Barton 1792 is Launching Four New Thomas S. Moore Finished Bourbons

Thomas S. Moore Extended Cask Finished Bourbons. Courtesy Photo.

Barton 1972 and Master Distiller Danny Kahn are ready to release the four latest expressions in their Thomas Moore Extended Cask Finishing Series, with Cognac, Madeira, Sherry and Merlot cask finished bourbons arriving later this month.

The Thomas S. Moore line, named for the distillery’s founder, launched in 2020 to showcase finished 1792 bourbons that rested in their second barrel for considerably longer than the industry standard. An average sherry or port finished bourbon will age for an extra few months to a year, but the Thomas Moore line features 1792’s high rye bourbon recipe aged 5 to 6 years in the original new charred oak cooperage, then rested in the secondary barrel for up to four years.

“This second Thomas S. Moore release really reinforces that the extended aging is quite significant,” Kahn said in a press release. “What we are seeing are complex, fuller textures being developed. Savory flavors and aromas are unquestionably enhanced and continue to develop in the secondary cask in ways that are very different from the primary barrel aging. The result is an elevated, premium collection unlike any other.”

Thomas S. Moore Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Madeira Casks is described as having scents of complex oak and madeira wine, with hints of tobacco, citrus and dried fruits. The aroma follows through on the palate, adding sweetness and subtle acidity to the mild, slightly soft, yet well-rounded whiskey. The finish is bright and complex. This whiskey was finished in a variety of madeira casks for approximately two to four years and is 96.5 proof.

Thomas S. Moore Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Merlot Casks carries an aroma of rich fresh fruit, including plums, raspberries, and dark cherries, followed by floral notes. It has a full and slightly soft taste, with long and lasting notes of fruit. The finish is long and savory with subtle tannins and toasted oak. This whiskey was finished in merlot casks from Napa and Sonoma for approximately two to four years and is 93.3 proof.

Thomas S. Moore Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Sherry Casks is described as having an aroma explosion of sweet, rich fruit and toasted nuts, followed by figs, hints of spicy tobacco and subtle cedar. The palate is sweet with a soft, round initial impression followed by a myriad of aged fruits and nuts. The finish is balanced and sweet with notes of spicy oak. This whiskey was finished in Oloroso sherry casks for approximately one to four years and is 98.7 proof.

Thomas S. Moore Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Cognac Casks has an aroma of complex fruit and bright citrus that mingle with slightly herbal notes and traces of jasmine and lavender. On the palate, notes of orange, apricot and vanilla are followed by complex earthy undertones, with a subtle toasted oak and cedar finish. This whiskey was finished in cognac casks (that previously held cognac for six or more years) for approximately two to four years and is 93.4 proof.

These four new expressions will join the initial three Thomas S. Moore Bourbons, which launched in late 2020 finished in Cabernet Sauvignon, Port, and Chardonnay casks.

The line has an MSRP of around $70 a bottle, and we’re told to expect future releases each fall.

Caroline Paulus
Caroline Paulus is the Senior Editor for The Bourbon Review. She lives and writes in Lexington, Kentucky. Follow her on Instagram @misswhiskeyhistorian to keep up with her latest in bourbon news - and a few old finds, too.