Barton / Tom Moore

[jburlowski]

I attended a tasting at the Party Source last night of Barton whiskies put on by Ken Pierce, chief chemist at Barton. In addition to some of their traditional line-up (1792 and VOB BIB), we got to try some others that have never been released to the public.

The first (and most interesting) is a four year old wheated bourbon. It was surprisingly complex for its age --- slightly sweet with subtle spice notes. It was delightfully drinkable, even at barrel proof. I'd buy this in a heartbeat. Alas, Pierce announced that it will not be distributed to the public.

The second was another four year old bourbon with higher than normal rye content. Interesting but not overwhelming. Another "experiment" that won't become a product.

The last was a seven year old straight rye. Pierce described this as a "pure rye" --- no corn and just enough malted barley added to facilitate distillation. This was deliciously spicy with subtle but noticable wood notes. Again, very easy to drink at barrel proof. Pierce reported that this is the same product as their Fleischmanns's Rye --- but with additional aging. This too won't be released. If it were, it would give Saz Jr. a run for its money.

Pierce also said:

Barton uses four different bourbon mash bills but he wouldn't reveal their content or which products they are used in.

He insisted that "none of their boubon products" will change under Sazerac's ownership. He did say that their production has increased significantly since the acquisition.

There will not be a "visitors center" at Tom Moore but they are adding a gift shop.

Sazerac will be doing some much-needed updating of their equipment and physical plant.

[OscarV]

He did say that their production has increased significantly since the acquisition.

I wonder why they ramped up production.
Are they expecting the Barton brands to have a sales spike or are they distilling some things for the BT brands in Frankfort.

[jburlowski]

I wonder why they ramped up production.
Are they expecting the Barton brands to have a sales spike or are they distilling some things for the BT brands in Frankfort.

They didn't say.... might be that Sazerac has plans to distribute the Barton brands more broadly. Or maybe their type of "value brands" are selling better because of the economy.

[Josh]

They didn't say.... might be that Sazerac has plans to distribute the Barton brands more broadly.

Let's hope that's the case!

As for the 4 mashbills, here's my guess:
1. VOB
2. 1792
3. ??? KY Tavern/Gentleman
4. ??? Tom Moore BiB

Anyway, thanks for the news. It's too bad none of those other mashbills will see the light of day.

[White Dog]

The last was a seven year old straight rye. Pierce described this as a "pure rye" --- no corn and just enough malted barley added to facilitate distillation. This was deliciously spicy with subtle but noticable wood notes. Again, very easy to drink at barrel proof. Pierce reported that this is the same product as their Fleischmanns's Rye --- but with additional aging. This too won't be released. If it were, it would give Saz Jr. a run for its money.

I'm sure this Rye will be going into Baby Saz. Especially since Baby Saz has been on allocation these days. At least in my state. (With the addition of these Rye stocks, maybe Baby Saz will finally improve, IMHO.)

[Virus_Of_Life]

I am curious why they let you taste these things if there is no plans whatsoever to take them to market? Why even bother. Disappointing.

[SBOmarc]

I am curious why they let you taste these things if there is no plans whatsoever to take them to market? Why even bother. Disappointing.

Not just disappointing, it makes zero sense. Could this be misinformation on purpose? Makes me think that it is being done for BT.

[tmckenzie]

Fleishmanns does not tast like pure rye at all to me. And, I would bet that kentucky tavern and ten high is out of the same mash, but kentucky gentleman, what I have tasted straight, is the same mash as 1792. I bet they release some of that stuff.

[OscarV]

Speaking of Barton/Tom Moore I have a bottle of Colonel Lee BIB.
When I opened it I was not at all optimistic about what it would taste like, but I gotta say it is a decent low priced pour.
I'd even go so far as to say that it has a denseness to it that reminds me of EC12, a little water opens it up nicely.

[jburlowski]

I am curious why they let you taste these things if there is no plans whatsoever to take them to market? Why even bother. Disappointing.

They characterized them as "experimentals"... at least that's what they were prior to the Sazerac acaquisition. Could be that that's the best / most interesting they had to round out the tasting.

All I can say is that the wheater and 7 yo rye were close to best of class (particularly given the age of thw wheater). Would love to be able to buy either of them.