Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey

Introduction

There are few bourbons in the modern American whiskey world that carry as much historical gravitas, legacy brand cachet, and craft‐spirited production claims as Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch Bourbon. With its “bottled‐in‐bond” status, its linkage to the legendary Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr. (often called “the father of the modern bourbon industry”), and its placement under the roof of Buffalo Trace Distillery (DSP-KY-113) and parent company Sazerac Company, this expression stands out in the crowded premium bourbon market.

In this article we’ll walk through:

• The brand and production background, including Taylor’s legacy and how the bottled‐in‐bond Standard applies;
• Technical details: mash bill, aging, bottling proof, packaging;
• A full tasting profile (appearance, nose, palate, finish, mouthfeel);
• How best to serve and enjoy it;
• The “People also ask” questions you’ll see on Google—with detailed answers;
• Market context, value, comparison to other bourbons;
• Pros & cons; and
• A final verdict on whether it’s worth picking up (and under what circumstances).

So if you’re curious about what makes Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch so talked about (and whether the talk is justified), read on.

Brand & Production Background

Who Was Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr.?

Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr. (1832–1923) is a towering figure in bourbon history. He acquired the O.F.C. Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, in 1869 (which would eventually become part of Buffalo Trace). Taylor was instrumental in modernizing distillation and maturation methods: he introduced cereal mash operations, steam heating, refrigeration in warehouses, column stills, the use of copper pot stills and more sophisticated barrel warehouses. He also championed the Bottled‐in‐Bond Act of 1897, a key quality standard in U.S. spirits. (The Rare Malt – Whisky Shop)

Today his name adorns a premium bourbon line produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery under Sazerac. The “E.H. Taylor Jr.” brand includes several expressions (Small Batch, Single Barrel, Barrel Proof, seasonal releases, etc.). The “Small Batch” version is often the entry point into the line.

Bottled‐in‐Bond Standard

One of the distinguishing features of the Small Batch expression is its “Bottled‐in‐Bond” (BIB) certification. The Bottled‐in‐Bond Act (1897) requires that the whiskey:

• Be the product of one distillation season, by one distiller, at one distillery;
• Be aged in a federally bonded warehouse at least four years;
• Be bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV); and
• Clearly label the distillery and the distilling season.

Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch adheres to this standard: it is bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV) and is marketed as bottled in bond. (The Barrel Tap)

Taylor himself helped push for bottled‐in‐bond standards in the late 19th century, so the certification carries symbolic weight in this brand. (BOURBON & BANTER)

Where & How It’s Produced

• Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky (DSP-KY-113). (Reddit)
• Mash Bill: It uses Buffalo Trace’s Mash Bill #1 (“low‐rye” recipe) according to many sources. (The Barrel Tap)
• Barrel Aging: Though the age statement is not printed, the bottled‐in‐bond requirement means at least 4 years in a bonded warehouse; various sources speculate an average of 7 years for typical releases. (The Rare Malt – Whisky Shop)
• Warehouses: The brand highlights aging in “century‐old warehouses built by Taylor himself.” (bourbonwhiskeysocietty.com)
• Bottling: Bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV). (The Barrel Tap)
• Packaging: Comes in a cylindrical tube and a vintage styled label with the vintage portrait of Colonel Taylor; carries the “Small Batch” nomenclature.

Why It Matters

The combination of historical figure, production provenance, bottled‐in‐bond status, craft perception and scarcity (in many markets) makes this an aspirational bourbon. It is seen both as a sipping whiskey and a collectible. But beyond marketing, the product’s flavour and consistency matter—and as we’ll explore later, it largely delivers.

Product Specs & Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Here’s a deep dive into how the bourbon performs sensorially.

Appearance

Pouring into a glass, Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch shows a rich amber hue with tawny gold highlights. The barrel char and aging time produce decent colour depth—though not the darkest in bourbon land, still a respectable tone that suggests maturity.

Aroma (Nose)

• Caramel corn sweetness, butterscotch, vanilla bean. (royalbatch.com)
• Dried fruit (raisins, dark cherries), light oak char, slight tobacco leaf. (Whiskybase)
• Subtle spices: cinnamon, black pepper, sawdust or wood shavings. (BOURBON & BANTER)
• Some reviewers detect a touch of mint or light herbal note on the nose. (Reddit)

Overall the nose is inviting, somewhat sweet, layered with fruit and oak—classic Kentucky bourbon signature but elevated.

