Review #: 177
Description: Very Old Barton 100 Proof
Spirit: Bourbon
Background: Coming from the Barton Distillery, Very Old Barton comes in a range of proofs but all are pretty affordable. They previously offered a Bottled-In-Bond product but dropped that designation after it was rumored they could no longer guarantee the whiskey was coming from the same distilling season. Thus, now it is merely 50% and NAS now and comes in around $13 for a bottle.
Distillery – Barton
Bottler – Barton
Brand – Very Old Barton
Selection – N/A
ABV – 50%
Age – NAS
Nose – Light fruit: apple, melon, unripe banana. Brown sugar, waffle cone
Taste – More apple, vanilla, maple syrup
Finish – Hot and astringent, too long, only taste is bark and ethanol.
Score: 3
Would I buy a bottle? No
Thoughts: Touted as a great bottom shelfer, at $12 for a bottle, it’s at least cheap. But this bottle has just been hot and astringent in the finish from the first pour. I’ve used it mostly for mixing but even then it comes through. Even at this price point, there are several better options to go for. I’d personally go for Evan Williams BiB or if you have it available, JTS Brown BiB.