If the bourbon industry had a hall of fame, Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor would be in it.
This bourbon legend didn't just make whiskey. He helped shape the rules for how to make it better.
Whether you're a seasoned bourbon drinker or a newcomer curious about what makes E.H. Taylor Bourbon great, we've got all the details you need.
Meet the Legend: Who Was E.H. Taylor, Jr.?
Born in 1830, Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor was a grand-nephew of U.S. President Zachary Taylor, so he was no stranger to ambition.
Colonel E.H.'s early years fell in a time of national tension. Unfolding in the 1860s, the Civil War reshaped the American landscape economically, socially, and industrially. During this time, when the country was rebuilding and redefining itself, Taylor saw the opportunity to turn a rough-and-tumble spirit into something more refined, which is when the distilling began.
In an era where whiskey was often watered down, Taylor was determined to fight for quality. So much so that he helped inspire the Bottled-In-Bond Act of 1897, a law that set federal standards for whiskey production.
Following these legislative changes, Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. developed innovative techniques and invested in the equipment that would allow him to bring unique and elegant bourbons to the world.
Today, every bottle of E.H. Taylor, Jr. Bourbon that's produced bears his name and embodies everything this founding father's indelible legacy is built on. It's no wonder E.H. Taylor is considered one of the best bourbons in the United States.
E.H. Taylor Bourbon Breakdown
Produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery, E.H. Taylor Bourbon is made using a sour mash process and is distilled at a single distillery in one distillation season.
Each bottle is aged inside century-old warehouses constructed by Taylor himself for at least four years. It's this minor detail that helps give the whiskey its signature balance of boldness and smoothness.
The bourbon follows the typical Buffalo Trace mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley, but great care is taken to select only the best-quality ingredients. The high corn content is what gives the bourbon its trademark sweetness, while the rye gives it a spicy edge.
Once distilled, the spirit rests in new, charred American oak barrels where it develops its rich amber color, oaky undertones, and layers of caramel corn sweetness. The result? A sipping bourbon experience like no other.
Packaging that tells a story
Along with the unique distilling process, the E.H. Taylor packaging also has a story to tell.
The vintage-style label and cylindrical canister are a nod to 19th-century aesthetics and the values of Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor.
Sometimes called a bourbon bomb by fanatics, the cylindrical shape of the E.H. Taylor, Jr. bottles is a modern interpretation of how premium spirits were once packaged. The idea is not only to protect the spirits, but also to create a high-end look and feel.
The label was designed with old-school typography and includes a Bottled-in-Bond stamp to remind sippers of everything that Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. did for the industry.
For bourbon collectors, the Old Fashioned Sour Mash, Warehouse C Tornado Surviving, Cured Oak, and 18 Year Marriage are the ultimate finds. This is because they either have interesting stories attached to them or they're limited releases.
For example, the fact that the 18 Year Marriage release is blended from three different mash bills makes it ultra-premium. As for the Warehouse C Tornado Surviving, how many people can say that their bourbon survived a tornado?
Tasting Notes and Flavor Adventures
There are a few common threads that run through the E.H. Taylor, Jr. collection.
Sippers can expect explosions of rich caramel, subtle spices, and an oak backbone that speaks to the bourbon's time in charred barrels. Every release varies slightly, so you'll need to decide which flavors your palate craves the most.
For example, the Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is complex, yet easy to drink. You can expect a swirl of sweet corn, dried fruit, and hints of cinnamon. The Single Barrel Bourbon, on the other hand, has a much deeper flavor profile, with notes of toffee, leather, and dark chocolate being the most prominent.
Overall, every bottle of Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr is a taste adventure. It's just a question of finding your best bourbon match.
The E.H. Taylor Bourbon Collection
E.H. Taylor, Jr has one of the largest collections of bourbons on the market, so connoisseurs can look forward to some variety.
E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch
Small Batch is the flagship of the collection and one of the most popular options if you're looking for a flavorful and easy-drinking bourbon. It offers caramel corn sweetness, butterscotch, and vanilla with a hint of spice and toasted oak on the palate. It's smooth complexity at its finest.
E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel
The Single Barrel release is a more nuanced and robust version of the Small Batch, so it's one for the more refined bourbon sippers. You can look forward to rich caramel, ripe apple, tobacco, and a soft mouth feel with notes of baking spice.
E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof
This uncut and unfiltered release is bold and comes with a kick, making it a top choice among seasoned bourbon fanatics. Flavors include dark chocolate, toasted nuts, molasses, and a blast of peppery heat. Even with the high proof, this release is surprisingly smooth.
E.H. Taylor, Jr. Straight Rye
What makes the Straight Rye release different is that no corn is used in the mash bill, just rye and malted barley. This means you can expect a dry, herbal, and slightly gassy spirit. The crisp, clean flavor profile includes notes of bright citrus, spearmint, and black pepper, giving it a distinctive character.
E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof Rye
An even rarer take on the Straight Rye, the Barrel Proof Rye really cranks up the volume when it comes to body and flavor. Sippers can look forward to bold waves of mint, cinnamon, and earthy spice with a long, warm finish. Each bottle of Barrel Proof Rye is complex and unapologetic.