Palate (Taste)

• The initial sip delivers caramel, rich toffee, vanilla, baked apples or apple pie, and dark cherry. (Reddit)
• Mid‐palate brings oak char, baking spices (nutmeg, cinnamon), subtle tobacco, and sometimes citrus peel. (OldGrogram)
• Texture is moderately oily: the 100 proof gives substance without aggressive burn, so the bourbon feels full in the mouth. Reviewers often comment on creaminess or richness. (Reddit)

Finish

• The finish is medium to somewhat long (by standard bourbon benchmarks). It features lingering oak, pepper spice, salted caramel, and soft tobacco or leather undertones. (bourbonwhiskeysocietty.com)
• Some reviewers note that compared to ultra‐premium aged bourbons the finish may not rival length or complexity—but for its class, it holds up well. (Reddit)

Mouthfeel & Strength

At 100 proof, the whiskey has noticeable strength yet remains approachable for many seasoned drinkers. It doesn’t throttle you with heat; instead it uses the proof to carry flavour and texture. For newbies, a drop of water might open it further (see next section). For seasoned drinkers it offers a satisfying sip‐worthy bourbon.

Overall Impressions

Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch offers a well-balanced bourbon that blends smoothness and character. It hits classic bourbon notes—caramel, vanilla, fruit, spice, oak—without extreme edge. It’s not hyper‐innovative, but rather a refined take on Kentucky bourbon tradition. Many enthusiasts value it as one of the consistent “premium everyday” pour options (in an ideal pricing/availability scenario).

How to Serve & Enjoy

To get the most from this bottle:

• Neat: Use a proper tasting glass (e.g., Glencairn or tulip) and pour 1–2 oz. Let it rest for a minute or two so the aromas open up.
• With a drop of water: Especially if you’re sensitive to proof or want to open up the flavours, add a few drops of room‐temperature water to soften the alcohol and reveal deeper layers (fruit, wood, spice).
• On the rocks: If you prefer chilled sipping, one large ice cube is acceptable—just note ice will dilute faster and may mute subtleties.
• Cocktail use: Because of its quality credentials and bottled‐in‐bond status, this bourbon stands up well in premium cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan, where you want the whiskey to be front‐and‐center rather than hiding behind heavy mixers.
• Food pairings: The caramel, vanilla, dried fruit and spice profile pairs nicely with desserts like pecan pie, crème brûlée, dark chocolate, or with savory dishes like smoked ribs, aged cheddar, or charcuterie.
• Storage & sharing: Once opened, keep upright, away from light and heat, and try to finish within a year or two for best flavour. Given its collectibility, some buyers choose to cellar unopened—but if you buy to drink, don’t hesitate.

People Also Ask – FAQ

Here are the most common questions you’ll find online about Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch—along with detailed answers.

Q1. What is Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch?
A1. It is a bourbon whiskey produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky under the brand name Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. The “Small Batch” label indicates a limited blend of carefully selected barrels, and the expression is certified Bottled‐in‐Bond (100 proof, one distilling season, aged at least 4 years). It pays homage to Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr., an influential 19th‐century figure in the bourbon industry.

Q2. What is the mash bill of this bourbon?
A2. While the exact mash bill is proprietary, most sources indicate it uses Buffalo Trace’s Mash Bill #1, which is a “low rye” bourbon mash bill (typically corn ~ 77%, rye ~ 12%, malted barley ~ 11% in historical references for Mash Bill #1). Multiple reviewers confirm the low rye nature. (The Barrel Tap)

Q3. Does Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch have an age statement?
A3. No—it is a non‐age‐stated (NAS) bourbon. However, because it is bottled‐in‐bond, we know it has been aged at least 4 years. Many enthusiasts speculate the typical barrels used are 6–8 years old. (The Rare Malt – Whisky Shop)

Q4. What proof/ABV is it bottled at?
A4. It is bottled at 100 proof, or 50% ABV. This is consistent with Bottled‐in‐Bond requirements in the U.S. (The Barrel Tap)

Q5. What does it taste like?
A5. Tasting notes include: caramel corn, butterscotch, vanilla, dried fruits (raisins/dark cherries), dark chocolate, baking spice (cinnamon, nutmeg), oak, pepper, and tobacco/ leather undertones. On the nose: sweet and oak-driven. On the palate: rich and balanced. On the finish: medium to long, warm with spice and oak. (royalbatch.com)

Q6. How much does it cost / is it good value?
A6. Pricing varies considerably by region and market conditions. In the U.S., earlier years saw suggested retail around US$ 60–80; however, due to high demand and allocation, many buyers see much higher prices (US$ 100+ and more). Reviewers suggest that at around $50–70 it is very good value; above ($100+) the value proposition is less clear. (Reddit)

Q7. Where is this bourbon made/which distillery?
A7. It is made at Buffalo Trace Distillery (Frankfort, Kentucky). The parent company is the Sazerac Company. (bourbonandwhisky.com)

Q8. How does this bourbon compare to other E.H. Taylor expressions?
A8. The Small Batch is the flagship/entry expression in the E.H. Taylor Jr. line. Other expressions include Single Barrel, Barrel Proof, Four Grain, Reese’s 18 Year Marriage, and limited editions. These other expressions often carry higher proof, different mash bills, older age or finishing. So Small Batch is comparatively more accessible in both price and flavour.

