A Collector’s Favorite Bourbon from Buffalo Trace
Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Bottled in Bond Straight Kentucky Bourbon (750ml) ($39.99)
“If you’re a fan of Buffalo Trace bottlings and you’ve never been able to snag a bottle of their smaller production stuff, this is the perfect place to start.” —Andrew Whiteley, K&L NorCal Spirits Buyer
Back for a second run is one of the most sought-after and collectible Bourbons in the market today. In the past few years, when we were lucky enough to get a minuscule allocation, it was parsimoniously doled out by the bottle. Everything we acquired would sell out on the site, often in minutes. This time around, however, we were able to secure a large enough parcel of the Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Bottled in Bond Straight Kentucky Bourbon that we are offering it with no limits on a one-time basis. Based on its cult status and its very affordable price of $39.99, we expect it to fly off our shelves. Easily among our favorite bottlings from Buffalo Trace’s impressive portfolio, the E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch, with its high corn mashbill and strong wood influence, offers the perfect complement of sweet grain and spice. Despite what you might assume given its 100 proof designation, this Kentucky Bourbon has a surprisingly smooth approach that’s perfect for sipping. Considering the overall rarity and incredibly reasonable price, this is one to buy a few bottles for the near term and a few more to store away for a special occasion
Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Bottled in Bond Straight Kentucky Bourbon (750ml) ($39.99)
K&L Notes: The Colonel E.H. Taylor Bourbon is named for one of the founding fathers of the modern bourbon industry. Edmund Haynes Taylor, an honorary “Kentucky Colonel,” was a descendant of two presidents (Madison & Taylor) and one of Kentucky’s last surviving Bourbon Aristocrats. The Colonel purchased the famous Old Fire Copper (O.F.C.) Distillery at the close of the Civil War. There he introduced scientific method to the production of bourbon, modernized equipment and set standards of production that became ubiquitous for quality bourbon production for the next century. He sold this distillery to George T. Stagg, and it would eventually become known as Buffalo Trace. Taylor was a crusader for higher quality standards across the industry and ultimately help pass the 1897 Bottled in Bond Act. No single person can claim as much responsibility for the quality of modern bourbon whiskey as this man. This wonderful Bottled in Bond Small Batch Bourbon, named in his honor, has been extremely hard to get since its release in 2013. It’s won countless gold medals in competitions around the world and a rare 5 star review from renowned spirits reviewer F. Paul Pacult. Some of our competitors feel comfortable charging upwards of $80 for this same bottle due to scarcity. In a world where getting a bottle of Elmer T. Lee, George T. Stagg, or Blanton’s has become next to impossible, finding a bottle of Taylor for $40 is a coup. E.H. Taylor is right at home in the company of luminaries like these.
David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 07, 2019
It’s been a little while since I sat down and evaluated this product thoroughly. A standard in my back bar when I can get it, but I tend “to drink and not think” this one, if you know what I mean. The fact that it’s recently become slightly more available (for what will certainly be a short period of time) means I get to take some time to consider this one thoroughly. Supposedly the same mash bill as George T. Stagg, I actually get a strong similarity to another famously hard-to-get Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Rock Hill Farms. Maybe it’s a warehousing thing or the fact that they’re both 100 proof, but the mashbills on the two should be different. The nose still has tons of sweet dark oak spice, strong Tahitian vanilla, and caramel. There are also touches of barnyard and dried vegetation. Big, sweet corn appears on the palate with a lovely kick, thanks to the higher proof. This is the perfect whisky to go in between Eagle Rare and Blanton’s, and the shoe fits perfectly, figuratively speaking. Sad we don’t get to sell this on the regular, but hopefully more stocks will continue to open up on this excellent brand.
Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 06, 2019
I never thought I’d see the day we could secure enough of this to shout it from the roof tops! Colonel Taylor Small Batch is finally here in more than six-bottle-at-a-time quantities! Hallelujah. If you’re a fan of Buffalo Trace bottlings, and you’ve never been able to snag a bottle of their smaller production stuff, this is the perfect place to start. The high corn mashbill in combination with a big woody profile gives an incredible combination of sweet and spicy without relying heavily on rye grain. The 100 proof required by the Bottled-in-Bond Act is actually a perfect spot for sipping. It’s robust enough to stand up in cocktails and sexy enough to enjoy on its own. The flavors are sweet candied corn, mature floral notes, and tons of spicy wood, clove, and burnt orange peel. It’s time to case up, ’cause we have no idea if or when this opportunity will come again.
Shaun Green | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 06, 2019
Wow! Great classic bourbon is so hard to find, and E.H. Taylor (along with all the stable) is almost always in short supply. Wonderfully spicy and alluring, viscous, and showing the slightly sweet corn and oak qualities that I love, without being cloying or overly woody. Especially for a 100 proof whiskey, it is amazingly smooth on the palate and finishes super fine.
Sarah Covey | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 08, 2015
Fans of soft, supple, easy-sipping bourbon should snap this puppy up immediately. Sweet corn, vanilla, spice, and light caramel with a long, lingering finish. You will absolutely want to have this on your bar for sipping on the rocks, or as a killer component in any bourbon cocktail. It’s awesome!
