E. H. Taylor Straight Rye
Overall Score: 7/10
Overall Value: 3.5/5
Distillery: Buffalo Trace
Classification: Straight Rye
Company: Sazerac Company Inc.
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 100
Age: NAS
Mashbill: Rye Mash 1
Color: Lite Honey
MSRP: $80 (2025)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The nose on the E.H. Taylor Straight Rye opens with a vibrant rye spice reminiscent of freshly baked rye bread. There’s a fun candy sweetness that leans toward Pixy Stix and Fun Dip, with fruity hints of red apple, strawberry, and even a slight touch of artificial banana. Compared to Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon, the nose feels lighter, missing some of the richness found in its barrel proof counterpart.
The mouthfeel is oily with a noticeable but manageable sting, offering a balanced and enjoyable sip. Green apple dipped in caramel sauce leads the charge, followed by bursts of blue raspberry DumDum sucker and blueberry syrup. The rye spice, though present, never dominates, maintaining a candy-like sweetness throughout. It drinks lighter than expected, almost like a toned-down version of the bolder barrel proof expressions.
The finish is where the rye character takes the spotlight. A lingering rye spice gradually builds, accompanied by a touch of artificial blue candy flavor. There’s also a subtle oak presence that finally makes its appearance, though it remains understated.
E.H. Taylor Straight Rye feels like the jr to the classic Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch lineup, striving to stand out while maintaining the brand's high standards. While it lacks the dynamic complexity of its bourbon siblings, it offers a fun and approachable rye experience.
For those lucky enough to find it at $80 MSRP, it’s worth a try. However, at inflated sale prices, there are better ryes on the market, like Sagamore Double Oaked. Still, it’s a solid addition for E.H. Taylor fans or rye lovers wanting to explore the Colonel's take on the category.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 7/10
Value: 4/5
THE NOSE:
Freshly sliced red apple or strawberry, three musketeers bar.
Also a bit of those cinnamon red hots that grandma loved to have around. I occasionally got notes of sweet artificial banana.
There is a sweet dark profile that is hiding the rye spice profile very well, although still obtainable.
THE TASTE:
The mouthfeel is oily but it has a mild sting to it. It tastes like a fresh cut green apple with the caramel sauce you buy from the store.
Also a bit of blueberry syrup or a blue raspberry DumDum sucker.
The rye spice is present, but it's never the star of the show.
THE FINISH:
This is where the rye really shines, as that profile does begin to grow.
I still get a bit of that artificial blue candy flavor.
BUY OR PASS?
I really enjoy all the aspects of this bottle, but it doesn’t quite have the dynamic range that regular EH Taylor bourbon brings. Its like EH Taylors younger brother, trying to be just as good but also make his own way.
As far as rye whiskeys go this a really solid option, which doesn’t surprise me due to the seemingly high standards of EH Taylor.
The Hunter Says
Score: 7/10
Value: 3/5
THE NOSE:
Right away, the rye spice stands out—fresh rye bread for sure.
It smells lighter than EH Taylor Bourbon, missing that depth and richness I love in the regular bottle.
There’s a fun candy sweetness, kind of like Fun Dip and Pixy Stix, along with some cinnamon apple, pear, and a little orange.
THE TASTE:
The rye spice is there but more subtle than I expected.
Just like the nose, it drinks much lighter—almost watered down—but still pleasant.
The candy sweetness here leans more toward Smarties, and I’m getting basically no oak at all.
THE FINISH:
A general sweetness sticks around, but nothing really stands out.
The oak finally shows up, but it takes its time—at least 30 seconds later.
BUY OR PASS?
I’m a big fan of EH Taylor Bourbon, which is already tough to find, and this one is even harder to get in Missouri. I won this bottle in a raffle, but honestly, I’d take the regular EH Taylor Small Batch over this any day.
It just drinks lighter and more basic to me. It’s cool to have in the collection, but I don’t think I’d grab another. There are much better ryes out there—Sagamore Double Oaked comes to mind!
