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Ross Cornelissen, Master Distiller at 1792 Barton, shares the inside story of one of Kentucky's most historic and authentic whiskey production facilities and reveals how his scientific background shapes their distinct bourbon expressions.

• Starting as a food science student who wanted to make cereal, Ross found his calling in fermentation and distillation
• MGP provided invaluable technical experience working with countless mash bills, fermentation styles, and distillation techniques
• 1792's distinctive flavor profile comes from high-rye mash bills and a proprietary yeast strain producing pronounced banana notes
• Sweet Wheat has developed a cult following as the distillery's only wheated bourbon expression
• Barrel aging locations dramatically affect flavor development with top-tier warehouse positions reaching 130-140 proof
• The historical 1940s distillery focuses purely on production rather than visitor experiences
• Master distilling involves technical expertise, leadership, and constant problem-solving rather than just tasting whiskey
• The Bardstown distilling community features a welcoming, down-to-earth culture despite deep historical roots
• Sazerac's long-term approach allows barrels to age until genuinely ready instead of rushing product to market
• Small batch bourbon creation requires careful barrel selection and blending to maintain consistent flavor profiles

Ross Cornelissen, Master Distiller at 1792 Barton, takes us deep into the heart of authentic Kentucky whiskey production in this fascinating conversation about science, tradition, and the relentless pursuit of quality.

Far from the polished visitor experiences of many distilleries, Barton 1792 represents bourbon-making in its most authentic industrial form. The facility, dating back to 1879, features original equipment from the 1940s alongside modern production methods—all focused on creating exceptional spirits rather than entertaining tourists. As Cornelissen explains, "It's not about show. It's all about making bourbon."

Cornelissen's unexpected journey to master distiller began with dreams of cereal production before a pivotal microbiology course revealed the fascinating world of fermentation. His technical education at MGP provided invaluable experience with countless variations in mash bills and distillation techniques. Now at Barton, he merges scientific precision with deep respect for Kentucky's distilling heritage.

The conversation demystifies several bourbon-making secrets, from 1792's distinctive high-rye mash bill and banana-forward yeast strain to the dramatic effects of barrel positioning within rickhouses. Particularly fascinating is Cornelison's detailed explanation of small batch blending—a process requiring meticulous barrel selection to maintain consistent flavor profiles despite natural variations in aging. The coveted Sweet Wheat expression earns special attention, with Cornelissen confirming their willingness to reduce release sizes rather than compromise on quality.

Beyond production techniques, Cornelissen offers refreshing honesty about what a master distiller's job actually entails. Far from the romanticized image of simply tasting whiskey all day, his role demands technical expertise, leadership skills, and constant problem-solving across every aspect of operations.

Discover the science, history, and passion behind one of Ken

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