{"title":"Very Old Barton","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"very-old-barton-100-proof-bourbon-750ml","title":"Very Old Barton 100 Proof Bourbon 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVery Old Barton 100 Proof Bourbon 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 50% ABV (100 proof) in a 750ml format from Barton Distillery in Bardstown. This expression earned a 92-point rating from \u003cem\u003eWhisky Advocate\u003c\/em\u003e and a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, establishing it as one of the most acclaimed bourbons in its price tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 50% (100 Proof)  |  Origin: Bardstown, Kentucky, USA  |  NAS (No Age Statement)  |  Distillery: Barton Distillery (Sazerac Company)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBarton Distillery sits in the heart of Bardstown, Kentucky — a town often called the \"Bourbon Capital of the World.\" Now owned by the Sazerac Company, the distillery produces Very Old Barton using a high-rye mashbill built on a base of 75% corn, distilled through a column still and refined with a copper doubler. One unusual feature of the operation is its use of outdoor fermenters — large stainless steel tanks exposed to the heat and cold of Kentucky's seasons rather than housed in a climate-controlled building, an uncommon practice that contributes to variation in the fermentation character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with vanilla bean and butterscotch sweetness before shifting to chewy leather and a lean, woody backbone. Underneath those top notes, there is a subtle grain character and hints of fired-corn salsa and citrus zest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is firm and direct, with rich caramel and nougat coating the palate immediately. At mid-palate, rye spice asserts itself through cinnamon and ginger, joined by toffee sweetness and dark berry undertones. The 100-proof strength keeps everything bold and well-structured without tipping into harshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is dry, warm, and moderately long, with lingering wood tannins and a trace of tobacco leaf. A final echo of vanilla and baking spice rounds out the experience cleanly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Very Old Barton\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 100 proof, this bourbon stands up well neat or with a single ice cube to temper the heat slightly while preserving its full-bodied character. A few drops of water can open the vanilla and caramel notes further. Its proof and spice profile also make it a reliable cocktail bourbon: try it in an \u003cstrong\u003eOld Fashioned\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the toffee and rye spice hold their own against bitters and sugar; a \u003cstrong\u003eWhiskey Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the citrus zest notes in the bourbon complement fresh lemon juice; or a \u003cstrong\u003eManhattan\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the dry, woody finish pairs naturally with sweet vermouth and Angostura bitters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a home bourbon collection with a critically acclaimed, high-proof staple\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMixing cocktails that demand a bourbon with enough backbone to punch through other ingredients\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSide-by-side tastings comparing value-tier bourbons at different proof points\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing experienced drinkers to bottled-in-bond-strength bourbon without sticker shock\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Very Old Barton taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Very Old Barton 100 Proof leads with rich caramel, nougat, and toffee sweetness, followed by rye-driven cinnamon and ginger spice on a medium-bodied palate. The finish is dry and warm with woody tannins and lingering vanilla.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Very Old Barton compare to Evan Williams Black Label?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both tied for \"Best Buy Whisk(e)y of the Year\" at the 17th Annual \u003cem\u003eWhisky Advocate\u003c\/em\u003e Awards in 2011, but they differ significantly in proof — Very Old Barton is bottled at 100 proof versus Evan Williams Black Label at 86 proof. The higher proof gives Very Old Barton a bolder, spicier character with more palate weight, while Evan Williams Black Label tends toward a lighter, more approachable profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Very Old Barton good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — at 100 proof it delivers concentrated flavor without being overwhelmingly hot, and the 92-point \u003cem\u003eWhisky Advocate\u003c\/em\u003e rating reflects its quality as a neat pour. A splash of water can soften the proof and open up additional vanilla and caramel nuance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Very Old Barton made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Very Old Barton is produced at Barton Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, owned by the Sazerac Company. Bardstown is located in Nelson County in the heart of Kentucky's bourbon-producing region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Very Old Barton?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoked brisket or pulled pork, where the bourbon's rye spice matches the smokiness; dark chocolate truffles, which complement the caramel and toffee; sharp aged cheddar, whose tang plays against the vanilla sweetness; pecan pie, which echoes the nougat and toasted grain; or grilled stone fruit, where charred sweetness mirrors the bourbon's butterscotch notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Very Old Barton come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard size is 750ml, and it is also commonly available in 1L and 1.75L formats depending on market availability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Very Old Barton worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Very Old Barton 100 Proof positions as a value-tier bourbon that consistently outperforms its price category — a 92-point \u003cem\u003eWhisky Advocate\u003c\/em\u003e score and a Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition are distinctions typically associated with bottles costing significantly more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Very Old Barton?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFew bourbons at this price point carry both a 92-point \u003cem\u003eWhisky Advocate\u003c\/em\u003e rating and a Double Gold from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The 100-proof bottling strength delivers the kind of concentrated flavor and cocktail versatility that many higher-priced expressions aim for. Barton Distillery's distinctive use of outdoor fermenters exposed to Kentucky's seasonal extremes adds a layer of production character that is genuinely uncommon in the category. For drinkers who judge bourbon by what is in the glass rather than what is on the price tag, Very Old Barton 100 Proof remains one of the most compelling arguments in American whiskey.