Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Legacy Meets Modern Excellence

Updated → August 2025

Experience the bottled-in-bond bourbon that honors bourbon's founding father with explosive caramel sweetness, cherry notes, and a perfect 100-proof balance. This small batch masterpiece from Buffalo Trace delivers complexity that rivals single barrels at a fraction of the price.

The Legacy of Bourbon's Founding Father

When you hold a bottle of Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, you're not just holding bourbon – you're holding history. Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr. revolutionized the bourbon industry after the Civil War, introducing innovations that distillers still use today. His copper fermentation tanks, state-of-the-art grain equipment, and revolutionary steam heating systems transformed bourbon production from a rough frontier craft into a refined art form.

The man's impact extends far beyond equipment. Taylor understood that great bourbon required consistency, quality control, and unwavering standards. His dedication to excellence created the foundation for what we now recognize as premium American whiskey. Every bottle bearing his name carries forward this commitment to craftsmanship that began over 150 years ago.

Understanding the Bottled-in-Bond Movement

Before 1897, the whiskey market was wild and unregulated. Unscrupulous sellers often passed off colored grain alcohol, tobacco spit, and other dangerous concoctions as "straight bourbon." Colonel Taylor recognized this threat to both consumer safety and bourbon's reputation. His tireless advocacy led to the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, establishing strict standards that protected consumers and elevated the entire industry.

For Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey to earn its bottled-in-bond designation, it must meet exacting criteria: produced by one distiller at one distillery in one distillation season, aged at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at exactly 100 proof. These requirements guarantee authenticity and quality that modern bourbon enthusiasts have come to expect.

The Buffalo Trace Connection

Buffalo Trace Distillery, formerly known as the O.F.C. Distillery that Taylor himself purchased, continues his legacy with meticulous attention to detail. The distillery launched the E.H. Taylor line in 2011, creating a portfolio that includes Small Batch, Single Barrel, Barrel Proof, and special annual releases. Each expression honors different aspects of Taylor's contributions to bourbon making.

The Small Batch variant represents the accessible entry point into this prestigious line. Using Buffalo Trace's celebrated Mash Bill #1, the same recipe behind Buffalo Trace bourbon and the ultra-rare George T. Stagg, this expression delivers remarkable quality at a more attainable price point. The distillery's master blenders carefully select barrels aged between seven and eight years, creating a consistent flavor profile that showcases the best characteristics of this legendary mash bill.

Why Warehouse Selection Matters

What truly distinguishes Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from other Buffalo Trace products isn't just the mash bill or age – it's the warehouse. Every drop ages exclusively in century-old warehouses constructed during Taylor's tenure. These historic structures, with their unique temperature fluctuations and humidity patterns, impart distinctive characteristics impossible to replicate in modern facilities.

The warehouse environment profoundly affects bourbon maturation. Temperature swings cause the whiskey to expand into and contract out of the oak barrels, extracting flavors, colors, and complexity. Taylor's original warehouses, with their specific construction materials and locations along the Kentucky River, create microclimates that produce the signature E.H. Taylor profile: bold yet balanced, sweet yet spicy, approachable yet complex.

Complete Tasting Profile Analysis

Pour yourself a glass of Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and prepare for a sensory journey. The nose opens with an explosion of caramel corn sweetness, quickly followed by maraschino cherries and butterscotch. Give it time to breathe, and you'll discover layers of vanilla wafers, toasted oak, and a distinctive Butterfinger candy bar sweetness that sets this bourbon apart.

The palate delivers on the nose's promises with a syrupy mouthfeel that coats your tongue luxuriously. Caramel and butterscotch take center stage, supported by explosive candy sweetness reminiscent of cherry Twizzlers. The 100-proof strength provides perfect balance – enough heat to remind you this is serious bourbon, but never overwhelming the nuanced flavors. Red fruits dance across your palate, while subtle notes of chocolate, vanilla pound cake, and black pepper add complexity.

The finish extends the experience beautifully. Lingering notes of raspberry and dark red fruits transition into thick, slightly burnt caramel. A gentle oakiness provides structure without astringency, while hints of tobacco and pepper spice keep things interesting. Some detect a slight dryness at the very end, adding sophistication to what could otherwise be an overly sweet profile.

Mash Bill #1: The Secret Formula

Buffalo Trace guards its mash bill recipes closely, but bourbon enthusiasts know that Mash Bill #1 represents the distillery's low-rye bourbon formula. This time-tested recipe creates a sweeter, more approachable profile compared to high-rye alternatives. The exact percentages remain secret, but the results speak volumes – this mash bill produces some of the world's most sought-after bourbons.

The genius of this formula lies in its versatility. The same basic recipe that creates the everyday Buffalo Trace bourbon also forms the foundation for Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Eagle Rare, and the legendary George T. Stagg. The difference lies in aging, warehouse selection, barrel selection, and bottling strength. This shared DNA means that in E.H. Taylor Small Batch, you're tasting the potential of what could become the world's most expensive bourbons.

Awards and Industry Recognition

Excellence demands recognition, and Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has earned accolades from the industry's most prestigious competitions. The bourbon received Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2017, along with special "Best of Category" recognition at the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition in both 2017 and 2019.

Perhaps most telling is F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal rating of 5 stars with their "Highest Recommendation" – a distinction reserved for truly exceptional spirits. The consistent medal haul across multiple years demonstrates that this isn't a flash-in-the-pan success but a reliably excellent bourbon that delivers quality batch after batch.

