E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof Bourbon

Introduction & Background

E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof Bourbon is one of the flagship, premium expressions in the Colonel E.H. Taylor line from Buffalo Trace / Sazerac. It is positioned as a bold, uncut, unfiltered bourbon that honors Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr.’s legacy of high standards in whiskey making.

According to Buffalo Trace, it is made from hand‑selected barrels and bottled directly from the barrel (uncut, unfiltered) at more than 125 proof (i.e. over 62.5% ABV). devcloud.buffalotracedistillery.com+2Sazerac+2
It is part of Buffalo Trace’s low‑rye Mash Bill #1 (used by many of their core bourbons). devcloud.buffalotracedistillery.com+3Brotherhood of the Barrel+3ModernThirst+3
Though there is no official age statement on the label (NAS), many observers estimate it to be aged around 6–9 years (some say 7–8) based on flavor and release patterns. barrelsandmash.com+4Brotherhood of the Barrel+4ModernThirst+4

Each release is done in batches — e.g. past ones include “Batch 9, Batch 11, Batch 12, Batch 13” etc. Caskers+5Breaking Bourbon+5devcloud.buffalotracedistillery.com+5

Because it’s barrel proof and unfiltered, you should expect a strong, intense whiskey experience, with more heat and concentration than standard, proofed-down bourbons. devcloud.buffalotracedistillery.com+3Brotherhood of the Barrel+3barrelsandmash.com+3

Next, let’s look at what people taste and how it performs.

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Tasting Notes & Impressions

Below are gathered tasting / review impressions for various batches as well as the official or brand‑declared notes.

Official / Brand / Distillery Notes

From Buffalo Trace’s site:

• Aroma (Nose): “Cooked berries” followed by rich caramel and light floral hints

• Palate / Taste: Bold, full of spice, with toasted vanilla, dried oak, pepper

• Finish: Long and satisfying, with a strong rye character and lingering hints of fruit devcloud.buffalotracedistillery.com+1

These serve as guideposts; actual bottles may deviate depending on batch and barrel.

Selected Independent & Reviewer Notes by Batch

• Breaking Bourbon – Batch 9 (130.3 proof):
  They describe a mahogany hue, with nose showing brown sugar, caramel, red apple and slight lemon. On the palate, notes of warm vanilla spice, red apple, caramel, dark chocolate, nuttiness. The finish is described as a “slow burner” — heat gradually builds and lingers. Breaking Bourbon

• Barrels & Mash: For one batch (63.6% ABV / 127.2 proof), their tasting notes:

  • Nose: heavy brown sugar, caramel, red apple, slight lemon, fruity accents

  • Taste: vanilla spice, red apple, caramel, dark chocolate, almond / nuttiness

  • Finish: heat comes late, lingers in throat, gradually warming barrelsandmash.com

• Barrel Banter (Batch 10 / recent release):

  • Nose: Dark fruit sweetness (blackberry, fig), brown sugar, salted caramel, buttery pie crust, toasted marshmallow, black pepper

  • Palate: Rich but surprisingly lighter than expected, with heat, fruit, oak, and spice. Some comments of medicinal or “Vicks”-like presence in aroma. Barrel Banter

• Reddit commentary (Batch 11, etc.):
  Many users mention strong proof presence; for example:

  “Every batch is over 125 proof, remaining uncut and unfiltered.” Reddit
  For Batch 11: nose may show corn, burnt caramel, cinnamon; palate strong oak spice, char, white pepper, baking spice, some toffee. Reddit
  Batch 13 (127.3 proof): butterscotch, brown sugar, vanilla, dark fruit, thick palate, sweet finish, hints of toasted oak, espresso/dark chocolate on the tail. Reddit

• BourbonOfTheDay: One reviewer noted that despite expectations of strong alcohol aromatics, the first sip is “rich and sweet,” though pepper, smoke, and noticeable alcohol are present. Bourbon of the Day

In general, the consensus across reviews includes:

• A strong sense of oak, char, spice, and vanilla

• Fruit notes (dark fruits, berries) and caramel / brown sugar

• A finish that often builds in heat and lingers

• Some variation or harshness for inexperienced palates, especially on new bottles or very high proof batches

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People Also Ask: Common Questions & Answers

Below are FAQs likely to appear when users “People also ask” about E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof.

