Thomas S. Moore Cognac Casks is a standout in Barton 1792 Distillery's premium extended cask finishing series, a line named for Thomas S. Moore, an early steward of the historic Barton distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, the self proclaimed Bourbon Capital of the World. Part of Sazerac's portfolio, Barton 1792 is one of Kentucky's oldest continuously operating distilleries, and the Thomas S. Moore range was created to showcase how thoughtfully chosen finishing casks can reshape a well made bourbon. This expression begins with Barton's signature high rye recipe bourbon, aged five to six years in new charred oak, which is then transferred into French Cognac casks that previously held cognac for six or more years. The whiskey rests in those casks for an extended period of approximately two to four years, far longer than a typical finish, allowing the rich, fruit forward character of the cognac to integrate deeply rather than sit on the surface. Released in March 2022 as one of four cask finishes in the second Thomas S. Moore collection, alongside Madeira, Sherry, and Merlot, the Cognac finish was the lone spirit cask among an otherwise wine finished lineup, taking the brand's bourbon and grape theme to its most elegant extreme. Bottled at 93.4 proof, it pours a bright gold and honey hue and offers a refined, layered profile of orchard fruit, citrus, and soft floral notes woven through the bourbon's oak and vanilla backbone. Produced in limited quantities, it rewards slow, neat sipping and stands as one of the more graceful cognac finished bourbons on the market.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
Thomas S. Moore |
| Distillery |
Barton 1792 Distillery, Bardstown, Kentucky |
| Producer |
Sazerac Company |
| Category |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Cognac Cask Finished |
| Expression |
Thomas S. Moore Cognac Casks (Extended Cask Finish, 2022) |
| Age Statement |
No age statement (5 to 6 years base, plus 2 to 4 years finishing) |
| Mashbill |
Barton high rye bourbon recipe (undisclosed; at least 51% corn) |
| Maturation |
Aged 5 to 6 years in new charred oak, finished 2 to 4 years in ex Cognac casks |
| Bottling |
Limited release extended cask finish |
| ABV |
46.7% |
| Proof |
93.4 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Kentucky |
Tasting Notes
Color: Bright gold and honey.
Nose: Complex fruit and bright citrus mingling with herbal notes and traces of jasmine and lavender, over orange oils and berries.
Palate: Orange and marmalade, apricot, and vanilla, followed by complex earthy undertones, vanilla bean, and leathery spice.
Finish: Dry, lingering, and complex, with subtle toasted oak and cedar.
FAQ
What is Thomas S. Moore Cognac Casks? It is a Kentucky straight bourbon from Barton 1792 Distillery, finished for an extended two to four years in casks that previously held cognac for six or more years.
What is the base bourbon? Barton's high rye recipe bourbon, aged five to six years in new charred oak before finishing.
What proof is it? 93.4 proof, or 46.7 percent ABV. Note that each Thomas S. Moore finish is bottled at its own batch specific proof.
How is it different from the other Thomas S. Moore finishes? It is the only spirit cask finish in the second collection, where the Madeira, Sherry, and Merlot expressions all used wine casks, giving it a distinctively fruit forward and floral character.
How should I drink it? Best enjoyed neat or with a single cube to let the cognac influenced fruit and floral notes open up.
Where can I buy Thomas S. Moore Cognac Casks online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
