E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Bourbon

While sifting through unrated bottles from my collection, I was surprised to find this one unreviewed, despite having enjoyed it many times. It's a pleasure to finally get to this "required" evaluation on a Saturday dedicated to college football! Its color is a clear shade between Pantone 158 and 159. The aroma is fruity, presenting notes of apples, spiced apple cider, pomander, and cinnamon. The taste begins with a swift kick of spicy cinnamon red hots, balanced by a fruity sweetness. It lacks any oiliness or thickness. The red hot spice mellows on the finish, softened by hints of butterscotch and vanilla. The 100 proof bottled-in-bond strength feels a bit more potent than expected, but not in an unharmonious way. The overall sensation is one of being "centered" or "contained," as wine critics might say, rather than having a coating, smooth, deep, or viscous mouthfeel. It's quite good, but it could use an extra dimension; this might stem from the high anticipation this bottle generates. Rated 4.0. This bottle currently resells for approximately $250; I acquired mine for much less. Value is subjective to an extent. A standard 750ml bottle contains roughly 16 1.5-ounce servings. It seems unlikely anyone would measure precisely 1.5 ounces when enjoying it at home, so estimating a more practical ten servings per bottle, the cost per serving is considerably less than you'd typically pay at a bar, but it's not something most would consume daily. You're welcome for the financial reasoning if you decide to purchase the whole bottle.;) While Buffalo Trace does not provide labels or dates, my single-barrel bottles were obtained around three years ago. The proof is 100, as indicated by the bottled-in-bond status. P.S.: All spirits were tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

A younger me once had a neat serving of Taylor Single Barrel at a restaurant and bar years ago and was utterly amazed. Back then, I was just beginning to explore truly excellent whiskeys and bourbons. And so, similar to an infatuated teenager exploring intimacy for the first time, I was attempting to sample as many whiskies as possible in a single session. Today, I was fortunate enough to acquire a bottle of Taylor Single Barrel locally and finally have the opportunity to savor this bourbon properly. The aroma is of sweet vanilla and some green raisins. It's not bright and fruity; rather, it leans darker, with that fruit scent lurking subtly. The vanilla and raisins rest on a foundation of ethanol. However, it's not distracting or overwhelming; it's just enough to signal that this bourbon is bottled at a robust 100 proof. The taste is warm, sweet, and welcoming. Truly, this is as close to a perfect bourbon experience as one can have. Vanilla initiates the journey, spreading across your palate and bringing with it a hint of the raisin noted earlier. The initial taste offers something dark, sweet, and subtly salty – reminiscent of salted caramel. As you swallow, a slight spice tingles your tongue, similar to black peppercorn. The finish is moderately dry and spicy. You detect a touch of fine leather alongside pipe tobacco, underscored by the faintest hint of rye. My goodness, this bourbon is an absolute delight. Like all exceptional bourbons, I lament its scarcity. It's astonishing that this bottle, with an MSRP of $60, frequently sells for $200 or more. And while I'm slightly embarrassed to admit I paid a price in that $200 range, I can honestly say it's well worth the cost of entry. Delicious.

Appearance: Rich copper-amber shade. Smell: Delightfully sweet with barely any alcohol burn; notes of oak and a hint of fruit. Taste: (Initial tasting without anything added) Viscous texture! A great mix of sweet and spicy flavors, delivering a mild warmth in the chest right away. The warmth fades quite fast. Oak spice becomes more prominent with subsequent sips. The sweetness develops a smoky character. This pleases me, as I enjoy smoky tastes. It's complex. While I usually avoid using terms like "caramel" and "vanilla," I have to admit I detect them here, though in a "charred" sense. That's a positive. (Second tasting with a big ice sphere) Surprising! I detected "butterscotch" on the aroma just before taking the first sip with ice. Amazing! Charred caramel on the next sip... and a touch of leather too. This spirit is incredibly smooth, I must say. Aftertaste: The lingering taste is what I'd call moderate, with some surprising "floral" hints. Spice is present, naturally (I can't recall a Bourbon I've tried that lacked a spicy finish). My previous experience was limited to E.H. Taylor Small Batch... and I've been eager to sample their other offerings. Finding them has been difficult over time, but I got fortunate today and managed to grab the last available bottle of this Single Barrel at a shop I frequent. The anticipation was justified. This represents the ideal Bourbon for me, with an optimal 100 proof.

***SPECIAL SELECTION PICK*** Nose - A lot of pepper. Grapes are very prominent, akin to the dark variety used for red wine. Some expected oak and leather notes appear, followed by vanilla and dark berries. Cherries emerge as it airs out. Palate - Exceptionally bright and sweet. Indeed, plenty of pepper, baking spice, oak, and leather. However, what sets this single barrel apart is the vibrant berries and vanilla cream. The rich mouthfeel gives this the impression of a remarkably high-quality bourbon. Finish - The finish is robust. Nicely balanced with that signature EH Taylor pepper. A pleasant cinnamon warmth that you anticipate from a fine bourbon.

Color: Resembles reduced syrup Aroma: Sweet, with confectionery notes of fruit and milk chocolate fudge. Spun sugar and citrus preserves. Taste: Mild caramel and vanilla cake frosting hide a potent, mineral core. Black licorice and light herbal notes appear unexpectedly. Finish: A bit harsher than anticipated, but with a very substantial body. Dryness like fresh oak shavings. Diluted: The nose picks up some cherries and hints of damp foliage. On the palate, it's smoother and milder, with an easier but less intense finish (and a little grassy).

This is another one from my collection of older bottles, and it's a personal favorite. The aroma is quite floral, almost like a perfume. The taste presents a very pleasing toasted oak. It then transitions into a fruitiness that evolves into a smooth caramel flavor. The finish is noticeable but on the shorter side, inviting another sip.