Last Updated on March 1, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Buffalo Trace crafts great whiskey expressions, and one example is the EH Taylor bourbons.
Among EH Taylor bourbons, the small batch and single barrel bottles are well-liked spirits.
But if we’re going to choose one, which is the best pick?
We took the time to make an in-depth comparison to know if there are differences and similar points between EH Taylor Small Batch vs single barrel bourbon. Read on.
EH Taylor Small Batch & Single Barrel Face-Off
EH Taylor Small Batch and EH Taylor Single Barrel are made from the same mash bill (#1) as Eagle Rare and Buffalo Trace bourbons.
Hand-selected barrels are used to age each of these spirits within the same warehouse, the Buffalo Trace Distillery.
But small batch bourbon is aged using many barrels, sourced from the 6th floor of warehouse C, for around seven years, while the single barrel is aged for around 12 years in one barrel.
While they’re both bottled-in-bond at 100 proof, the small batch is distilled within one season.
How Do They Compare?
| Small Batch | Single Barrel | |
| Average Price | Approx. $40/750ml (MSRP) | Approx. $59.99/750ml (MSRP) |
| Alcohol Proof | 90% ABV | 90% ABV |
| Age Statement | NAS | NAS |
| Palate | Flavors of oak, vanilla, caramel, spice, and a bit of leather on the palate | Flavors of roasted oak, vanilla, caramel, sweet pineapple, cinnamon spice, cherry, and fruity notes |
| Color | Deep Copper | Copper |
| Nose | Scent of chocolate, cherry, caramel, cinnamon, oak, and tobacco, with a slightly hit of ethanol on the nose | Aromas of old leather, oak, vanilla, caramel, red apple, ginger, and black pepper on the nose |
| Finish | Mid-long with notes of cherry, charred oak, black pepper spice, and sweet vanilla | Long, spicy, and dry with hints of rich caramel, brown sugar sweetness, and vanilla |
| How It’s Served | With a few drops of water | Neat |
Production Process
EH Taylor Small Batch and Single Barrel bottles are produced at the Buffalo Trace facility.
Various barrels are used to mature the EH Taylor Small Batch, while only one barrel type is used to produce EH Taylor Singe Barrel bottles.
The production process of EH Taylor bourbon expressions is still based on Col. Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr.’s technique in crafting the spirits way back 1880s.
Quick Fact: Col. Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. (EH Taylor, for short) is one of the founding fathers of bourbon, who greatly contributed to the passing of the Bottled-in-Bond-Act in 1897.
Mash Bill
Both small batch and single barrel bottles used mash [1] bill #1 (same as Stagg, Jr.), with low-rye content, and bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV).
They don’t carry an age statement on their label (same as Sazerac Rye) but are believed to be aged around 7 and 12 years, respectively.
Availability
EH Taylor is getting harder to find these days, and it depends on your region, as it’s deliberately allocated.
But the availability of EH Taylor Small Batch vs. Single Barrel is more accessible– meaning, you can find a bottle of it in selected stores.
E.H. Taylor Small Batch vs Single Barrel Price
For budget-conscious folks, the $40 MSRP of EH Taylor Small Batch vs. Single Barrel $60 MSRP can be the main deciding factor.
Yes, a bottle of EH Taylor small batch vs single barrel is cheaper.
But since they’re allocated expressions, the price goes up to $70-$100 and $150-$200, respectively.
Is Single Barrel Worth The Upcharge?
Yes. Singe Barrel is worth the upcharge.
A very sound whiskey that ably demonstrates the small Bottled-in-Bond sector of American whiskey making.
— Paul Pacult, Spirit Journalist/Author
EH Taylor Single Barrel is undeniably an excellent whiskey with delicious tasting notes, making it a satisfying drink.
Its great profile justifies its price– real value for money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is better sipped neat, EH Taylor Small Batch or Single Barrel?
The better whiskey for sipping or drinking neat is EH Taylor Single Barrel. It tastes sweet with a bit of spice, and it’s creamy and smooth on the finish. The taste of oak blends well in the mouth.
Is EH Taylor Single Barrel smoother than Small Batch?
Yes. EH Taylor Single Barrel is a smoother drink than the Small Batch. You get to experience all its tastes and flavors but not overwhelming.
What is better, single barrel, or small batch?
The preference between single barrel and small batch bourbons is subjective and depends on individual taste preferences. Single barrel bourbons, like E.H. Taylor Single Barrel, offer unique flavor profiles from a specific barrel, showcasing distinct characteristics.
On the other hand, small batch bourbons, created by blending select barrels, aim for consistency and balance. Some prefer the uniqueness of a single barrel, while others appreciate the harmonious blend achieved in small batches.