Premium Packaging That Tells a Story

Buffalo Trace understood that honoring Colonel Taylor required packaging befitting his legacy. The distinctive canister tube immediately sets this bourbon apart on store shelves, evoking the premium spirits of Taylor's era. The bottle itself features meticulous details: a faux tax strip in orange (rather than the traditional green for bottled-in-bond whiskeys), extensive historical information, and elegant typography that wouldn't look out of place in the 1890s.

This attention to presentation serves multiple purposes. For gift-givers, the impressive packaging eliminates the need for additional wrapping – the tube itself makes a statement. For collectors, the vintage-inspired design looks stunning on display. Most importantly, the packaging communicates respect for both the liquid inside and the legacy it represents.

Price vs. Value: Market Analysis

Retail pricing for Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey should hover around $40-45, positioning it as a premium but accessible bottled-in-bond bourbon. However, bourbon's explosive popularity has created a secondary market where prices can reach $80-130 or higher. This pricing volatility raises important questions about value.

At the suggested retail price, this bourbon represents excellent value. You're getting a well-aged, bottled-in-bond bourbon from one of America's most respected distilleries, with packaging and pedigree that rival bottles twice the price. However, at inflated secondary market prices above $80, the value proposition becomes murkier. Many excellent bourbons remain readily available at those price points, making it harder to justify the premium for E.H. Taylor unless you specifically seek this flavor profile or want to complete your collection.

How It Stacks Against Competitors

In the crowded bottled-in-bond category, Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey faces stiff competition. Henry McKenna 10 Year Bottled-in-Bond offers two additional years of aging at a similar price point. Old Grand-Dad Bottled in Bond delivers a high-rye alternative for those seeking more spice. Evan Williams Bottled in Bond provides incredible value at half the price.

What sets E.H. Taylor apart isn't necessarily superior quality – many of these competitors deliver excellent bourbon. Instead, it's the complete package: the specific Buffalo Trace flavor profile, the historical significance, the premium presentation, and the cachet of the Taylor name. For enthusiasts who appreciate these elements, the slight price premium feels justified. Those focused purely on liquid quality might find equal satisfaction elsewhere.

Perfect Serving Suggestions

The 100-proof strength and complex flavor profile of Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey make it remarkably versatile. For first-time tasters, start neat in a Glencairn glass at room temperature. Let it rest for five minutes after pouring – this allows the initial alcohol vapors to dissipate and the complex aromatics to develop fully.

Adding a few drops of water opens up additional flavors, particularly enhancing the fruit notes while taming the spice. On ice, this bourbon transforms into an incredibly approachable sipper, perfect for warm evenings or when introducing bourbon newcomers to premium expressions. The dilution and temperature change emphasize the sweet caramel and vanilla notes while maintaining enough structure to remain interesting.

Cocktail Applications for Enthusiasts

While many consider using premium bourbon in cocktails sacrilege, Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey elevates classic cocktails to new heights. The 100-proof strength ensures the bourbon flavor persists even when mixed with other ingredients. In an Old Fashioned, the natural sweetness requires less sugar, while the complexity adds layers that cheaper bourbons can't provide.

For Manhattan enthusiasts, this bourbon creates a remarkably balanced cocktail. The fruit notes complement sweet vermouth beautifully, while the oak and spice provide backbone. Even in a simple Whiskey Sour, the quality shines through, creating a cocktail that tastes like far more than the sum of its parts. The key is using quality ingredients throughout – premium bourbon deserves fresh juices, quality bitters, and proper technique.

Collector Appeal and Investment Potential

The bourbon boom has transformed certain bottles from drinks into investments, and the E.H. Taylor line sits squarely in this category. While the Small Batch expression remains the most accessible, its availability continues to decline as demand increases. Savvy collectors recognize that today's allocated bourbon often becomes tomorrow's unicorn bottle.

For those considering Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey as an investment, remember that bourbon is meant for drinking. The true value lies not in resale prices but in the experience of sharing exceptional whiskey with friends and family. That said, keeping a few bottles in reserve isn't foolish – as availability decreases, having access to this quality becomes its own reward.

Where to Find Your Bottle

Finding Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey requires strategy and patience. Large chain stores often receive allocations but sell out quickly. Building relationships with local liquor store owners increases your chances significantly – they often reserve bottles for regular customers who appreciate quality spirits beyond just the hype bottles.

Online purchasing provides another avenue, though shipping laws vary by state. When you do find bottles at reasonable prices, consider purchasing multiple – one to drink now, one to save for special occasions, and perhaps one to share with a fellow bourbon enthusiast. The joy of bourbon extends beyond personal consumption to the community built around appreciating fine spirits.

Final Verdict: Worth the Hunt?

After extensive analysis, Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey earns its reputation as a must-try bourbon for enthusiasts. At retail prices, it delivers exceptional value – a complex, well-aged, beautifully presented bourbon that honors its namesake's legacy. The flavor profile offers something for everyone: approachable sweetness for newcomers, complexity for connoisseurs, and versatility for cocktail enthusiasts.

The challenge lies in acquisition. If you find bottles at or near the $40-50 retail price, buy without hesitation. At secondary market prices above $80, consider your priorities. Many excellent bourbons remain readily available at those prices. However, if you specifically seek the Buffalo Trace profile in a premium bottled-in-bond expression, or if you appreciate the history and presentation alongside the liquid, E.H. Taylor Small Batch justifies the premium. This bourbon doesn't just deliver flavor – it provides an experience worthy of the Colonel's pioneering legacy.