Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon - Batch 10 (2021)

VITALS:

- $90

- 127.3 Proof

- NAS

- Batch No. 10

- Kentucky

I know the secondary market for anything E.H. Taylor is a bit nuts, with bottles selling on Facebook for far more than their retail price. But it's crazy to me that people don't just want to drink the stuff! For the most part, while they're hard to get ahold of, the price on the E.H. Taylor limited releases has remained more than fair. And, more importantly, the quality has always been there.

I think I've loved every single E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof that I've tried. I know I've had three others that I've reviewed here on this blog, as well as others I've had the pleasure of trying at bars or friends houses. So when I can pick it up at retail, I'm for certain going to be drinking it and enjoying it. There aren't any guarantees when it comes to buying a bottle of bourbon, but these are pretty close.

The nose was rich and sweet, with toffee and milk chocolate taking center stage. It reminded me a bit of a Heath Bar. It also had a bit of a graham cracker note to it, and even some oaky notes.  At times I also got a sort of a burnt sugar note that I really liked, as weird as that may sound. 

Not surprisingly, given how forward it was on the nose, the palate led with that toffee note.  It was a rich and sweet caramel and that milk chocolate came along for the ride as well. It never went too sweet, though, as the slight bitter notes from the oak and burnt sugar kept that in check, while also adding a different dimension. 

Towards later pours additional flavors seemed to develop -- or at least I wasn't finding them at first. I started to get a cherry and dark chocolate note, kind of like a cordial, that was absolutely delicious and seemed to work perfectly with everything else going on. In fact, it was that dark chocolate and cherry note that I found lingered long on the finish.

Once again, a great bottle!!! I think I may go ahead and open the next one tonight!

Grade: A

E.H. Taylor Binny's Single Barrel Select Barrel #008 Kentucky Straight Bourbon

VITALS:

- $70

- 100 Proof

- NAS

- Barrel #008

- Kentucky

Obviously everyone seems to go nuts over Buffalo Trace products, whether that be Weller, Blanton's or E.H. Taylor. I've certainly seen my fair share of customers at my local Binny's willing to climb over people to get their hands on a regular E.H. Taylor Single Barrel.  And I have always been quick to point out to anyone asking (nobody's asking) that there are plenty of great bourbons sitting on the shelf, often at cheaper prices, that are just as good or better, so no need for the histrionics!

That said, when I was given the chance to buy one of their store picks last year, I couldn't help but say, "Yes, please!"  Even though it's not bottled at barrel strength, it's been my experience that every private pick of EHT I've tried has been fantastic (something I can't say about the other products in the Buffalo Trace private barrel program). So, while I wasn't willing to kill my mother for one, I was nonetheless grateful for the opportunity. 

The nose on this one was delicious, the kind of bourbon I want to make a candle out of. I got notes of vanilla and cinnamon spice, all layered over a rich and sweet dark toffee note. It also had a black pepper spice to counter any sweetness and tickle the nose a bit. It really was almost the ideal aroma if you were to ask me what a bourbon should smell like.

Much like the nose, when I took my first sip I was hit right up front with a healthy dose of vanilla. Surprisingly, though, that was accompanied by a great, sweet oak note, like a bourbon with decent age, but not too much age. It also had the sweet caramel notes, though not quite as rich as the toffee note I got on the nose, along with some delicious chocolate notes. 

It had something more to it, kind of a tangy, nutty quality. It was kind of like almond extract, but not as overpowering. It also reminded me at times of candied pecans. Either way, it was delicious and seemed to mix right in with the caramel, vanilla and chocolate notes to create this rich, sweet, dessert-like flavor that I couldn't get enough of. 

The finish seemed to really tie a bow on just how good this bourbon was. In addition to everything else, I was left with a rich cherry note that seemed to bring everything together into this cherry pie note that had me wishing with each sip that I had another bottle of this in reserve.

This was one of my favorite bourbons I've had in quite a while, and I don't feel like I've been drinking bad whiskey, so that's saying something! I milked this bottle for a while before finishing it, so it's not likely to be found sitting in any stores anywhere, but if you do get a chance, drink it!

