps the sip interesting.

How to Drink Barmen 1873

At 46% ABV, this blend rewards neat sipping in a Glencairn or rocks glass, where the full spectrum of fruit, spice, and oak can unfold. A single large ice cube will tame the proof slightly and open up the sweeter caramel and peach notes. For cocktails, consider these three:

• Old Fashioned — The bourbon's rich caramel backbone and spicy finish stand up to bitters and sugar without losing definition.
• Boulevardier — Dark chocolate and coffee undertones in the whiskey complement the bitterness of Campari and the sweetness of sweet vermouth.
• Whiskey Smash — The fruit-forward mid-palate, particularly the peach and apple notes, pairs naturally with fresh muddled lemon and mint.

Best For

• Bourbon drinkers exploring blended straight bourbon as a category
• Gifting someone who appreciates a higher-proof, flavor-forward whiskey
• Hosting a bourbon tasting flight comparing Kentucky and Indiana sourcing
• Pairing with a casual dinner where bold flavors meet comfort food

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Barmen 1873 taste like? Barmen 1873 leads with caramel and vanilla, develops into grilled peach, raisin, and dark chocolate at mid-palate, and finishes with a long, spicy wave of candied ginger and cinnamon. It is a straightforward yet layered bourbon with traditional character amplified by 92-proof intensity.

How does Barmen 1873 compare to Basil Hayden? Both bourbons appeal to drinkers who favor approachable, well-balanced profiles, but Barmen 1873 is bottled at a notably higher proof (92 vs. Basil Hayden's 80), delivering more body and a longer spice-driven finish. Barmen 1873 also draws from multiple distilleries in Kentucky and Indiana, creating a blended complexity that Basil Hayden's single-distillery approach does not replicate.

Is Barmen 1873 good for sipping neat? Yes — the 46% ABV provides enough structure and flavor concentration for neat sipping without excessive heat, and the layered progression from caramel to spice rewards slow, deliberate tasting.

Where is Barmen 1873 made? Barmen 1873 is a blend of straight bourbons sourced from Bardstown Bourbon Company in Bardstown, Kentucky, and MGP/Ross & Squibb in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. The final product is bottled in Bardstown, Kentucky.

What foods pair well with Barmen 1873? Smoked brisket complements the charred oak and spice on the finish. Dark chocolate desserts echo the coffee and cocoa mid-palate notes. Grilled stone fruit, particularly peaches, mirrors the bourbon's own fruit character. Sharp aged cheddar contrasts the caramel sweetness. Pecan pie amplifies the vanilla and toasted-nut warmth.

What sizes does Barmen 1873 come in? Barmen 1873 is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Barmen 1873 worth the price? Barmen 1873 positions in the mid-range bourbon tier, competing directly with expressions like Basil Hayden while delivering a higher proof point and a blended complexity that justifies its shelf placement for drinkers seeking more intensity without jumping to a premium price bracket.

Why Barmen 1873?

The strongest case for Barmen 1873 rests on the deliberate blending of straight bourbons from two of the most prolific American whiskey sources — Bardstown Bourbon Company and MGP — under the guidance of Peggy Noe Stevens, whose credentials as the first female Master Bourbon Taster lend genuine authority to the final product. The 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Silver Medal validates the blend's quality against a competitive field. At 92 proof, it occupies a sweet spot that satisfies drinkers who find 80-proof bourbons too mild but aren't chasing barrel-proof intensity. For a blended straight bourbon at this price tier, the combination of pedigree sourcing, expert blending, and proven competition performance makes Barmen 1873 a substantive bottle rather than a novelty brand extension.