1. What proof is E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof?

It varies by batch, but batches are commonly in the range 125+ proof (i.e. over 62.5% ABV). barrelsandmash.com+5devcloud.buffalotracedistillery.com+5Brotherhood of the Barrel+5
For example, Batch 9 was 130.3 proof. Breaking Bourbon

2. Is E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof aged? (What is its age?)

There is no official age statement (NAS). ModernThirst+4Breaking Bourbon+4devcloud.buffalotracedistillery.com+4

Estimates from reviewers and analyzers often place its age in the 6 to 9 year range, with many citing 7–8 years based on taste, color, and comparison. Barrel Banter+5ModernThirst+5Breaking Bourbon+5

3. What mash bill does E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof use?

It uses Buffalo Trace’s Mash Bill #1, the low-rye mash (typically ≤10% rye). devcloud.buffalotracedistillery.com+3Brotherhood of the Barrel+3ModernThirst+3

4. How should E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof be enjoyed (serving / drinking advice)?

• Neat is generally the preferred approach to appreciate its full profile

• Because of high proof, you may want to rest the pour (let it open in the glass) a bit

• A few drops of water (not too much) can “open” aromas and temper harsh alcohol notes

• Avoid heavy dilution or ice cubes that mask flavor complexity

• Tasting in small sips, letting it evolve as it breathes, is advisable

• Given the strength, novice drinkers should approach cautiously — this is not a “beginner’s bourbon”

5. Is E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof worth the price / hype?

It depends on your expectations, tolerance for high proof, and willingness to take risks on batch variability. Some considerations:

Pros / arguments in favor:

• Intensity and concentration that many bourbon fans love

• Unique and premium positioning among Buffalo Trace / Taylor releases

• Flavor complexity, layering of char, oak, fruit, spice

• Collectible / allocated nature — adds prestige

• Often considered one of the stronger offerings in the Taylor lineup by enthusiasts

Caveats / challenges:

• High proof can be challenging or punishing for some palates

• Batch variation means some bottles may underperform

• Without an age statement, you are relying on barrel selection and reputation

• Secondary market prices can be inflated, which may reduce perceived value

• Because it is “extreme style,” not every pour will be universally loved

Many enthusiasts say it’s worth it if you enjoy “big, bold” whiskey and can find it near its retail or “expected” price. But in speculative pricing markets, the gamble increases.

6. Why is E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof rare or hard to find?

• It is batch / release-limited; not a constant mass-market product

• High demand from enthusiasts and collectors often outstrips supply

• Allocations / limited distribution amplify scarcity

• Because it is a premium, high-end product, many bottles are grabbed quickly

Hence, it is often treated as an “allocative” release.

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Strengths, Weaknesses & Comparative Context

Strengths

• Powerful expression: For those who enjoy bold and intense whiskey, this delivers in spades

• Uncut / unfiltered: More “true to barrel” character, preserving nuance lost in heavy dilution

• Flavor layering: Good interplay of oak, spice, fruit, caramel — many reviewers praise its balance (when the barrel is good)

• Brand and prestige: It sits near the top in the Taylor series, and carries the name of a bourbon legend

• Collectible appeal: Limited batches and high demand make it desirable to collectors

Weaknesses / Risks

• Heat / harshness: High proof can overwhelm, especially if the barrel is not exceptional

• Variability: As with any barrel-proof release, there’s no guarantee that every bottle is great

• No age statement: Leaves some uncertainty for buyers who prefer a known maturity

• Price sensitivity: If prices are inflated, you may not feel the value matches what you pay

• Not for casual sipping: This is more “serious sipping” than easy drinking

How It Stands Among Peers

Within the E.H. Taylor line, Barrel Proof is arguably the “boldest” expression, compared to Small Batch (more approachable) and Single Barrel. Among Buffalo Trace’s broader offerings, it enters the space occupied by other powerful / uncut bourbons (e.g. Stagg Jr., Elijah Craig Barrel Proof), hence comparisons are common.

Some reviewers and drinkers compare EHTBP favorably relative to Stagg Jr, noting that though both share mash bill #1, EHTBP may present a bit more sweetness or balance depending on batch. Reddit+1

That said, in blind comparisons or when priced similarly, opinions often vary on which provides more “bang for the buck.”

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Conclusion

E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof Bourbon is a bold, uncompromising whiskey designed to appeal to enthusiasts who appreciate intensity, depth, and the raw character of barrel‑strength bourbons. Its uncut, unfiltered nature, use of Buffalo Trace’s low-rye mash bill, and limited batch releases give it both prestige and risk.

Tasting experiences commonly feature robust oak, char, caramel, spice, dark fruit, and layered complexity. However, strong proof demands respect — new bottles can be sharp, and not every release will be flawless.

If you can secure a bottle at a fair price and enjoy rich, powerful whiskies, E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof is a formidable pour and a rewarding exploration. But if you prefer smoother, more mellow bourbon, or dislike high proof spirits, this might push you beyond your comfort zone.