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Very Old Barton","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837682905257,"sku":"30078","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Very-Old-Barton-100-Proof-Bourbon__41906.jpg?v=1730490570"},{"product_id":"very-old-barton-80-proof-bourbon-750ml","title":"Very Old Barton 80 Proof Bourbon 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVery Old Barton 80 Proof Bourbon 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey bottled at 40% ABV in a 750ml bottle, produced at the historic Barton Distillery in Bardstown. Jim Murray's Whisky Bible awarded this expression a 90.5 rating, affirming its reputation as one of the most dependable value bourbons on the American whiskey shelf.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 40% (80 Proof)  |  Origin: Bardstown, Kentucky, USA  |  Kentucky Straight Bourbon  |  Distillery: Barton 1792 Distillery (Sazerac Company)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Barton Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky—one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the state—has been producing bourbon since 1879 and is now owned by the Sazerac Company. Very Old Barton uses a traditional bourbon mashbill of approximately 75% corn, 15% rye, and 10% malted barley, yielding a grain-forward profile with enough rye spice to maintain backbone. The 80 Proof expression draws from a blend of bourbon aged roughly four to six years in new charred American oak barrels, giving it more maturity than many competitors in its price tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e A lean, woody nose opens first, followed by subtle caramel corn sweetness and a faint hint of vanilla. Light grain and a trace of dried oak round out the bouquet.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is firm and direct, moving quickly into a medium-bodied mid-palate defined by dry wood character and toasted grain. Corn sweetness surfaces beneath the structure, balanced by light rye spice that keeps the palate from feeling flat.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is dry and warm with moderate length, leaving behind oak tannins and a clean cereal grain note. There is no lingering heat at 80 proof, which makes it remarkably easy drinking.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Very Old Barton\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt 80 proof, Very Old Barton drinks comfortably neat or over a single large ice cube, where the lower ABV means little dilution is needed to open the flavors. Its dry, woody profile and moderate sweetness make it a reliable cocktail bourbon as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOld Fashioned:\u003c\/strong\u003e The grain-forward dryness provides a clean canvas that lets bitters and orange peel do the work without cloying sweetness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhiskey Sour:\u003c\/strong\u003e The lean structure stands up to citrus juice without disappearing, keeping the drink balanced.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBourbon Highball:\u003c\/strong\u003e The lighter proof and dry character pair naturally with soda water and a lemon twist for a refreshing long drink.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a home bar with a versatile, everyday bourbon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMixing classic bourbon cocktails without overspending on base spirit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing new bourbon drinkers to Kentucky Straight Bourbon at a gentle proof\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlind tasting lineups comparing budget bourbons against premium expressions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Very Old Barton taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Very Old Barton 80 Proof delivers a firm, dry bourbon profile centered on toasted oak, corn sweetness, and light rye spice, finishing warm and clean with moderate length.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Very Old Barton compare to Evan Williams Black Label?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are Kentucky Straight Bourbons in a similar value tier, but Very Old Barton tends to be drier and more wood-driven, while Evan Williams Black Label leans sweeter with more pronounced caramel and vanilla notes from its own mashbill and aging program.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Very Old Barton good for cocktails?\u003c\/strong\u003e Very Old Barton 80 Proof is an excellent cocktail bourbon because its dry, clean grain character blends well in mixed drinks without overpowering other ingredients or adding excessive sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Very Old Barton made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Very Old Barton is distilled and bottled at the Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the state, now owned by the Sazerac Company.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Very Old Barton?\u003c\/strong\u003e Its dry oak character pairs well with smoked pulled pork, where the wood tones complement the smoke. Salted dark chocolate works against the grain sweetness. Aged cheddar cheese mirrors the bourbon's tannic structure. Roasted pecans echo the toasted grain notes, and simple cornbread with honey butter highlights the corn-forward mashbill.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Very Old Barton come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Very Old Barton 80 Proof is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle, with 1L and 1.75L formats also found in many markets.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Very Old Barton worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Very Old Barton positions firmly in the budget tier of Kentucky Straight Bourbon, yet it drinks above its station thanks to a blend of four-to-six-year-old whiskey and a 90.5 score from Jim Murray's Whisky Bible—strong credentials for its price class.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Very Old Barton?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn a crowded field of budget bourbons, Very Old Barton 80 Proof distinguishes itself through a blend of moderately aged whiskey—roughly four to six years—that many competitors at the same price point cannot match. Its 90.5 rating in Jim Murray's Whisky Bible places it in uncommon company for an everyday bourbon. The Barton Distillery's unbroken production history since the late 19th century and its traditional high-corn, rye-accented mashbill deliver consistency that has earned the brand a loyal following, particularly across the bourbon heartland of Kentucky and the surrounding states. For drinkers who value dry, straightforward bourbon character over sweetness or flash, this remains one of the most reliable bottles in the category.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Very Old Barton","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838955385001,"sku":"37210","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Very-Old-Barton-80-Proof-Bourbon__53574.jpg?v=1730515472"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/very-old-barton.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}