Category: Bourbon Whiskey

Hannah’s Colonel EH Taylor Barrel Proof Review

Original review written February 2, 2021

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

We have had this one reserved in our bunker for some time, and it is with great pleasure that I report that the wait was definitely worth it. This bottle has so many different tricks up its sleeve, from the nose to the mouth feel to the taste, it’s vaulted instantly into one of my new favorites. 93/100

VITALS:

– Made In: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA
– Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery
– Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Small Batch; Barrel Proof
– Age: nas (sources indicate EHTBP is aged exclusively in Buffalo Trace’s exceptional Warehouse C, built by Colonel E.H. Taylor himself in 1881, and believed to be likely around 7-8 yrs. old)
– Mash Bill: unpublished but believed to be Buffalo Trace mash bill #1: Corn =75%; Rye<10%; Malted Barley=15% (approximately)
– Casks: Char #4
– Barrel Entry Proof: 125
– Uncut and unfiltered
– ABV: 64.65% (129.3 proof)
– Price: $69.95 USD in Idaho in 2019

For more information, visit buffalotracedistillery.com

ENJOYMENT METHOD:

I enjoyed the juice neat from a Glencairn with father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Brian.

Check out his review for this bourbon here!

SETTING:

While not a dominating flavor, I do imagine sitting at a brunch table, waiting for your meal to arrive and enjoying this with some honey spread on toast. The environment is cozy, and absolutely everything smells delicious. E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof amplifies the peaceful joy and anticipation of your food, leaving you with nothing but smiles and excitement.

Photo by Bermix Studio on Unsplash

NOSE:

Vanilla and orange blossoms come out on the first inhales, followed by maple candies and a bit of apricot. There is little alcohol to find here, which given its proof, is very interesting and even a bit exciting. Really deep inhales draw out a bready component that might be baked with some toasted almonds and honey. There is age here also, maybe a bit like how old books smells – homey, soft, and buttery. As far as wood goes, I’d say it’s very subtle, maybe not even an oak at all. It doesn’t exactly smell piney, but it has the mellowness of pine.

PALATE:

– Mouth Feel: I LOVE this mouth feel. VERY oily at the tip of the tongue, but tickly and a little sharp at the back of the palate.
– Balance: Every flavor seems incredibly well-blended here, with no one flavor sticking out awkwardly, but with citrus and bourbon warmth being the heroes.
– Visual: Tawny in color, this coats the glass in one large sheet before seemingly falling all at once back into the pool without leaving many legs or a crown behind.

– Taste: Zings of citrus and white pepper greet me on the first sip, making it seem and feel almost like fireworks in my mouth. The vanilla chases right behind, sanding down the initial abrupt edges. The buttery-ness from the nose is certainly here, and the warmth of it absolutely explodes and hovers at the back of the palate and in the throat.

Other than that, the flavors seem very straightforward, with peppery spices kicking around a little to make it exciting. I can find a dark grape, fruit leather here on the sides of my palate that contrast really well the upfront orange citrus and vanilla at the tip of the tongue.

The alcohol here is very mild, as I can hold it for an extended period of time; however, I do feel it is possible for this to try giving Kentucky hugs, if you’re not careful. I will say that the overall warmth that I get from this is tremendous, and is definitely a large part of what is making this bourbon what it is. Very rich and just really very solid.

A Kentucky chew creates an orange cream soda flavor, and the pops of the alcohol almost feel like carbonation, making for a really fun experience. I can actually chew on it for a solid ten seconds before I feel any kind of pressure to stop. Again, remember, this is approximately 129 proof – that’s very impressive.

FINISH:

– Lasting Power: Very long. Both flavor and warmth stick around on my palate and down into my throat and chest.
– Between Sips: A bit of pepper, oak, maybe a bit of fresh grass and cherry all come into play between sips, having not been readily apparent on the taste itself. I find this very different from any other between sips experience I have had before. Usually flavors on the taste come in between sips also, but it’s as though there is a whole new experience to be here in these spaces.

– No More: This stays very consistent all the way through the glass, with the warmth only growing. I will admit, I have had several small Kentucky hugs as I’ve gone through, and I don’t consider myself to be particularly reckless with my bourbon either.

The empty Glencairn is a super warm oak and a warm summer night and everything beautiful and fantastic. Enough said.

WORTH THE PRICE?

At the time of reviewing, it’s been a long time since we’ve poured an E.H. Taylor, and this glass certainly reminds me why having it as a mainstay within the bunker is absolutely necessary. Worth every penny of $70, and though it’s rare, I know I speak for both my father and me, we will be looking out for any opportunity possible to secure another bottle.

RATING: 93/100

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