Ten High Bourbon 1L

Ten High Bourbon 1L is a blended Kentucky bourbon bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 1-liter format from Barton 1792 Distillery. Classified as a bourbon blend—meaning it contains at least 51% straight bourbon with the remainder being grain neutral spirits—Ten High occupies a firmly budget-oriented position in the American whiskey market.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 Proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Blended Bourbon  |  Distillery: Barton 1792

Production & Heritage

Ten High traces its roots to the Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, one of the oldest continuously operating distillery sites in the state, with origins dating to 1879. The brand was originally produced as a straight bourbon, but in 2009 its classification shifted to a blended bourbon product, combining a minimum 51% straight bourbon whiskey with neutral grain spirits. The exact mashbill remains undisclosed by the distillery. Under the Sazerac Company umbrella, which acquired the Barton facility in 2009, Ten High continues to be produced in Kentucky, though its blended construction sets it apart from the straight bourbons that share the same distillery floor.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Light brown sugar and caramel corn lead the nose, followed by faint grain and a subtle banana-like sweetness. The aromatics are understated and lean, reflecting the blended composition.

Taste: The entry is thin and sweet, with brown sugar and vanilla arriving quickly before a mid-palate of corn and mild black cherry. Banana and a slight bubblegum quality emerge toward the back, with the neutral spirit component contributing a lighter body than most straight bourbons deliver.

Finish: Short and somewhat watery, with a wisp of oak and fading sweetness. There is minimal tannic grip, and the finish clears quickly without much lingering complexity.

How to Drink Ten High

Ten High is best suited to mixed drinks rather than neat sipping, where its light body and straightforward sweetness serve as a functional whiskey base without dominating other ingredients. In a Bourbon & Cola, its mild caramel notes blend seamlessly with the soda's sweetness. It works in a Whiskey Sour, where fresh citrus juice and simple syrup build structure around its lighter frame. A John Collins is another natural fit, as the lemon juice and soda water compensate for the bourbon's thinner texture.

Best For

• Mixing large-batch cocktails for casual gatherings
• Stocking a home bar with an affordable everyday whiskey mixer
• Making bourbon-based punches where other flavors take the lead
• Introducing bourbon in simple highball-style drinks

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ten High taste like? Ten High delivers light brown sugar, caramel corn, and banana sweetness with a thin body and a short, clean finish. It drinks lighter than most straight bourbons due to its blended composition with neutral grain spirits.

How does Ten High compare to Kentucky Gentleman? Both Ten High and Kentucky Gentleman share a nearly identical construction—51% straight bourbon blended with neutral grain spirits—and compete in the same bottom-shelf price tier. Kentucky Gentleman tends to carry a slightly rougher grain character, while Ten High leans marginally sweeter with more noticeable caramel and banana notes.

Is Ten High good for cocktails? Ten High functions well as a cocktail bourbon where the whiskey plays a supporting role rather than the star. Its mild flavor and low proof make it best suited for mixed drinks like highballs, Bourbon & Colas, and simple sours.

Where is Ten High made? Ten High is produced at the Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, one of the oldest active distillery sites in the state, now owned by the Sazerac Company.

What foods pair well with Ten High? Its light sweetness pairs reasonably with barbecue pulled pork, where smoky and sweet flavors align. Salted popcorn echoes the caramel corn note. Vanilla ice cream or bread pudding can complement the brown sugar quality. Simple grilled burgers with sweet condiments also work alongside it.

What sizes does Ten High come in? Ten High is commonly available in 750ml, 1L, and 1.75L formats, making it accessible across several volume tiers for different needs.

Is Ten High worth the price? Ten High positions as a value-tier blended bourbon, and its price reflects that classification accurately. For mixing purposes, it delivers adequate bourbon character at an entry-level cost, though those seeking sipping complexity will want to look at straight bourbon alternatives.

Why Ten High?

Ten High exists to fill a specific role: an affordable bourbon-category spirit for high-volume mixing. Produced at the historic Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, it carries legitimate Kentucky provenance even at its modest price point. Its blended construction—51% straight bourbon with neutral spirits—means it sacrifices the depth and body of a straight bourbon in exchange for a lighter, more neutral profile that disappears willingly into cocktails. For drinkers who need a functional bourbon mixer without premium cost, Ten High delivers exactly what it promises and nothing more.