E.H. Taylor, Jr. Old Fashioned Sour Mash
This limited-release bourbon is a tribute to 19th-century bourbon-making techniques. Using a portion of the fermented mash from a previous batch to create old-school flavors, each bottle of Old Fashioned Sour Mash is rich and deep. Think dark fruit, coffee, honey, and toasted oak.
E.H. Taylor, Jr. Warehouse C Tornado Surviving
Warehouse C Tornado Surviving is a cult classic in the world of bourbon. The name stems from the fact that the barrels were exposed to the elements following a tornado that tore off part of Warehouse C, resulting in faster aging. This bourbon is intensely oaky, rich, and concentrated, with layers of caramel, dried fruit, and vanilla. Not only is it rare, but it's also unforgettable.
E.H. Taylor, Jr. Cured Oak
Aged in barrels made from staves that were cured for 13 months, the Cured Oak release offers immense depth. The extended curing process draws out complex wood sugars, giving this bourbon a uniquely refined and velvety character that sets it apart from the rest. It also has one of the more luxurious tastes, with flavors such as rich chocolate, dark cherry, spice, and a smooth vanilla finish. A perfect blend for connoisseurs.
E.H. Taylor, Jr. Seasoned Wood
This experimental release uses a variety of stave seasoning and toasting techniques. Sippers are left with a flavor journey that incorporates hints of dried fig, smoky oak, herbal tea, and burnt sugar. While this may sound a little unusual, it's deeply layered. Each sip reveals something new, making Seasoned Wood a favorite among adventurous bourbon drinkers.
E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain
Creamy and sweet with notes of honey, orchard fruit, spice, and a mellow oak finish, the Four Grain release goes against the grain, as it were, by using corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley. This is a beautifully balanced bourbon that showcases the art of grain blending.
E.H. Taylor, Jr. Amaranth
Instead of rye, this expression incorporates amaranth, an ancient grain with a soft, floral twist, making it both exotic and elegant. Sippers can enjoy a silky, soft-mouth feel accompanied by notes of sweet vanilla, cinnamon, almond, and nougat.
E.H. Taylor, Jr. 18 Year Marriage
Complex and aged to perfection, the 18 Year Marriage combines three aged mash bills to deliver a symphony of flavors. Think leather, toasted coconut, pipe tobacco, and dark chocolate with a sweet, spicy finish. It's this unique blend that makes this bourbon one of the more premium releases in this range.
E.H. Taylor, Jr. Warehouse C Bourbon
A more recent release, this expression pays homage to the iconic Warehouse C built by Colonel E.H., which is still used today. It's bold yet refined with rich notes of toasted oak, butterscotch, spice, and dried fig. It's also been aged in prime spots for maximum character, delivering layered and luxurious sipping.
The Best Ways to Enjoy E.H. Taylor
When it comes to enjoying E.H. Taylor Bourbon, less is often more. These expressions are crafted with care and are meant to be savored, so sipping them neat is the gold standard. This ensures you can truly experience the rich aromas, flavor layers, and lingering finish without any water or ice getting in the way.
That said, some bourbon lovers prefer a splash of water to open up the nose and tame the heat, especially when it comes to higher-proof releases. Bourbon newcomers who are easing into a stronger pour may also do better with some ice to mellow the heat.
So, what about cocktails? Purists will say that mixing E.H. Taylor Bourbon with anything else is unacceptable. That being said, the Small Batch and Straight Rye releases can really take classics like Old Fashioned or Manhattan to a new level.
If you do go this route, stick to quality ingredients that will still allow the bourbon to do the talking.
FAQs
Is E.H. Taylor a good bourbon?
E.H. Taylor is considered one of the best bourbons on the market, particularly within the Bottled-in-Bond space. The fact that it's produced by the award-winning Buffalo Trace Distillery is a major plus. The consistent craftsmanship and complex flavor profiles of E.H. Taylor are a hit among both casual drinkers and seasoned collectors.
Which E.H. Taylor is hardest to get?
The Old Fashioned Sour Mash stands out as one of the most elusive releases in this range and can be difficult to find. In fact, it's often such a rare find that some bottles are sold for up to $25,000 on the secondary market. Warehouse C Tornado Surviving, Cured Oak, and Seasoned Wood can also be tricky to lay your hands on.
Is E.H. Taylor still produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery?
Yes, E.H. Taylor Bourbon is still produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. The collection remains a cornerstone of the Buffalo Trace portfolio, honoring Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr.'s legacy as a pioneer of the Bottled-in-Bond Act.
Which bourbon is similar to E.H. Taylor?
If you're a fan of E.H. Taylor, Jr. but are looking for similar bourbons, Michter's Small Batch Bourbon is a great place to start. Like E.H. Taylor, it's known for its high production standards and well-rounded flavor profile. Elijah Craig Small Batch by Heaven Hill and Knob Creek 9-Year Small Batch are also worth a mention.
Conclusion
E.H. Taylor Bourbon is more than just a drink. It's a tribute to craftsmanship, innovation, and the legacy of one of bourbon's most influential pioneers.
Each release has a story to tell and offers an exciting flavor profile. It doesn't matter whether you are new to the world of bourbon or you know your stuff, E.H. Taylor invites you to slow down, savor the details, and appreciate the beauty of a well-made spirit.