Why is small batch better?
Small batch bourbons are often considered “better” by some because they offer a balanced and consistent flavor profile. The blending process allows distillers to combine barrels with varying characteristics, resulting in a final product that smoothens out individual barrel variations.
This approach can create a more approachable and well-rounded bourbon, appealing to a broader audience with a consistent flavor experience across bottles.
How long is E.H. Taylor Single Barrel aged?
The price difference between E.H. Taylor and Eagle Rare can be attributed to various factors. E.H.
Taylor often involves a meticulous and labor-intensive production process, including single-barrel releases and specific aging conditions, contributing to higher production costs. The brand’s limited releases and the reputation for producing premium bourbons add to its exclusivity.
Eagle Rare, while also a high-quality bourbon, may have a different production scale or aging approach, affecting its price point in comparison to the more specialized and sought-after E.H. Taylor expressions.
Ultimately, the pricing reflects the craftsmanship, rarity, and unique qualities associated with each brand within the Buffalo Trace Distillery portfolio.
Why is single barrel better?
The perception of whether a single barrel is better than other expressions is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Some appreciate single barrels for their uniqueness; each bottle comes from a specific barrel, resulting in distinct flavor profiles.
The absence of blending allows the consumer to experience the pure characteristics of that particular barrel, showcasing the full spectrum of flavors that can develop during the aging process.
What is special about single barrel?
What makes single barrel bourbons special is the individuality and uniqueness of each bottle. Unlike blended expressions, which combine various barrels to achieve consistency, single barrels stand alone.
Each bottle is derived from a specific barrel, showcasing the nuances, flavors, and characteristics exclusive to that particular aging process.
This creates a distinct and often more intense flavor profile, providing enthusiasts with a one-of-a-kind drinking experience.
Why is E.H. Taylor sour mash so expensive?
E.H. Taylor Sour Mash bourbons may command a higher price due to several factors. The meticulous production process, which includes specific sour mash fermentation techniques, contributes to the bourbon’s unique flavor profile.
Additionally, the limited releases, attention to craftsmanship, and the historical significance associated with the E.H. Taylor brand can make these bourbons more exclusive and sought after, thus influencing their pricing in the market.
Is Four Roses single barrel better than small batch?
Determining whether Four Roses Single Barrel is better than Small Batch is subjective and relies on individual taste preferences. Four Roses Single Barrel offers a robust and intense flavor profile, representing the unique characteristics of a specific barrel. In contrast, Four Roses Small Batch combines select barrels for a more balanced and nuanced experience.
Some may prefer the boldness of the single barrel, while others appreciate the complexity achieved through blending in the small batch expression.
Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preferences for intensity, consistency, and the desire for individuality in the drinking experience.
Is E.H. Taylor hard to get?
Yes, E.H. Taylor bourbons can be challenging to obtain due to their limited availability and high demand among whiskey enthusiasts.
The brand’s reputation for exceptional quality, historical significance, and meticulous production processes contribute to its scarcity on the market.
Why is E.H. Taylor so rare?
E.H. Taylor bourbons are considered rare due to the combination of factors such as the limited production quantities, specific aging conditions, and the meticulous craftsmanship involved in their creation.
The brand’s commitment to preserving traditional methods and the historical legacy of Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr. adds to the exclusivity, making E.H. Taylor bourbons highly sought after and difficult to find.
What is the proof of E.H. Taylor Single Barrel?
The proof of E.H. Taylor Single Barrel bourbon can vary between releases, as each bottle is derived from a specific barrel.
However, E.H. Taylor bourbons are generally bottled at a high proof, often around 100 proof or more. This elevated proof contributes to a robust flavor profile and a more intense drinking experience.
What does E.H. Taylor taste like?
E.H. Taylor bourbons are known for their rich and complex flavor profiles. The Single Barrel expression, in particular, showcases unique characteristics from a specific barrel.
Expect bold notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice, with a hint of oak from the aging process. The high proof can intensify these flavors, providing a full-bodied and satisfying drinking experience.
E.H. Taylor bourbons often balance sweetness with complexity, creating a nuanced and well-rounded taste that appeals to bourbon connoisseurs seeking depth and authenticity in their spirits.Top of Form
Final Verdict: EH Taylor Small Batch Vs Single Barrel
In this battle between EH Taylor Small Batch vs. Single Barrel, we hailed the single barrel whiskey [2] as the clear winner.
The differences between small batch vs. single barrel are minimal, but (in our opinion) the single barrel is the better pick due to its strong profile and character.
But it doesn’t mean the Small Batch is a bad pick, though. This is a decent choice if you want an accessible whiskey with good quality while considering the cost.
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