Barton

[p_elliott]

Why is it that with the exception of 1792 and VOB BIB everything that Barton makes is bottom shelf bourbon?

[HighInTheMtns]

Can't speak to why Barton's product line is what it is, but I'd like to see Sazerac make a Barton addition to the BTAC.

[squire]

Don't quite follow your question Paul, the only difference between Barton 86 and BIB is the proof.

[squire]

Jim I hope Sazarac leaves Barton alone, it's the last quality value priced brand available locally.

[HighInTheMtns]

Jim I hope Sazarac leaves Barton alone, it's the last quality value priced brand available locally.

I'm afraid they already haven't left it alone, I know they cut production because they were really after the warehouse space.

I wish value priced Barton was available here - it's only 1792 or the Ten High blend for me. It makes me treat the bottle of VOB BIB I have as if it weren't a value brand.

[squire]

BIB will probably be the first casualty, followed by removal of the age statement.

[squire]

Speaking of Barton blends Jim, is Kentucky Gentleman available in your market?

[HighInTheMtns]

Speaking of Barton blends Jim, is Kentucky Gentleman available in your market?

Nope. Come to think of it, we get the Fleischmann's blend too although I've never had it, but those three labels are it for Barton whiskey. We get a bunch of other things from Barton, vodka, liqueurs, etc, but no straight bourbon besides 1792.

Edited December 1, 2012 by HighInTheMtns
spelling

[smokinjoe]

Can't speak to why Barton's product line is what it is, but I'd like to see Sazerac make a Barton addition to the BTAC.

I agree with you on this one. Two candidates in my book: A higher aged Barrel Proof VOB; and the same configuration with their Rye. :yum:

[squire]

A Barton Rye BIB is very high on my wish list.

[squire]

It's such an odd system Jim, of the three major stores in our small college town only one gets Barton and Kentucky Gentleman, but all three carry the liqueurs.

[cowdery]

Such pessimism! Sazerac is taking its time with Barton, but they've upgraded the packaging of VOB and increased distribution of 1792, so they're not standing still nor moving backwards. They're running the two distilleries more-or-less separately. Both have excess production capacity. They felt Barton was over-producing so they have cut back, but after the initial hiatus, they've been firing the place up for at least a couple months each season. Barton is not being mothballed.

As to why their line is mostly bottom shelf, that's just a carryover from the previous ownership. Barton was always a commodity producer. No major brands, lots of cheap 'well' brands. That was just the nature of their business.

Personally, I'd like to see a Barton rye.

[p_elliott]

My little liquor store here in town started carring 1792 I didn't think Iowa carried any thing from from Barton

[camduncan]

We'd love to see something from them in Australia.... even a low shelf product like Ten High. As it stands, they're the only major distillery without a (known) product on our market.

[T Comp]

Such pessimism! Sazerac is taking its time with Barton, but they've upgraded the packaging of VOB and increased distribution of 1792, so they're not standing still nor moving backwards. They're running the two distilleries more-or-less separately. Both have excess production capacity. They felt Barton was over-producing so they have cut back, but after the initial hiatus, they've been firing the place up for at least a couple months each season. Barton is not being mothballed.

As to why their line is mostly bottom shelf, that's just a carryover from the previous ownership. Barton was always a commodity producer. No major brands, lots of cheap 'well' brands. That was just the nature of their business.

Personally, I'd like to see a Barton rye.

I love it when we get factual facts around here...Thanks Chuck!

[Young Blacksmith]

I'm not afraid to reach a little lower on the shelf for some Barton goodness. Tom Moore BIB, VOB BIB, even the 86, and especially Fleischmann's Rye are consumed here with no problems or regrets. Some days I feel a little dirty, enjoying these brands as much as I do when others post about PHC and the BTAC. And yes, I do chase the higher stuff, but my enthusiasm is waning for those alphabet releases, and I find myself grabbing 4R and Barton more and more.

Thanks for the updates on Barton Chuck, and it makes sense they are the well brand maker. Their only higher end product is 1792.

[squire]

I've hosted a few tastings and Barton does right well.

[BourbonRob]

Their Tom Moore BIB is bottom shelf but not half bad for the price

[MrAtomic]

I really enjoy both VOB BIB and 1792, but have never come across Tom Moore BIB in California. Is it basically younger VOB BIB? And is it significantly cheaper than VOB? That's hard to imagine.

[HighInTheMtns]

Tom Moore is only available in a couple states, you won't be able to find it in CA. For the same reason, I can't give you any tasting notes but it is the same mashbill as VOB.

[Bourbon Boiler]

1792 is one of my absolute favorite values. I don't think there's a reason for them to make a high shelf offering, since their sisters in Frankfort will take care of that. I just hope they keep doing what they do, and do a lot of it.

[mosugoji64]

I loves me some VOB BIB and stock up on it whenever we go to KY. Not a huge fan of 1792 but it's not bad. Would like to see Sazerac do some more with the brand, but if they just don't d/c the BIB I'll be fine.

[tmckenzie]

speaking of KY Gentleman, is it available anywhere as a straight anymore? I had some in the 90's and it has been my thinking that 1792 is straight KY Gentleman, and there is no more straight, only the blend..

[ethangsmith]

My thoughts on Barton:

1. There needs to be bigger distribution of VOB BIB. I can't get it anywhere but would really love to have a bottle!

2. Hopefully the process and yeast remain separate. I am not a fan of most Buffalo Trace products- seems like their yeast flavor?? Barton is like liquid heaven.

3. 1792 is excellent. Probably one of my top 10 bourbons. It makes no apologies and is a full-flavored bourbon for its price. Even Colonel Lee at 80pf is decent for cheap stuff.

4. Barton rye? Yes please!

[JB64]

I picked up a bottle of VOB BIB while I was in Chicago a few weeks ago. I have shared it with some friends over the past couple of weeks and all of us felt that it held it's own along side bottles that cost two to three times as much. I wish it was available at my local stores and the next time I have a chance I will pick up more than one bottle.