Grade: A

Colonel E.H. Taylor Binny's Single Barrel Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon

VITALS:
- $70

- 100 Proof

- NAS

- Barrel #027

- Kentucky

I've managed to pick up a handful of these E.H. Taylor single barrel store picks. And yet, for whatever reason, I never got around to opening any of them until just recently. This was one of the bottles I brought with me on my recent trip to Kentucky, and once I popped it open I realized what a folly it was to not have done so sooner.

These tend to be few and far between, even at the bigger stores. On top of that, the demand is a bit nuts. So they're just not easy to come by, and perhaps that's why I waited. That said, it won't be long at all until I open up the next one on my shelf.

The nose was very caramel forward, with a rich sweetness that reminded me of Werther's candy. There was a light oak note to it, but lacking any bitterness. It also had notes of chocolate and brown sugar, and there was something there that reminded me of blondies. I also got hints of orange peel that gave off a slight Old Fashioned note.

What I loved about this bourbon, from the first sip, is that I absolutely got that blondies note right up front. Perhaps that's not relatable, but for those not in the know, it's like a brownie, but with butterscotch and brown sugar instead of chocolate. One of my favorite desserts, and this bourbon nailed it.

I also got other backing spices, including a lightly spicy cinnamon note, and that chocolate note I got from the nose appeared as well, though not as strong. The light oak note from the nose was also present on the palate, but without any associated bitterness. It seemed to fit right in to keep this from leaning too sweet.

The finish was rich but only lightly sweet, which was a nice departure at the end. There I was left with notes of dark chocolate and fig or raisin, and just the slightest tingle of cinnamon spice. It was a great way to finish off a great sip.

I was a big fan of this bottle, and once it was opened it wasn't long for this world. I can't wait to crack into another of these, and I can only hope it's as good as this one was.

Grade: A

Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Warehouse C Bottled in Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon

VITALS:

- $80

- 100 Proof

- 10 Years

- Kentucky

The vaunted E.H. Taylor Warehouse C Tornado Surviving limited release was released back in 2011, apparently bottled from barrels that survived a tornado that struck Warehouse C in 2006. This release was a few years before I started seriously getting into whiskey (I was probably drinking more wine at that time, which seems like ancient history at this point), so I certainly didn't land a bottle then, and I haven't tried a pour since either.

But, when this Warehouse C release was announced, I knew I really wanted to give it a try, if for no other reason than to understand the hype. I knew it wouldn't be the same thing, but still worth checking out in my estimation. So, when I got the call that my local store had one available for me to purchase, I felt very fortunate, and even more so once I actually tried the whiskey inside.

The nose was incredible from the start. Of course I got the traditional caramel and toffee notes, all layered over a lightly sweet vanilla. But, on top of those more typical notes, I got notes of candied orange, and even a chai tea note that I thought was great, particularly with the toffee and vanilla notes. 

The flavor really found its way right into my wheelhouse. This was very caramel forward, but not so much that it lacked balance. There was still plenty of room for a light-but-not-bitter oak note as well as a rich vanilla note, all of which complemented one another seamlessly.

While there was minimal spice up front, the finish certainly made up for it. Balanced with the sweetness of this bourbon was a spicy peppery note, as well as a light cloves note. There was a certain dark fruit richness on the finish as well, making me think of spiced dark cherry, or perhaps a less sweet Luxardo cherry. I didn't want that finish to end, and it had me diving back in for the next sip.

I never had the chance to try Warehouse C Tornado Surviving. Those who have tried it swear by it, and while the idea may seem a bit gimmicky (what effect could the fact that a barrel survived a tornado have on the flavor of the bourbon), perhaps there really is something to the bourbon being aged in Warehouse C, tornado or no tornado.

Grade: A

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon - 2020

VITALS:

- $90

- 130.3

- NAS

- Kentucky

While I really enjoy the E.H. Taylor line-up, I've come to absolutely love the Barrel Proof Taylor. I'm not sure why it hits me differently, perhaps it's just the great combination of high proof and lack of filtering, leaving all the goodness in the bottle. Whatever it is, while I like the single barrel, these Barrel Proofs have always been amazing to me.

And apparently I'm not the only one that has taken notice. Of course scarcity and the fact that it's a Buffalo Trace product have something to do with it, but the secondary pricing on these bottles is just nuts, hovering in the $600-800 range. Though I'd never bring myself to pay that much for something I'm just going to end up drinking, it tells me I should consider myself blessed to enjoy these when I do stumble across a bottle.

