Review: 1792 Straight Rye

After a few years of sleepiness, Sazerac’s 1792 brand has finally started to get some much-needed and much-deserved attention again. It started with last year’s 1792 Cognac Cask Finish Bourbon and it continues in 2026 with the release of a 15-year-old expression and this whiskey, the first-ever straight rye expression from the brand and a new part of the permanent portfolio.

It’s distilled at the Barton 1792 distillery by Master Distiller Ross Cornelissen using the same yeast 1792 uses for its bourbon, though the grains used in the mash are sourced globally from Canada, Europe, and the northern United States. Sazerac, as is tradition, does not disclose the official mashbill for the whiskey, nor does this bottling include an age statement.

Let’s taste.

1792 Straight Rye Review

The whiskey is rye-forward on the nose without being aggressive; there’s clearly plenty of corn in the mash here (and perhaps an assist from that bourbon yeast) to give it an appropriate tempering. Sweet corn, caramel, and vanilla notes are all evident yet kept in check by ample greenery and spice. The rye isn’t shy about muscling its way to the forefront of the nose, especially given some time in glass. Alongside notes of cut grass and ground black pepper, the whiskey makes room for touches of menthol, bay leaf, and a hint of anise.

The palate is chewy and plenty racy at 50% abv, again carefully toeing the line between its pastoral greenery and its sweeter, nuttier elements. Peppery bay leaf elements are the most dominant element, particularly at full strength, hinting at jalapeno as the whiskey’s attack fades just a bit. Baked apples and a sweetened almond note are insistent, really honing in on that chewy quality, though it’s not a flavor you typically find in rye. Notes of dark chocolate, laced with cinnamon, give the finish a pop and help to lift the whiskey out of what can sometimes offer a slightly doughy consistency.

On its own I found this experience to have waves of brilliance amidst an otherwise fairly straightforward trajectory. It won’t wow the single barrel crowd, but at 40 bucks a bottle and 100 proof, this is an outstanding mixing rye that your Sazerac should adore.

100 proof.

B+/ $40

The post Review: 1792 Straight Rye appeared first on Drinkhacker: The Insider’s Guide to Good Drinking.