Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Bottled in Bond Straight Kentucky Bourbon (750ml) ($39.99)
90 points Whisky Advocate: “If you wondered when you saw ‘50%,’ this is indeed bottled in bond whiskey, with all the requirements that go with it. The nose is just this side of hot and brings parched corn, sawn maple wood, spicy hard candy, and dry spearmint leaf. Bright and spicy on the tongue; more candy and honey, and hints of teaberry and licorice that develop into the finish. A better package of flavor and price than the earlier Taylor releases; quite enjoyable. (LB, Spring 2013)”
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’ve 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 for once. Supposedly the same mash bill as George T Stagg I actually get a strong similarity one of the other famously hard to get Buffalo Trace Bourbons, 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. Touches of barnyard and dried vegetation. Big sweet corn 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 and clove and burnt orange peel. It’s time to case up, ’cause we have no idea if or when this opportunity will come again.
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!