On the nose I got a lot of cinnamon and chocolate. It was a spicy cinnamon, though, and it reminded me of Mexican chocolate. That chocolate note was actually quite strong and really dominated the aroma. There were also some cherry notes buried in there as well, which, mixed with that cinnamon, gave of a sort of cloves aroma.

Right as the first sip hit my tongue, I was hit with a blast of flavor, full of caramel and cherry. It even had a sort of tangy amaretto note to it as well. It was certainly sweet, but had a rich fruitiness to it and even a bit of an earthy note to keep it grounded.

It also filled my mouth with a nice, warm cinnamon spice. it wasn't biting, but rather just there to be enjoyed. That warm cinnamon spice stuck around long through the finish as well. And it wasn't just heat from the high ABV. In fact, this wasn't overheated at all, regardless of its proof, making it very drinkable.

The finish, as mentioned, was full of that delicious cinnamon note, but there was also some sweet butterscotch on the finish. Almost as though someone took that caramel note from the front end and melted some butter right into it. There was also a bit of nutmeg as well, which again kept the sweetness from going too far.

Everything about this bottle was right down my wheelhouse. I hesitate to give an A+ grade too freely, but the fact of the matter is that as far as my ideal bourbons go, this bottle was it! This was absolutely superb and more than deserving of the grade.

Grade: A+

Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Straight Kentucky Bourbon - 129.3 Proof

VITALS:
- $70
- 129.3 Proof
- NAS
- Kentucky

This is a second go round for me. The last time I had a bottle of Col. E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof was three and a half years ago. At that time, the Barrel Proof wasn't as hard to find, nor as sought after, as it is these days. Looking back at that review, I liked it but didn't find it to be "great."

And yet, going forward from 2016, this has become a very sought after bourbon. It no longer sits on the shelf next to the small batch or the single barrel (which itself has become hard to find on shelves). It is also commanding double MSRP or more on the secondary market. So, when the chance came to get another bottle at retail, I figured it was about time I re-visited this one. Perhaps I missed something the first time around, or perhaps I just didn't appreciate what I had.

The nose on this one was really great, full of classic bourbon character. It had a lot of cinnamon and vanilla, giving it a very sweet and spicy profile that had me immediately salivating. I did at times get a bit of a hay note, but it reminded me more of a spice cabinet than a barn, if that makes any sense. I also seemed to get milk chocolate notes at times, but don't get me wrong, this was 95% vanilla and cinnamon with a few other notes mixed in.

Not sure what I didn't find so great about the previous bottle, but this bottle I did find to be great! This is very caramel forward, offering a sweet and rich flavor. It was buttery in texture and in taste, and it just reminded me of rich, creamy, really good caramel.

That sweetness was not in any sense overbearing. In fact, the cinnamon on the nose came through very well on the palate as well, offering a nice amount of spice to balance out the sweet notes. The sweet and spicy profile made it really hard for me to reach for other bottles while this one was sitting on my shelf.

There were also other great notes that all added to the deliciousness of this bourbon. There were fruity notes, reminding me of maraschino cherries, as well as a bit of bright bitterness that I likened to orange pith. Even that hay note from the nose seemed to materialize in the flavor as a sort of crackery flavor, like a buttery Ritz cracker.

All in all, this was an absolutely delicious whiskey, offering nearly everything I love in a bourbon, and providing a complexity mixed with balance that is hard to find. It's a shame this has gotten so hard to find, because I won't hesitate to grab more bottles should the opportunity ever present itself.

Grade: A

Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Bottled In Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon

VITALS:
- $80
- 100 Proof
- NAS
- Kentucky

This is one of those use-to-be-on-the-shelf-all-the-time bottles. Yet, in the past year or so, it seems to have nearly disappeared (a not uncommon experience when it comes to Buffalo Trace products).  It was always one of those bottles that I eventually wanted to try, but, figuring it'd always be there, was never a priority. After having not seen in on the shelves in quite some time, though, I took the opportunity to buy one when it came, even over some more desirable Buffalo Trace products that were available that day.

So far, I've only had the rye and the barrel proof from the E.H. Taylor line up, and while I've enjoyed what I've had, I've never fawned over these bottles like I see so many others do. But, I went into this one with an open mind.

