E. H. Taylor Barrel Proof
Overall Score: 7.75/10
Overall Value: 4.25/5 at MSRP. 2/5 at secondary.
Distillery: Buffalo Trace
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Sazerac Company Inc.
Release Date: Fall 2021
Proof: 127.3
Age: NAS
Mashbill: Rye Mash 1
Color: Dark Honey
MSRP: $80 (2024)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The nose on the E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof (Batch 10) immediately delivers a wave of dark fruit sweetness, reminiscent of blackberry pie filling or grape fruit roll-ups. There’s a deep brown sugar and fig note, complemented by salted caramel and buttery pie crust. As it opens up, toasted marshmallow and a touch of black pepper add some layers of complexity. However, there’s also a surprising hit of alcohol that leans slightly medicinal, almost like Vicks VapoRub, though not unpleasant.
The mouthfeel on the palate is rich yet surprisingly light and juicy for a barrel proof bourbon, softening some of the expected heat. The flavors unfold with salted caramel and wild blueberry cobbler, balanced by a light dollop of whipped cream. A slight black pepper and tobacco leaf presence emerges, giving it a rye-like spice that builds as you sip. It’s bold yet smooth, showcasing the Colonel’s signature style in a more intense form.
The finish takes an interesting turn, shifting toward pepper and tobacco, which leans away from a classic bourbon profile and more into rye territory. Over time, the dark fruit notes return, blending with the lingering spice. While some may love the evolving character, others might prefer a more traditional bourbon finish.
E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof is a standout pour that rewards patience. It shines with its dark fruit and caramel richness but takes an unexpected detour into rye-like spice on the finish. At its MSRP of $80, this is a must-buy, but when the price jumps to $350+ on the secondary market, it becomes a harder sell. If you’re lucky enough to grab it at retail or on sale, it’s an exceptional barrel proof experience worthy of the Colonel’s name.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 7.5/10
Value: 4/5 at MSRP. 2/5 at secondary.
THE NOSE:
Brown Sugar and fig. I also get the sweet fruit roll-up grape and sweet red fruit flavors.
There is a bit of black pepperiness similar to what I would expect from a rye.
Very surprisingly I also got a bit of alcohol notes that came off like Vix vapor rub. Which sounds strange, but was actually kind of comforting.
THE TASTE:
The mouthfeel remains on the light and juicy side hiding a bit of the proof point.
This pour tastes like a bite of blueberry cobbler made with wild blueberries and a dollop of whipped cream.
It's just extraordinarily pleasant and not overly sweet. It is followed by that same pepperiness from the nose that takes it into the tobacco leaf profile.
THE FINISH:
The finish really presents like a rye, which for me is fine, but for those wanting a classic bourbon experience this strays from that path.
It really develops that pepper and tobacco profile.
The pour did open up a bit more and the finish became more of a dark fruit and pepper profile.
BUY OR PASS?
I really love the nose and the first half of the palate, but the finish really draws out the pepper and tobacco notes and I’m not a huge fan.
I’d love it to keep the fruity and sweet flavors. However, it does provide a very nuanced adventure and feels exceptional to drink. If you can get this at MSRP it’s a must.
The Hunter Says
Score: 8/10
Value: 4.5/5 at MSRP. 2/5 at secondary.
THE NOSE:
The first thing that jumps out is a wave of dark fruity sweetness, like blackberry pie or jam.
As it opens up, I get salted caramel and buttered pie crust.
With more time, it shifts to my favorite bourbon nose—rich, toasted marshmallow.
THE TASTE:
This pour feels like salted caramel on the palate.
It’s a bolder version of the classic E.H. Taylor profile, but all the rough edges have been smoothed out.
It drinks like a premium pour, but it doesn’t quite reach the richness of some of my standout bottles like Jack Daniel’s Coy Hill or Willett Purple Top.
THE FINISH:
There’s a slight alcohol bite upfront, but it quickly transitions to sweet notes of caramel and marshmallow.
It’s a satisfying finish, though not overly complex.
BUY OR PASS?
To fully appreciate E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof, you need to take your time and really focus on it. If you don’t, you may miss the subtleties.
At its $80 MSRP, it’s an excellent pour, but when it climbs to $350+ on the secondary market, it becomes hard to justify. It’s a great bourbon, just not worth breaking the bank for.
