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Last Updated on March 7, 2023 by Lydia Martin
Buffalo Trace introduces great-tasting, excellent bourbon expressions, capturing many fanatics’ taste buds. And one of the remarkable expressions from the distillery is Colonel EH Taylor.
From the brand, the small batch is the most popular among drinkers due to its availability (before) compared to other expressions.
If you haven’t tried this bourbon before, you might want to scan through this Colonel EH Taylor Small Batch review and assess if it’s a grab or drop. Keep reading.
Overview Of Colonel EH Taylor Small Batch Bourbon
Colonel EH Taylor Small Batch is a product of Buffalo Trace–made from Mash #1, which is speculated to contain 75% corn, 15% barley, and 10% rye.
“We know Col. Taylor had a lot of pride and affection for Warehouse C, as evidenced by his attention for detail, especially on the exterior with the architectural features.” — Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller
Actually, EH Taylor offers a few varieties like the EH Taylor Barrel Proof and Singe Barrel, which are all produced and aged inside century-old warehouses constructed using hand-selected barrels.
Quick Facts
| Distillery | Buffalo Trace Distillery |
| Classification & Region | Bourbon/Kentucky, USA |
| Alcohol Proof | 100 |
| Mash Bill | Mash #1 |
| Age Statement | NAS |
| Color | Deep Copper |
| Rating | 3-Star (3/5) |
| Average Price | Around $39.95 (MSRP) |
What’s Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon?
EH Taylor Small Batch Bourbon is named after the founding father of the bourbon industry– Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr., who left an indelible legacy and developed innovative techniques in making whiskey.
This uncompromising legacy has been implemented in all BT products, including the production of this EH Taylor Small Batch.
The distinctive character and flavor profile of EH Taylor, Jr. make it a true sipping bourbon whiskey.
The mash bill used in this expression is the same as the mash of Stagg, Jr., and Eagle Rare, aged for around seven years.
What Does Colonel EH Taylor Small Batch Taste Like?
Nose
A sniff on the glass gives floral, black pepper, fresh pine, and hints of cinnamon spice on the nose.
As it develops, there’s a mix of sweetness and savory spices, including candied orange, cherries, and cinnamon notes, which is soothing to the nose.
Palate
The taste is warm on the mouth with a peppery spice, but it has all the right notes and a perfect blend of caramel and vanilla sweetness along the wood and oak tones.
The palate isn’t too complex, but this small batch has apparent notes of oak and wood.
Finish
The finish lingers with a bit of leather along the caramel and brown sugar notes. It leaves a little heat on the mouth (considering the proof), but it’s not overwhelming.
Why We Like It
- This small-batch bourbon whiskey looks attractive in Glencairn glasses due to its deep copper hue.
- The bottle looks vintage, which appeals when put shoulder-to-shoulder with other bourbons on a shelf.
- It’s bottled-in-bond, so it has the right proof, not too low but not too much, either.
- Its profile and character are quite impressive for a bottled-in-bond [1] bourbon. It’s not as complex as other BiB bourbons, and the palate, nose, and finish are satisfyingly good.
Drawbacks
- Although it’s not overly complex as whiskeys of the same proof, beginners may find the heat and wood tones intense.
- It’s sweet and spicy with an apparent oak flavor. You may find this off your track if you’re not into spicy whiskeys.
Our Thoughts
First Impression
It looks enticing in the bottle. It makes us want to grab a bottle right away, pour the spirit, and sip it neat.
The good thing here is it didn’t disappoint. The nose is aromatic, the palate is full of flavors, and the finish is smooth and satisfying.
Second Try
On our second try, the same flavors show up; no additional hints that may surprise us. But through our experience, it’s quite good– proof-wise, with balanced flavors.
Uniqueness & Value
With the overall balance and smoothness (with extra proof), it is worth the price point. The $34.95 MSRP is quite affordable, yet you can expect a good sipping experience.
However, we don’t find this bourbon ideal for very special occasions since there’s no “something special” here.
We prefer having it as an everyday bourbon; however, it’s getting harder to find these days.
What’s The Rating On Colonel EH Taylor Small Batch Bourbon?
We give this whiskey from EH Taylor a 3-star rating. We consider it as a mid-shelf bourbon; its cost is quite affordable, making it an excellent everyday bourbon.
However, given its rarity nowadays, it’s hard to make it your daily bottle of refreshment.
To Get Or Forget?
With its affordability, you shouldn’t miss this whiskey. It’s one of the best Buffalo Trace expressions, carrying a colorful history (with the distilling process done during the civil war).
It’s a good deal of whiskey, given its quality at a budget price, which we don’t expect from EH Taylor bourbons.
But since this whiskey is getting invisible at liquor stores, you may opt for alternatives like:
- Four Roses Single Barrel, 50% ABV
- Benchmark Old No. 8 Kentucky Straight Bourbon – 40% ABV
- Old Forester 100 – 50% ABV
- Henry McKenna – single-barreled, aged ten years, 50% ABV
FAQs
Is Colonel EH Taylor’s small batch smoother than EH Taylor’s single barrel?
Colonel EH Taylor’s single barrel is smoother than the small batch. Though both expressions aren’t overwhelming, there’s more balance in the single barrel variation in terms of heat and wood notes.
What mash bill does Colonel EH Taylor small batch use?
The mash bill used for Col. EH Taylor SB is mash #1 of the Buffalo Trace.
How do you drink Colonel EH Taylor’s small batch bourbon?
You can enjoy Col. EH Taylor neat and straight. But, it can also be a great addition or base for cocktails, particularly Old-Fashioned [2].
Wrapping Up
Col. EH Taylor Small Batch is a good sipping expression, best to be enjoyed neat, straight, or on cocktails.
Despite the extra proof, it’s not too complex, but it has some heat and spiciness, suitable for experienced drinkers.
Although this expression is nothing special, it is still a must-have–not necessarily on special occasions, but as an everyday bourbon instead.
However, it is more challenging to find this bottle than before due to high demand (because of its quality at low-cost) but limited supply (because of the aging process).
References:
- https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/27/5.88
- https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/best-bourbon-favorite-whiskey-cocktails-1234582201/
Lydia Martin hails from Redmond, Washington, where you’ll find some of the best cocktail bars and distilleries that offer a great mix of local drinks. She used to work as a bar manager in Paris and is a self-taught mixologist whose passion for crafting unique cocktails led her to create Liquor Laboratory. Lydia can whip up a mean Margarita in seconds! Contact at [email protected] or learn more about us here.
