Store Picks: 1792 Full Proof – Zetouna Liquor Pick

Pick Information - This offering was chosen by Jack at Zetouna Liquor in Auburn Hills, MI.   This barrel was picked in person at the Barton distillery. This pick is barrel proof and is non-chill filtered.  This sample was provided to me by Blake Johnson.  Follow Blake on Instagram.

Color –  Sunset amber.  Multiple layers of amber and red

Nose – I get oak, some vanilla, and fruit pie on the nose.  Little bit of alcohol prevalent in the back of the nose.

Palate –  Up front I get heavy herbal and earthy notes along with the oak.  After that, along comes some baking spice and vanilla.

Finish -  Nice coating mouthfeel gives a long finish which was expected due to the long legs the whiskey has in the glass.  Finish ends with more spice and oak but not much else.  It is full proof so you get that punch towards the back end.

Wallet – This bottle was $54.99 which is a tad bit higher than most 1792 FP picks but not out of the box.  Compared to Barton competitor full proof offerings, this bottle is very affordable. 

Head to Head –  In comparison to a non- pick single barrel, this Zetouna pick is definitely less sweet and has a flavor profile more in line with herbal, earthy, and oak notes.  As it is with the single barrels, they tend to be not very balanced as compared to regular offerings which are typically blends.

Bourbon Wes says –  Overall, I don’t hate this pick but I am not in love with this pick.  For my palate, it leans way too far towards the oaky, herbal, spicy side with little or no sweet notes.  Some people prefer that but for me it was too far to that side.

Rating (tasting notes + price point + uniqueness) – I would rate this store pick a 5 out of 10.

Wes Hardin

You can find me on Instagram @bourbon_wes and Twitter @BourbonWes

Store picks and barrel selections are popping up at liquor stores, hotels, restaurants, bars, and bourbon clubs and we would love to review your barrel selections in this column. 

If you have a sample you would like me to review here, please shoot me a message on Instagram (@bourbon_wes) or email me at whardin73@gmail.com 

Ratings System:   1-2 – Would not suggest to anyone.  Literally not drinkable neat.

                                  3-5  -  Solid pour but not considered special. Would not purchase second bottle

                                  6-8  -  Excellent pour.  Robust, interesting, and different compared to regular offering.

                                  9-10 -  Outstanding. Hunt for multiple bottles.  On par with allocated releases.