E.H. Taylor Bourbon Lineup: Tasting Notes, Proofs, and Collector Insights

🥃 Spotlight: The Legacy of Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr.

When it comes to iconic bourbon names, few carry as much historical weight as Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr.—a pioneer, reformer, and legend of the bourbon world. The E.H. Taylor line of bourbons pays tribute to his legacy with rich, complex expressions that reflect his dedication to quality and innovation.

📜 The Origins of E.H. Taylor Bourbon

Colonel Taylor was instrumental in shaping the bourbon industry during the 1800s. Often referred to as the “Father of the Modern Bourbon Industry,” he was a driving force behind the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, a landmark piece of legislation that set standards for bourbon purity and authenticity. That’s why many of the E.H. Taylor expressions are Bottled in Bond—a nod to his advocacy for consumer protection and quality.

Taylor owned and operated what is now Buffalo Trace Distillery (then known as the O.F.C. Distillery) and implemented revolutionary improvements in aging, bottling, and production.

🏷️ E.H. Taylor Bourbon Expressions: Explained

The E.H. Taylor lineup is known for its ornate packaging, Bottled-in-Bond status, and often limited availability. Here’s a breakdown of the most notable releases:

🟡 E.H. Taylor Small Batch

• Proof: 100 (Bottled-in-Bond)

• Mash Bill: Likely Buffalo Trace’s “Mash Bill #1” (low rye)

• Profile: Vanilla, light spice, caramel, and a touch of citrus.

• Best For: An accessible introduction to the Taylor line.

• Availability: Moderately difficult to find, but doable.

🔵 E.H. Taylor Single Barrel

• Proof: 100 (Bottled-in-Bond)

• Mash Bill: Same as Small Batch, but each barrel selected for uniqueness.

• Profile: More pronounced oak, richer vanilla, subtle fruitiness.

• Best For: Fans of nuanced, elegant bourbon with structure.

🔴 E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof

• Proof: Varies by batch (typically 125–135)

• Mash Bill: Mash Bill #1

• Profile: Bold and intense. Expect dark fruit, pepper, baking spice, and big oak.

• Best For: Barrel-strength enthusiasts.

• Availability: Limited release, highly sought after.

🟠 E.H. Taylor Straight Rye

• Proof: 100 (Bottled-in-Bond)

• Mash Bill: 100% rye (no corn)

• Profile: Herbal, grassy, with citrus peel and cracked pepper.

• Best For: Rye lovers or those looking to explore spicy American whiskey.

• Rarity: Harder to find than Small Batch, but not unicorn-level.

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🟤 E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Rye

• Proof: Varies (Barrel Strength)

• Mash Bill: 100% Rye (no corn)

• Tasting Notes: Bold and spicy with explosive herbal notes, black pepper, clove, and toasted oak. The high proof enhances complexity and intensity.

• Availability: Extremely Rare – This was a one-time limited release, and bottles are now extremely hard to find. Prices on the secondary market reflect its unicorn status.

• Why It Matters: It’s one of the few barrel proof 100% rye whiskeys on the market and a bold evolution of the standard E.H. Taylor Straight Rye.

🟡 E.H. Taylor Cured Oak

• Proof: 100 (Bottled-in-Bond)

• Mash Bill: Mash Bill #1 aged in oak that was seasoned (air-dried) for 13 months before being made into barrels.

• Tasting Notes: Exceptionally woody and rich, with notes of dark chocolate, tobacco, toasted vanilla, and layered baking spices. Long, dry, oaky finish.

• Availability: Very Rare – Released in 2015 as a one-off. Secondary prices are high due to the unique wood-aging process and flavor profile.

• Why It Matters: A masterclass in how wood treatment can dramatically affect bourbon’s flavor. A collector favorite for its depth and complexity.

🔴 E.H. Taylor Old Fashioned Sour Mash

• Proof: 100 (Bottled-in-Bond)

• Mash Bill: Based on an experimental sour mash process similar to what was used in the 1800s.

• Tasting Notes: Earthy and grain-forward, with cocoa, warm honey, subtle citrus, and a dry, leathery oak finish.

• Availability: Ultra Rare – Released in 2011 as the first experimental expression under the E.H. Taylor line. Incredibly hard to find today.

• Why It Matters: It’s not just bourbon—it’s bourbon archaeology. A historical revival of a long-forgotten method with a flavor to match.

🟣 E.H. Taylor 18 Year Marriage

(Limited Edition)

• Proof: 100

• Blend: A marriage of three mash bills—two rye-based and one wheated—aged 18 years.

• Profile: Deep oak, leather, dried fruit, and cinnamon.

• Released: 2020

• Best For: Collectors and connoisseurs. Nearly impossible to find at retail.

⚫ E.H. Taylor Warehouse C Tornado Surviving

(Ultra-Rare)

• Story: In 2006, a tornado ripped through Warehouse C. Barrels exposed to the elements aged differently, producing a one-time-only bottling.

• Profile: Dark, woody, incredibly complex with a unique “wild” character.

• Legendary Status: Highly collectible and extremely expensive on the secondary market.

🟤 Other Limited Editions

• Amaranth “Grain of the Gods” – Uses amaranth instead of rye.

• Four Grain – Aged 12+ years using corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley.

• Seasoned Wood – Aged with specially treated staves for enhanced flavor.

These limited runs are released once, then never again, making them both mysterious and revered.

🧠 Final Thoughts: Why E.H. Taylor Matters

The E.H. Taylor line is where history meets craftsmanship. Whether you’re sipping the approachable Small Batch or hunting down a rare Four Grain, every bottle connects you to a legacy of excellence over a century in the making. The ornate canister packaging, the Bottled-in-Bond designation, and the nuanced flavor profiles all reflect Colonel Taylor’s obsessive focus on doing things the right way.