Our Distillery

Our Distillery
Bardstown, Kentucky
On the site of the historic Barton 1792
Distillery, established in 1879 near the
"Tom Moore Spring", the same spring we
draw our iron-free limestone water from
today. The 192-acre distillery is home to
beautiful wildlife and many historic
buildings, including our still house and 28
aging warehouses. The legendary
‗Warehouse Z‘ stands tall on the western
bluff enjoying full summer sun and optimal
air-circulation for aging bourbon whiskey.
Ken Pierce
Every batch of 1792 Ridgemont Reserve is comprised
of only the best barrels – each tasted and selected by
Director of Distillation and Quality Assurance, Ken
Pierce. Not only does Ken have talented taste buds, but
years of experience. In 1994 he began work at the
distillery and immediately started crafting the flavor
profile for 1792. Quality ingredients and barrel aging
are two of the most import factors in making great
bourbon. ―Quality in, Quality out‖ Ken says, ―and when
it comes to barrel aging, it‘s just like real estate –
location, location, location. That‘s why 1792 ages in
‗Warehouse Z‘ up there on the bluff. Hope you enjoy the
taste as much as I do!‖
Bourbon Whiskey?
1.
Majority of recipe must be corn
2.
Can not be distilled higher than 160 proof
3.
Must be aged in a new oak barrel
4.
No artificial additives are allowed
5.
No flavorings are allowed
6.
No caramel coloring is allowed
7.
Must be made in the United States
How we make
1792 Ridgemont Reserve
Bourbon Whiskey
Cooking the Grain
• Add Corn & Rye to Spring Water
• Cook at boiling for 20 minutes
• Cool to 160 degrees F before adding
Malted Barley
• Yields a ―Sweet Mash‖
Fermenting
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•
Add in previously distilled mash
Creates a ―sour mash‖
Add yeast
In 3-5 days, the yeast eats the
sugar creating a 9% alcohol
Distilling
• The ―sour mash‖ is sent to the still
• Meets steam rising from below
• Alcohol is vaporized and condensed into a 120
proof liquid
• Alcohol is then distilled again in a ―Doubler‖ up to
135 proof
• The whiskey is clear color, like water at this stage
Barrel Aging
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•
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1792 is aged in new American charred oak barrels
Barrels are kept in ―Warehouse Z‖ exclusively
Kentucky‘s climate is ideal for aging bourbon
Oak barrels impart color and flavor to the bourbon
This bourbon is aged for no less than 8 years
Barrel Selection
•
•
•
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Draw samples from aged barrels
Taste bourbon from every barrel
Determine quality and taste
Only approve the best tasting samples
Bottling
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Barrels are emptied
The bourbon is filtered
Bottles are filled
Bottles are corked by hand
Highest quality
Quality
1792 Ridgemont Reserve is handcrafted from
the finest corn, rye and malted barley. Our
unique mash bill contains more rye than most,
resulting in full-bodied, complex taste that's
not too sweet. Each barrel of ages no less than
8 years. Once barrels reach their peak of
maturity they are removed from Warehouse Z..
Serve it neat, with a splash of water, or in
traditional mixed drinks that allow bourbon
character to shine through.
92.5 Rating
―Big, weighty—rye with an attitude. In a herd of any 30 random
bourbons, this one would stand out by nose alone. The taste is puckering
and mouthwatering, the ryes go ballistic, especially on the spice front.
With salivation levels on full blast, it is sometimes hard to pick out the
more delicate custard-cream and apple nuances. The oak finish kicks in
at the death with a shot of liquorice and coffee. But the ryes refuse to be
downbeaten. A shade heavier than when I first tasted this one with the
oak showing a burlier attitude. However, the unique rye fizz ensures a
delightful and by no means understated degree of charm. Fabulously
different and wholly adorable."
- Jim Murray, Author
This is
going to be
your year.
When it came to statehood,
1792 was Kentucky’s year.
When it comes to smooth,
handcrafted bourbon,
this will be yours.