E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof Bourbon

I sampled Buffalo Trace E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof at an upscale eatery last year. The issue with trying spirits in such a place is the overwhelming aroma of amazing food, the glass wasn't ideal, and frankly, my companion was quite captivating (in a positive manner). Consequently, I skipped a review. Whoops... that sounded rather snobby, didn't it? Yuck. A neighbor kindly shared a bit of this spirit, mentioning it was this year's production. I hadn't realized a new batch arrived annually; however, this stuff is already challenging to get at MSRP, and knowing a new batch comes out every year? My wallet is already weeping. The aroma is deep, sweet, and astringent. Dark cocoa dust and tannic charred wood contribute to a rather dry nose. Brown sugar notes are somewhat subdued by the ethanol's intensity, a consequence of the alcohol content. Salted caramel emerges as the initial taste, lingering for a short while. As that flavor fades, black peppercorn and the spirit's proof ignite your palate. Hints of the brown sugar from the aroma are present. While evaluating this, I believe more depth would appear with a few drops of water, but as previously stated, I'm quite set in my ways and insist on sampling all spirits and whiskeys without any additions. The latter portion of the taste reveals some sweet and tart cherry, strongly evoking several Stagg releases. The alcohol level in this bottling creates a slight powdery sensation on the tongue and palate, which complements the finish's tannic character. Bitter, dark chocolate powder combines with wood notes, and the finish is moderately long, though not particularly thick. Once the warmth subsides, you detect the lingering essence of that tart cherry found in the mid-palate. This particular bottling truly brings to mind some past Stagg versions I've enjoyed, yet it possesses its own E.H. Taylor sweetness. It's commendable, but I can't fathom paying elevated market prices for this bottle. I would happily enjoy it at its suggested retail price, though.

Aroma: Contains fruit, honey, oak, spices, toasted caramel, and kiwi. Flavor: Maple syrup, dried plums, figs, hints of oak, dark cherry, a lingering salty toffee aftertaste, and wisps of vanilla on the exceptionally long conclusion. [Extended Thoughts Below] I have been let down by every spirit from Buffalo Trace's standard selection. They all seemed to fall into the category of weak, spicy, oaky water. My personal dislike for the distillery grew each day while I worked at a liquor shop and roughly ten people daily inquired about any of their bourbon varieties. Each patron arrived with the same uninspired expression. They invariably shared how wonderful the bourbon is and how I haven't experienced true bourbon until I've tried (insert Buffalo Trace product here). When contrasted with the numerous other available choices, Buffalo Trace, Blanton's, and Eagle Rare are genuinely unremarkable, mediocre at best. However, as a spirits connoisseur, I remained open to the possibility that quality products might still emerge from the distillery. I heard from many patrons who had grown weary of Buffalo Trace's unfounded prestige that the E.H. Taylor line might actually live up to the buzz. About eight months ago, a few bottles of the Small Batch B.I.B. from E.H. Taylor arrived at my workplace, and I acquired one. I haven't opened it yet, but while out with companions, I was fortunate enough to find this at a neighborhood bar for a reasonable price per serving, and my goodness, was I taken aback! No bourbon I've tasted has astonished me, but this one has. The Barrel Proof from E.H. Taylor is now my ultimate favorite bourbon! It possesses such remarkable subtlety and flavor; it truly is a cut above the rest. I never imagined that such intriguing flavors could come from a bourbon, but here I am, joining the ranks of those seeking a bottle from the Buffalo Trace distillery.

Acquired this for $80 at the Logan Utah DABS store during a statewide allocated liquor release in December 2025. The laser-etched numbers are difficult to read, but it appears to be Batch 14, 2025, bottled at 63.6% ABV, 127.2 proof. Tasting neat. Bright copper color with average coating legs in the glass. The aroma is sweet grain and vanilla, grassy, with a hint of spice in the distant background. On the palate, brown sugar followed by a rush of ethanol and mint. The ethanol diminishes with subsequent sips, giving way to sweet tannic vanilla oak, some dark fruit, dark chocolate, and then baking spices with a mint tingle. The mouthfeel is full, slightly oily, and chewy. The finish is long, continuing with tannic, spicy, pepper, and a tingling mint. Dry and sweet, not sour. Very enjoyable. Adding an ice cube mellows the ethanol and oak tannins, resulting in a silky sweet/spicy sensation. It has a notable bite at 127 proof, more so than some other barrel proof whiskeys that are sweeter and less astringent. A score of 4.25, but considering it's a "unicorn" out West, I'll rate it 4.5. It's great to experience how the other Taylors taste at full proof. I'm happy to drink and savor this now and hope to be fortunate in Utah's "allocated lottery" next year. Cheers!

Celebrating a tough 12-hour Christmas shift with this pour. Consumed neat. The smell is of strong oak with hints of cinnamon and vanilla. The initial taste is intense with heat and spice. The 'Kentucky hug' causes a numbing sensation on the tongue and cheeks for a significant time, and the warmth is substantial. The heat makes it difficult to discern further flavors. Adding 6 drops of water to a generous pour introduced maple syrup to the aroma, along with pear, apple, and more pronounced vanilla. The palate became surprisingly sweeter, though still hot and spicy, with notes of brown sugar and toast. This drink has a rye-like intensity. Introducing one ice cube seemed to negatively impact the experience, masking other potential notes. Overall, it's a complex and intriguing bourbon I'm eager to revisit.

The aroma evolved considerably, starting with butterscotch, vanilla, and caramel. After resting, a pleasant floral note became prominent, followed by oaky, leathery tannins and tobacco that completed the bouquet after 30-45 minutes. The palate closely mirrored the aroma, offering a matching journey. The initial taste was spicy, as expected given the proof. Upon chewing for a period, a subtle mineral sensation emerged on the back of the tongue. The finish consisted entirely of tobacco, tannins, and oak, demonstrating that this particular bottling had aged sufficiently. This was sampled at Acre 41 in the Otis Hotel during a visit to Austin.

Immediately greeted by strong notes of oak, anise, light coffee, molasses, and hay. There are some fig and caramel notes in the body, but the finish dominates everything. It's almost difficult to remember you're drinking a bourbon, as the finish is very heavy on rye spice. Just an intense, prickly spice that continues along with some hay and hints of honey. This is an impressive bottle, a robust whiskey not for the timid. Considering its proof, it drinks much smoother, but it's still potent. I enjoyed it very much.