1792 Sweet Wheat is a wheated bourbon from Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, KY, under Sazerac ownership. Unlike standard Rye-heavy bourbons, this limited-release mash bill replaces rye with soft wheat, creating a smoother taste profile. Bottled at 91.2 proof (46.85% ABV) and non‑chill filtered, it lacks an age statement but is said to be aged around 6 to 8 years.
Appearance and Color
In the glass, Sweet Wheat shows a light honey-rust hue that reflects its approachable character. The legs run moderately slow, suggesting a medium-bodied sip that balances softness and structure.
Aroma: Gentle Sweetness with Oak
The first scents are of vanilla, caramel, and custard, balanced by gentle white oak tannins and subtle dried fruit tones like peach cobbler or apricot. Subtle nutty notes—like peanut brittle or dusty peanut—emerge after breathing, layered above mild biscuit or bread-like aromas. The overall aroma is soft and inviting, lacking aggressive spice or proof heat.
Palate: Creamy Comfort with Sweet Overtones
Upon tasting, the bourbon delivers a buttery, creamy mouthfeel. The palate is anchored by vanilla sugar cookie, caramel, custard pudding, and honey, carried by soft wheat tones. A nod to pancake batter and peach cobbler adds warmth, while light oak and peanut consistency weave through. The spice is minimal, and the texture is smooth and easy-drinking.
Finish: Light, Oaky, Ever-So-Short
The finish is short to medium—coating the palate with gentle oak, light leather, and mild cinnamon. Sweet tones fade into a soft dryness, but do not linger too long. Though some tasters mention tannic bite or ashiness at first pour, the finish smooths out after the bottle opens for a week or two.
How It Evolves Over Time
Taste testers report noticeable softening and balance after the bottle settles. Over the course of 1–2 weeks, notes of honey, banana, pear, and light chocolate emerge and integrate better with oak and sweetness, making the bourbon more inviting with breathing time.
Who Will Appreciate It?
1792 Sweet Wheat suits drinkers who:
- Prefer wheated bourbons like Maker’s Mark or Weller, but seek something different
- Enjoy soft, dessert-style flavors without heavy spice
- Want a smooth, easy sipper for quiet evenings
- Seek bang for the buck without chasing rare labels
Awards and Reception
Though a limited edition, it has earned praise among whiskey writers. It is seen as a soft, smooth bourbon with a balanced palate. Some note it lacks complexity or bold sweetness compared to other wheated labels, but find its mouthfeel and gentle flavor profile compelling at retail prices.
Price and Value
Street prices hover around $40 to $60. Many reviewers rank it as an excellent value when not inflated above MSRP. Expert ratings range from 7.5/10 (87/100) to excellent everyday sipping prerogative. If it sits near its $50 MSRP, it is considered a strong pick-up for those seeking smooth wheated bourbon.
Summary of Tasting Notes
| Attribute | Notes |
|---|---|
| Mash Bill | Wheated, light sweetness |
| Proof | 91.2 (easy sipper) |
| Nose | Vanilla, custard, biscuit, peach cobbler |
| Palate | Butter cookie, caramel, honey, nutty undertones |
| Finish | Light oak dryness, cinnamon, mild leather |
| Mouthfeel | Creamy and smooth, medium weight |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Soft, sweet nose with dessert-like appeal
- Smooth buttery palate with minimal spice
- Affordable for a wheated bourbon
- Evolves pleasantly with air
Cons:
- Less complex than premium wheater counterparts
- Slight oak dryness for some; thinner mouthfeel early on
- No bold rye spice—may underwhelm those seeking spice
Serving Suggestions
- Neat: Best for full flavor clarity
- Light ice: Enhances creamy texture and tempers oak
- Cocktails: Ideal for gentle whiskey cocktails like Whiskey Sours or Brown Derby
Final Verdict
1792 Sweet Wheat is a gentle, well-rounded wheated bourbon ideal for fans of soft, sweet sipping drams. It lacks the depth of ultra-premium wheaters but delivers a creamy sweet profile at a fair price. Let it breathe after opening, and it rewards with mellow fruit and honey notes. For dessert-like comfort whiskey that won’t break the bank, it earns a spot on your shelf. Highly recommended when found near the recommended price.
