Aroma
From the first swirl, it opens with that deep, Kentucky warmth—caramel, toasted oak, and vanilla, backed by a subtle layer of orange peel, cinnamon, and cornbread sweetness. It’s a welcoming nose—rich but not overpowering—and for a 100-proof whiskey, it behaves remarkably well. No ethanol sting, just a steady invitation to sip.
Taste
On the palate, the Small Batch blend hits a sweet spot between power and polish. It rolls in with toffee and brown sugar, picks up baked apple and clove, and then eases into a mellow wave of oak and leather. That Barton 1792 signature is unmistakable—earthy depth, clean grain texture, and a dry, confident finish.
Add a single ice cube and the sweeter tones bloom: vanilla cream, honey cornbread, and buttered caramel step forward, balancing the spice. I even tested it in an Old Fashioned, and it stood firm without losing its identity—rare at this price point and proof.
Finish
Medium-long, warming, and satisfying. It leaves behind hints of oak, nutmeg, and tobacco, with a faint nuttiness that whispers “Kentucky” all the way through. That lingering spice and wood tone remind you you’re drinking something with structure and maturity.
Score
Solid 89 points from me. It’s not chasing unicorn status—it’s delivering dependable, old-school bourbon character at a phenomenal value. When you factor in the 1-liter size and that $27.99 price tag, it’s punching way above its weight.
Backstory & Fun Fact
Kirkland’s bourbon lineup has always been a source of curiosity for whiskey fans. The Bottled-in-Bond expression, distilled and aged by Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, shows just how far this partnership has come. Barton’s been turning out quality whiskey since 1879 and is part of the Sazerac family—the same folks behind Buffalo Trace and Eagle Rare. That explains those familiar vanilla-oak notes and the craftsmanship behind this blend.
Practical Takeaways
- Size: 1-liter (not 750ml—more bourbon for your buck)
- Price: $27.99 (Costco members only)
- Proof: 100 (Bottled-in-Bond standard)
- Style: Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- Best enjoyed: Neat or with one cube after dinner
- Pair it with: Grilled ribeye, pecan pie, or a cozy campfire evening