Q9. Is it good to drink neat, on the rocks, or for cocktails?
A9. Yes to all three. For appreciating flavour, drinking neat is recommended. A splash of water or on the rocks is fine for those wanting a gentler approach. For premium cocktails (Old Fashioned, Manhattan) the quality of this bourbon makes it a strong choice.

Q10. What makes Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch special?
A10. Several factors: the legacy of E.H. Taylor Jr.; the Bottled‐in‐Bond certification; aging in historic warehouses; connection to Buffalo Trace’s craftsmanship; consistent quality; and good reviews from both consumers and critics. In the crowded bourbon world, it stands out for combining craft credibility with heritage.

Market Context, Value & Comparison

Why This Bourbon Gets Attention

• Heritage: E.H. Taylor Jr. is a recognised figure in bourbon history—so the name carries weight.
• Bottled‐in‐Bond: With many modern bourbons lacking strict regulation or certification, the BIB designation helps signal trust and tradition.
• Craft & prestige: The small‐batch positioning and packaging elevate this above many mass‐market bourbons.
• Demand vs. supply: Because of allocation and collector interest, bottles are less easy to find at “retail pricing,” which drives secondary market interest. As one buyer on Reddit noted:
  

  “When I found it for $59.99 I bought it. It doesn’t sit long.” (Reddit)

Value Assessment

• At or near “reasonable pricing” (say US$ 60–80) this bourbon is widely regarded as a strong pour and good value.
• At elevated prices (US$ 100+ or more) the question becomes: is the flavour and brand premium worth the markup? Some say yes; others say you could buy older or higher proof bourbons for similar money.
• In markets with high mark-ups or scarcity, value becomes thinner.

Comparison to Peer Bourbons

• Compared to standard Buffalo Trace (the NAS flagship), E.H. Taylor Small Batch offers higher proof, BIB certification, and more prestige.
• Compared to ultra-premium bourbons (12-15 year age, barrel proof, rare releases) it doesn’t reach the “extreme” depth—but it may be far more attainable.
• Compared to other bottled‐in‐bond bourbons, it’s among the better regarded both for flavour and brand story.

Risks & Considerations

• Because age is not printed, quality may vary slightly batch to batch (as is common in bourbons).
• As demand rises, the price rises and may eat into value. Some purchasers feel the “halo” effect has driven the price up. For example:
  

  “At $100 this bottle is a joke.” (Reddit)

• Some reviewers note the finish, while good, may not rival ultra-aged bourbons—so if you are chasing massive wood/char/tannin/age depth, you may want to consider older releases.

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

• Strong heritage and name recognition (E.H. Taylor Jr.).
• Bottled‐in‐Bond certification provides credibility and quality control.
• Rich flavour profile: caramel, fruit, spice, oak—a good representation of Kentucky bourbon.
• 100 proof gives depth and mouthfeel but remains approachable.
• Well‐suited to sipping, not just mixing.
• Packaged attractively; collectible potential.

❌ Cons

• No age statement—some buyers prefer explicit ages.
• As scarcity and hype increase, price has risen and availability dropped—value may diminish in certain markets.
• The finish, while good, may not be ultra‐long or ultra‐complex compared to rare age‐statement bourbons.
• For heavy mixer use, you might be “wasting” some of the finer qualities of the bourbon when used under lots of sweet/sour mixers.

Conclusion: Is It Worth It?

In my view, yes, Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch Bourbon is very much worth your attention—if you find it at a fair price (relative to your market) and you appreciate premium bourbon for sipping. It offers a strong combination of history, production integrity, and flavour.

Here’s how I’d break it down:

• If you’re a bourbon enthusiast: This bottle should be on your radar. It belongs in the “should try” list for anyone building a bourbon collection or exploring higher‐tier pours.
• If you’re value‐conscious: Check pricing carefully. If it’s priced moderately (e.g., around US$ 60–80 in the U.S.), it’s likely a very good “premium everyday” bourbon. If the price is inflated (US$ 100+), ask yourself whether you could get similar or better flavour for the same money elsewhere.
• If you’re primarily mixing: If your goal is making large batches of cocktail or heavily sweet mixers, you might choose a less expensive bourbon and reserve this bottle for sipping neat or on the rocks, where its qualities shine.
• If you’re collecting: The brand name, BIB certification, and scarcity make it a candidate for collection. But as always with bourbon, secondary market values fluctuate, so buy what you’ll enjoy, not only what you might resell.

Final Verdict: It delivers solid bourbon value with a heritage twist and respectable flavour. If you pick it up at a reasonable price and enjoy sipping bourbon, you likely won’t regret it. As one Redditor summarised:

“This is a whiskey I keep on my shelf regularly… consistently good.” (Reddit)

So pour yourself a glass, savour the notes of caramel and oak, and raise one to Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr.—a figure whose innovation still echoes in the glass. 🥃