E. H. Taylor Single Barrel
Overall Score: 7.75/10
Overall Value: 4/5 at MSRP, 2.5/5 at $200+
Distillery: Buffalo Trace
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Sazerac Company Inc.
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 100
Age: NAS
Mashbill: Rye Mash 1
Color: Caramel
MSRP: $80 (2025)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The nose of this E.H. Taylor Single Barrel opens with a fun and fruity nose—notes of Fruit Roll-Up, Pixy Stix, and banana cream pie lead the way. There’s also a burst of Welch’s grape fruit juice, orange zest, and the sweetness of Starburst candy. There is also a light cedarwood and subtle oak, giving the nose some depth. It's arguably the best part of the experience.
The palate on the Colonel delivers a light, full-bodied mouthfeel with a profile that’s easygoing yet complex. The first sip leans heavily into sweet fruit—blackberry, red berries, and a hint of vanilla. On additional sips, more traditional bourbon notes come through: gentle oak, light char, and a touch of caramel. It doesn’t overwhelm with complexity, but it’s incredibly well-balanced and smooth.
The finish is long and pleasant, starting fruity and ending with subtle spice. Green apple, blackberry, and citrus hang around, followed by light caramel and oak. Occasionally, a bit of dryness or a slight alcohol tingle appears, but it’s never harsh or distracting.
There’s a reason why E.H. Taylor Single Barrel Bourbon is one of the most sought-after bottles around. It offers a polished and balanced experience that appeals to both seasoned bourbon drinkers and newcomers. While it might not have any single “wow” factor, it nails everything it sets out to do. Compared to E.H. Taylor Small Batch, this is a clear upgrade, though that bottle still gives you 85% of the experience for a better price and wider availability.
At an $80 (and climbing) MSRP that’s often fair but frequently inflated on the secondary market sale, this bottle walks a fine line between hype and substance. But if you find it close to retail, it's a no-brainer.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 8/10
Value: 4.5/5 at MSRP, 2.5/5 at $200+
THE NOSE:
The nose reminds me of Welches grape fruit juice and a bit of cedar wood.
It presents fairly sweet, but the cedar profile is not completely lost.
The sweetness reminds me of opening a pack of starburst.
THE TASTE:
The mouthfeel is light but full bodied. The initial profile is sweet and reminded me of grabbing a handful of starburst jellybeans and a hint of vanilla.
Afterwards the flavor begins to develop out of the sweet profile, and brings some more traditional woodiness and char.
Both the oak and the char are well balanced, while the fruitiness develops back into a subtle blackberry. A bit of dryness does develop towards the tail end.
THE FINISH:
Happily the finish leans back towards the fruity side.
Primarily blackberry and orange, and delays the drying effect from the palate.
The very drawn out finish also gave notes of green apple.
BUY OR PASS?
While I would describe the pour as primarily fruity, it also produces good flavors of woodiness and char. It has a happy balance of everything a bourbon enthusiast would be looking for.
It was a phenomenal sip, but I will say that no particular note “wowed” me. Still, it is one of the better pours you could keep on your shelf.
The Hunter Says
Score: 7.5/10
Value: 4/5 at MSRP, 2.5/5 at $200+
THE NOSE:
Fruit Roll-Up, Pixy Stix, oranges, and banana cream pie—it’s light but has surprising depth.
This is easily the best part of the pour.
THE TASTE:
The palate is light and classic.
The flavors are good but a little muted—caramel, red fruit, honey, and a touch of oak.
It’s a straightforward bourbon profile, but really well done.
THE FINISH:
Light caramel with just the right amount of oak.
Most sips end on a sweet note, but every now and then, there’s a little alcohol bite.
BUY OR PASS?
There’s a reason people chase this bottle—it’s just a great, easy-drinking pour. It’s better than EH Taylor Small Batch, but not by a huge margin.
If you can find Small Batch more easily, it’s about 85% as good for a lot less hassle.
