Colonel E. H. Taylor Small Batch Review/Tasting Notes

Review/Tasting Notes

Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor was one of the founding fathers of the bourbon industry. His dedication to distilling began at the close of the Civil War, when he purchased O.F.C. Distillery.

Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor has contributed to a long line of distilling innovations. He introduced new copper fermentation tanks, innovated by using state-of-the-art grain equipment and column stills, modernized buildings, found a more efficient sour mash technique, and invented a first-of-its-kind steam heating system still used in warehouses today.

Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor also created the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897. Before the Act came into being, most of the whiskey on the market, claiming to be straight bourbon, had a good chance of actually being paint stripper and tobacco spit, and that was if you were lucky. With the introduction of BIB came laws and rules that a distillery had to comply with to carry the BIB stamp on its label. (See our Blog on What Does It Mean When Whiskey Is Bottled-In-Bond? At bourbonaware.com)

Tasting Notes

Nose: Lots of subtle sweetness, predominantly honey, light caramel, and a warm melted butter coming through beautifully. An orange zest and slight tannin form towards the back end of the nose.

Palate: Cinnamon, cloves, and black peppercorns dominate the palate, but there are still hints of burnt crème caramel and tobacco. A touch of citrus adds complexity, turning this candy flavor into an exceptionally accessible sipper. The sweetness lingers, offering excellent depth and all-around balance.

Finish: The finish continues with the spice, but the texture changes slightly to a creamier mouthfeel. Gingersnap cookies and a hint of chocolate and peppercorns emerge, making the finish enjoyable.

Final Note: A few drops of limestone water opened up this bourbon, allowing me to see so many extra flavors. This is my usual process of diligently evaluating any whiskey or spirits.

This bourbon represents the pinnacle of quality, a reflection of its accolades and the high demand tied to the esteemed Buffalo Trace Distillery.

Analytically, this American whiskey distinguishes itself through a robust, spicy, and exceptionally flavorful profile. Delving into Buffalo Trace's mash bill #1, we uncover a prestigious collection of products that have garnered universal acclaim, including Buffalo Trace, Benchmark, Eagle Rare, Eagle Rare 17 Year Old, Stagg Jr, George T. Stagg, E.H. Taylor Small Batch, E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof, E.H. Taylor Single Barrel, the entire Old Charter Series, and various limited edition expressions. This comprehensive assortment attests to the distillery's prolific portfolio and the sophisticated palate of its admirers.

Contemplating a comparative tasting of the entire E.H. Taylor lineup promises to unveil the subtle complexities unique to mash bill #1, with each expression boasting an alcohol by volume (ABV) of at least 50%. Such an endeavor would highlight the rich complexity across this particular range and contrast it with the distinct flavor profiles within the Stagg series, underscoring the remarkable diversity and artisanship that Buffalo Trace brings to the bourbon category.

This bourbon is more than just a spirit; it is the embodiment of an illustrious legacy that intersects with the rich tapestry of bourbon's history and the brand's narrative. At its core, it exemplifies the excellence and historical depth that Buffalo Trace has continually fostered, serving as a quality benchmark within the bourbon industry.

At Bourbon Awareness, you can learn more about America's native spirit. Bourbon Awareness and Whiskey University's sole mission is to educate the public about the history and virtues of Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey, and other various whiskeys.

See our website at bourbonaware.com and whiskeyuniv.com/nj-central-new-jersey-area. You can contact us at harrycasazza@bourbonaware.com