Brian’s Very Old Barton 90 Proof Review:
reviewed 03-September-2023
VERY OLD BARTON 90 PROOF BOURBON REVIEW:
Very Old Barton 90 Proof Bourbon (VOB 90) offers a simple aroma profile of faint ethanol, delicate fruit tree blossoms, herbal and vegetal notes, and a touch of citrus zest. While the initial sip feels warm and slightly harsh, subsequent sips reveal faint grains, fruitiness, and hints of bitter citrus, dark fruit, and spices. The texture is smooth and creamy, and the bourbon forms fine droplets on the glass. And while the finish is quite warm and notably long, the pour is a straightforward without being overly compelling or rewarding.
VERY OLD BARTON 90 PROOF VITAL STATS:
Category: Budget Bourbon
Region: Bardstown, Kentucky
Distillery: Barton
Parent Company: Sazarac
Mash Bill: unpublished; older internet reviews report 75% corn, 15% rye, 10% malted barley
Barrel Char: #3.5
Barrel entry proof: 125
Age: nas
ABV: 45% (90 Proof)
Fair Price: $21.16 (BoozApp, August 2023)
Paid: $25.65 (Montana, 2022)
No other batch or bottle number identifiers
Note: While several internet sources indicate Very Old Barton is produced at Barton Distillery, parented by Sazarac, neither site offers brand information.
ENJOYMENT METHOD FOR THE REVIEW:
On day 3 of the 2023 30 Bourbons in 30 Days Challenge, about four ounces was poured into a Glencairn from a newly opened bottle. The liquid rested for about 30 minutes before the first sip was taken.
VERY OLD BARTON 90 PROOF NOSE:
The aromas of VOB 90 are relatively simple. I sense faint ethanol along with delicate fruit tree blossoms. As I nose on, the scents become herbal and vegetal, accompanied by the essence of tart apples and apricots. A bit of citrus zest adds freshness, while allspice, ginger, nutmeg, and rye provide a foundation of warmth. Simple syrup and faint brown sugar offer sweetness, and the presence of pecan, light and dry oak along with hazy barrel char adds depth to the pour.
VERY OLD BARTON 90 PROOF PALATE:
The first sip of VOB 90 is quite warm, even for a 90 Proof bourbon. The taste is a bit harsh at first, but as it unfolds, I detect faint fruit tree blossoms along with field corn and dusty grain. Further sips bring bitter citrus zest and dried dark fruit leather which contribute complexity while cinnamon, ginger, and rye add spiciness. As I sip on, simple syrup fades in light, dry oak to be complemented by the subtle influence of barrel char. But in the end, this is a simple bourbon.
Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
The few aromas and flavors in VOB 90 are in reasonable balance. Its smooth, creaminess is remarkably easy to hold as the liquid coats the palate. As the glass is tipped for each sip, an inverted crown of delicately clinging droplets break into thin, fast-falling long legs which cascade the dregs back to the russet-colored pool.
VERY OLD BARTON 90 PROOF FINISH
The finish of Very Old Barton 90 Proof Bourbon is quite long, yet few flavors linger on the palate. I do get some pleasant throat warmth and a touch of alcohol burn which offer a bit of intrigue but not much else. Herbal notes do persist throughout the experience and they are accompanied by the gentle spiciness of ginger and rye. And dry oak and barrel char continue to impart their presence as well but in the end, simplicity prevails. The empty Glencairn mirrors the overall aromatic and flavor experience … there’s just not much here to make me want more.
MY RATING: 84/100
Will I buy this whiskey again? NO
Click to read Brian’s scoring process.
Click 84/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
To access other reviews from this brand, click Barton Distillery.
WHISKEY TRAITS, FLAVOR NOTES AND PROFILE GRAPH:
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