E. H. Taylor Small Batch
Overall Score: 7.5/10
Overall Value: 4.75/5
Distillery: Buffalo Trace
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Sazerac Company Inc.
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 100
Age: NAS
Mashbill: Rye Mash 1
Color: Caramel
MSRP: $45 (2024)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
On the nose, E. H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon opens with strong notes of caramel and cherry twizzlers, mingle with a small amount of vanilla wafers. As the nose deepens, a perfect hint of oak emerges, followed by the delightful scent of a Butterfinger candy bar. There's a complexity here that definitely sets the stage for what's to come.
With the first sip, a syrupy mouthfeel greets you immediately, accompanied by dominant flavors of caramel and butterscotch. The 100-proof kick, courtesy of its higher-rye mash bill, adds a nice intensity to the experience. Red fruits make a pronounced appearance, though a subtle alcohol bite lingers in the background — which might ruin the experience for some.
The fruitiness continues nicely into the finish, seamlessly extending the best aspects of the palate. While a slight dryness, likely imparted by the oak, lingers at the end, it adds depth to the overall experience. It's a solid finish that brings a fitting conclusion to this pour.
All-in-all, E. H. Taylor Small Batch Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon lives up to the hype, offering a balanced and flavorful experience from start to finish. With an MSRP ranging from $45 to $50, it delivers exceptional value for its quality.
At its retail price point, it surpasses most competitors. However, as secondary market prices exceed $80+, it's wise to pull back on your expectations. Much like its Single Barrel counterpart, this bourbon commands attention and stands as a clear winner among Buffalo Trace's entry-level allocated bottles.
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: 4.5/5
THE NOSE:
The first thing I notice is the oakiness, but it moves to a sweetness that reminds me of the caramel apple suckers — perhaps a combination of green apple and browned sugar.
I also get a hint of grape.
THE TASTE:
The whiskey enters the mouth very light and sweet, but develops into a much fuller mouthfeel and flavor!
I'm getting grapes or some kind of dark red fruit, which plays to my preferences.
There is very little oak that's noticeable here in comparison to the nose, at least for me. The mouthfeel moves to a playful juiciness as it enters the finish.
THE FINISH:
Here is where I start to get some of the caramel notes I got on the nose. Which is really a fun way to round out the experience, and deliver some flavors not as present in the palate.
I continue to get the fruitiness that has been apparent throughout the pour.
It's not the longest finish, but it's swinging well past what a 100 proof should.
BUY OR PASS?
It’s so good! This whiskey has a great balance of sweetness and manages to evolve quite a bit throughout the pour, especially for only being 100 proof. We’ve discussed 1792 small batch being the king of the entry-level $25-$30 price range, well E.H. Taylor is like the next step up!
If you’re fortunate enough to find this at retail around $45 - $55 dollars this will blow anything in a similar price point out of the water. I spent $79.99 on this bottle and I’m still thrilled with it. However, I have seen some shelf prices around $149.99 and that’s going to be a stretch.
This is the bottle everyone should be hunting over Blanton’s. It’s the clear winner amongst Buffalo Trace’s entry-level allocated bottles.
The Hunter Says
Score: 7.5/10
Value: 5/5
THE NOSE:
Right from the start I get strong notes of caramel and cherry twizzlers.
Vanilla wafers also make an appearance, followed by a subtle but perfect hint of oak.
If all that sounds good so far, the nose opens up more to the wonderful smell of Butterfinger candy bar.
THE TASTE:
Right from the start you're greeted with a pleasant syrupy mouthfeel. The caramel and butterscotch notes take the lead, accompanied by the punchy 100-proof kick, thanks to that higher-rye mash bill.
Red fruits then make their entrance, though there's a subtle hint of alcohol bite playing in the background.
THE FINISH:
The fruitiness shines through beautifully, bringing the best parts of the palate through to the end.
There's a slight dryness lingering at the end, probably a gift from the oak. Not necessarily my favorite part, but still a solid finish!
BUY OR PASS?
This bottle definitely lives up to the hype. And at a price range of $45 to $50 MSRP, it's worth it. However, once you start edging past the $80+ mark of the secondary market, it might be time to rein in the excitement and go back to the thrill of the hunt.
Forget about camping for Blanton's – E. H. Taylor Small Batch is better and depending on where you live, you'll have an easier time finding it!