The nose on this one was fantastic. It had a nice buttery cinnamon and caramel smell to it, like some rich and delicious dessert. I also got some almond as well as some beer-y yeast and even a bit of a nutty note as well.  All in all it gave of this sweet and familiar caramel apple note, with the apple note adding a bit of crispness to the nose.  Overall it was incredibly inviting.

The first thing that I noticed about this whiskey is that it was very smooth (yes, I know . . . but in this context I mean that despite being at 100 proof, the alcohol burn seemed nonexistent) and easy to drink. Perhaps dangerously so. 

As for flavor, I got a decent amount of amaretto and caramel, along with some light vanilla.  It was full of these rich, bakery-esque flavors. It even had that bready quality, kind of a yeast note similar to what I got on the nose.

This was all offset by a spiciness that was kind of a blend of cinnamon and white pepper. It had the sweeter and woody spice of the cinnamon, along with the bight of the white pepper that seemed to stick in the back of my throat for a bit.  The finish seemed relatively short, but that spicy tickle really lingered.

I also got a decent amount of wood notes on this bourbon, more than I expected really. It added a bit of dryness to a bourbon that was otherwise on the sweeter end.

All in all, I would like this as a standard go-to pour. But, for the price, it just can't be that.  I really wanted more out of this bottle, but it really was more good than great, and it didn't do much at all to separate itself from the crowd.

Grade: B

Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Straight Kentucky Bourbon

VITALS:

- $75

- 127.2 Proof
- NAS
- Kentucky

This is one of those bottles that I've known is out there but have rarely seen in the wild (kind of like Elmer T. Lee, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Angel's Envy Rye).  So, on a drive back to the office one day, while stopping at a couple liquor stores just to see what was there, I looked up and saw about eight bottles of the E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof sitting on the top shelf, and I grabbed one without hesitation.

I told the clerk that I'd been looking for a bottle for quite a while and had not seen it anywhere else, and he was surprised, noting that he had no problem getting his shipment. In any event, I was happy to have finally landed a bottle.

I found the nose to be incredibly enjoyable, as I was hit with unexpected notes of chocolate and almond, and perhaps a slight hint of cherry. 

The first sip hit me with the heat, but not enough to take away my enjoyment. Expecting the chocolate and almond that I noticed on the nose, I was surprised to find that on the front end it was instead coffee and caramel (a personal favorite flavor combination of mine). At the back end the oak influence really came through, adding that dry, spiciness to counter the sweet, up-front flavors.

I expected more viscosity from this high-proofer, but it actually comes across as a bit watery in texture. However, it was still full of flavor.

As I made my way through the bottle, the bourbon became much more oak forward, and it seemed to take on a more peppery spice. The other flavors seemed to transform into a blend of cinnamon and leather, moving away from the sweetness that dominated at first.

I really liked this bottle when I first opened it. It had an incredible nose and a great combination of sweet and dry notes. Towards the end of the bottle I found myself wishing for those flavors to return, but, of course, they did not.

It was a very good bourbon, and I'm glad I finally got the opportunity to give it a run, but it was not what I would deem a great bottle. I felt it was kind of a tease and found myself yearning for more from this bourbon, that it could have been great, but just didn't realize its potential.

Grade: B+

Colonel E.H. Taylor Straight Kentucky Rye Whiskey Bottled in Bond

 
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve perused through the rye section of my local liquor store and seen the tall, yellow tin just begging me to give it a try. The price, however, at around $70, had always dissuaded me, as there were always others I wanted to try.

However, for my birthday, my wife had me pick out whatever I wanted (within a budget, of course), so I seized the opportunity to finally give this a go. Long story short, I was very pleased I did, and found myself wishing I had grabbed a bottle sooner.

The most noticeable difference between this and other ryes, is the smoothness of the rye spice. I’ve had others where the spice really has a bite to it, and it really requires a balancing act. With this rye, the spice is there and still dominates the whiskey, as it should. However, it does so in an inoffensive manner, making it very enjoyable.

Behind the spice, this rye has distinct caramel and cola flavors to match its dark color. As I made my way through the bottle, I determined that the most prominent flavor, though, is what could only be described as chocolate-plum.

This is a very rich rye, matching its thickness. Frequently people will say that a whiskey has “legs.” This one has some very sturdy, gymnast-strength legs to it.

Overall, this is one of the best ryes that I’ve had the pleasure of tasting. I expect I will be turning my eyes toward the E.H. Taylor bourbon in the very near future.

Grade: B+