Back on September 25, I reviewed Member’s Mark Small Batch, a Sam’s Club exclusive that impressed me with its flavor-to-price ratio at just $18.95. Now the warehouse giant has added a Member’s Mark Bottled-in-Bond expression — also priced at $18.95 — and that was simply too tempting to ignore.
Because both bourbons come from Barton 1792 Distillery, I decided to see how the new bonded release stacks up not only against its Small Batch sibling, but also against Barton’s own 1792 Single Barrel and 1792 Full Proof. Those bottles retail for roughly $45 and $50–$55, respectively — making this a perfect Bourbon Cheapskate test of value versus pedigree.
The Lineup
Glencairn A
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Color: Deep amber.
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Nose: A little proof up front, but caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, and a touch of oak and tree fruit shine through.
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Palate: Starts oak-forward before creamy caramel and spice step in.
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Mouthfeel: Creamy and soft.
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Finish: Warm, with spice leading the caramel.
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Score: 77.8
Glencairn B
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Color: Solid copper.
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Nose: Darker and richer than A — creamy caramel, vanilla, berries, and oak.
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Palate: Powerful but balanced; high proof bite yields to caramel, chocolate, and nutmeg.
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Mouthfeel: Viscous, rich, oily.
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Finish: Long and satisfying, with caramel and chocolate lingering.
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Score: 85.2
Glencairn C
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Color: Deep amber, nearly identical to A.
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Nose: Sweet and savory — vanilla, caramel, toffee, oak, and a hint of allspice.
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Palate: Touch of peanut up front, followed by toffee, vanilla, and butterscotch.
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Mouthfeel: A little thin but pleasant.
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Finish: Shorter, with vanilla and toffee leaving the last impression.
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Score: 76.2
Glencairn D
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Color: Light copper.
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Nose: Fruit-forward — apples, vanilla, and cinnamon.
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Palate: Candied cinnamon apples, vanilla, and a touch of oak.
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Mouthfeel: Smooth and full, if not quite creamy.
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Finish: Tart fruit gives way to lingering spice.
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Score: 77.5
Blind Impressions
Even before the reveal, B was the clear standout, though the rest were closely bunched. A edged out D, while C landed just behind. All four were enjoyable pours — and that’s saying something when the price range stretches from $19 to over $50.
The Reveal
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Glencairn A: Member’s Mark Bottled-in-Bond
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Glencairn B: 1792 Full Proof
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Glencairn C: Member’s Mark Small Batch
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Glencairn D: 1792 Single Barrel
The Finish Line
| Rank | Bourbon | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1st | 1792 Full Proof (~$50–55) | 85.2 |
| 🥈 2nd | Member’s Mark Bottled-in-Bond ($18.95) | 77.8 |
| 🥉 3rd | 1792 Single Barrel (~$45) | 77.5 |
| 4th | Member’s Mark Small Batch ($18.95) | 76.2 |
Final Thoughts
Both Member’s Mark bourbons held their own against bottles more than twice their price, but the Bottled-in-Bond came out on top — richer, better balanced, and simply more satisfying. They clearly share Barton 1792’s DNA, and the bonded release proves that great bourbon doesn’t have to come with a premium tag.
At under $20, it’s an easy-buy bottle every bourbon fan should have on the shelf. And for Florida readers: unlike Costco, which limits its liquor sales to members, Sam’s Club abides by the state’s open-access law — meaning you don’t need a membership to snag this pour.
Verdict: 🥃 Member’s Mark Bottled-in-Bond — a $19 bottle that drinks like a $40 bourbon.
Copyright © 2025 Doug DeBolt.
