Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Bundle 750ML

Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Bundle 750ML is a Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey at 100 proof (50% ABV) from Buffalo Trace Distillery. This expression earned 95 points at the 2013 Ultimate Spirits Challenge and a Double Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, cementing its reputation as one of the most sought-after bourbons in the Buffalo Trace portfolio.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof)  |  Origin: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA  |  Bottled-in-Bond  |  Distillery: Buffalo Trace

Production & Heritage

Buffalo Trace Distillery, one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in America, produces the E.H. Taylor line as a tribute to Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr., the 19th-century bourbon pioneer who helped shape the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. The Small Batch expression uses Buffalo Trace's Mash Bill #1 — a low-rye grain recipe — and is distilled using traditional sour mash methods. What distinguishes this particular bottling is the barrel selection: seven-year-old barrels harvested specifically from the sixth floor of the century-old brick rickhouses that Taylor himself built, then batched and bottled at the federally mandated 100 proof under strict Bottled-in-Bond regulations.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Caramel corn and butterscotch dominate the initial nose, followed by rich toasted oak and a thread of brown sugar. As the bourbon opens, subtle notes of vanilla and licorice emerge alongside a faint citrus brightness.

Taste: The entry is sweet and full, with layers of salted caramel and dried fruit giving way to a silky cherry sweetness at mid-palate. As the bourbon develops, black pepper, light cinnamon, and tobacco spice build against a sturdy oak backbone. A touch of orange zest and slight tannin add complexity without overwhelming the core sweetness.

Finish: Long, warm, and slightly dry, with lingering spice and leather that slowly recede. The oak influence persists, balanced by a final trace of butterscotch and subtle pepper that rewards patient sipping.

How to Drink E.H. Taylor Small Batch

At 100 proof, this bourbon opens up beautifully with a few drops of water or a single large ice cube, though it drinks remarkably well neat given its balanced sweetness. The proof and flavor density also make it a formidable cocktail bourbon. An Old Fashioned built with this bourbon lets the caramel and dried fruit notes shine through the bitters. A Boulevardier benefits from the high proof, which stands up to sweet vermouth and Campari without losing its identity. A Kentucky Mule with ginger beer and lime highlights the citrus undertones and spice already present in the whiskey.

Best For

• Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who appreciates allocated Buffalo Trace releases
• Side-by-side tastings comparing Mash Bill #1 expressions from Buffalo Trace
• Anchoring a Bottled-in-Bond bourbon flight with friends
• Celebrating milestones where a high-proof, award-winning bourbon sets the tone

Frequently Asked Questions

What does E.H. Taylor Small Batch taste like? E.H. Taylor Small Batch delivers a rich, sweet profile centered on caramel corn, butterscotch, and dried fruit, balanced by toasted oak, black pepper, and a touch of leather on the finish. It drinks deceptively smooth for 100 proof, with a long, warm finish.

How does E.H. Taylor Small Batch compare to Eagle Rare 10? Both bourbons share Buffalo Trace's Mash Bill #1 (low rye) foundation, but E.H. Taylor Small Batch is bottled at 100 proof versus Eagle Rare's 90 proof and draws from specific sixth-floor rickhouse barrels. Tasters frequently describe E.H. Taylor as an amped-up version of Eagle Rare, with more pronounced brown sugar, citrus, fruit, and a bigger alcohol presence.

Is E.H. Taylor Small Batch good for sipping neat? Absolutely — despite the 100-proof strength, the careful barrel selection and Bottled-in-Bond production yield a remarkably balanced bourbon that many experienced drinkers prefer neat. A few drops of water can further unlock the dried fruit and citrus notes.

Where is E.H. Taylor Small Batch made? E.H. Taylor Small Batch is distilled and bottled at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. The bourbon is aged in the century-old brick warehouses originally constructed by Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. himself.

What foods pair well with E.H. Taylor Small Batch? Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the oak and pepper spice. Dark chocolate truffles mirror the caramel and butterscotch sweetness. Aged cheddar or Gruyère balances the bourbon's richness with savory depth. Pecan pie amplifies the brown sugar and vanilla notes. Charcuterie with dried fruits echoes the dried fruit character of the bourbon.

What sizes does E.H. Taylor Small Batch come in? The standard and most widely available size is the 750ml bottle, which is the size included in this bundle offering.

Is E.H. Taylor Small Batch worth the price? E.H. Taylor Small Batch positions as a premium Bottled-in-Bond bourbon with multiple gold medals and critical scores of 95 points, placing it well above everyday shelf bourbons in both quality and collectibility. Its allocated status and consistent competition performance make it a strong value relative to other limited-availability Kentucky bourbons.

Why E.H. Taylor Small Batch?

The specific barrel selection from the sixth floor of Buffalo Trace's historic brick rickhouses — warehouses built by Colonel Taylor over a century ago — gives this bourbon a depth of oak character and temperature-driven maturation that floor-randomized batches cannot replicate. With a 95-point score from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and a Double Gold from the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, this is among the most decorated expressions in Buffalo Trace's already acclaimed lineup. The Bottled-in-Bond designation provides a transparency guarantee that few other premium bourbons offer: single distillery, single distillation season, at least four years of government-supervised aging, and exactly 100 proof. For drinkers seeking a bourbon that bridges everyday sipping quality with collectible prestige, the E.H. Taylor Small Batch stands on documented merit rather than hype alone.