E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Bourbon

 

Introduction / Background

The E.H. Taylor, Jr. brand is one of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s marquee lines, honoring Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr., a pioneering bourbon figure of the 19th century (often called the “father of modern bourbon”). Sazerac+3Sazerac+3Bourbon Blog+3 Taylor was instrumental in pushing for the Bottled‑in‑Bond Act of 1897, improving distillation standards, and introducing innovations in warehousing and distillery practices. Sazerac+2Bourbon Blog+2

Within the E.H. Taylor lineup are several expressions: Small Batch, Barrel Proof, Rye, and the Single Barrel version. Sazerac+2Brotherhood of the Barrel+2 The Single Barrel expression is a limited / prestige offering — each bottle comes from a selected barrel (rather than a blend), and it is bottled in bond to align with Taylor’s legacy. Craft City+3Brotherhood of the Barrel+3Bourbon Blog+3

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Production & Technical Details

Here are the key facts about E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel:

Because it is a single barrel product, each barrel may impart somewhat different flavor nuances — meaning bottle-to-bottle variation is to be expected. whiskeyconsensus.com+3Sazerac+3Bourbon Blog+3

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Tasting Profile & Impressions

Below are tasting notes compiled from reviews, critics, and community impressions.

Aroma / Nose

• Lightly toasted oak, with dried figs, butterscotch, caramel, and a subtle nuttiness. whiskynotes.be+5Sazerac+5Brotherhood of the Barrel+5

• Fruit notes: orchard fruits (apple, pear, cherry) in some reviews. whiskeyconsensus.com+2Bourbon Blog+2

• Vanilla and some sweet oak / wood influence. Craft City+4whiskeyconsensus.com+4Sazerac+4

Palate / Taste

• Sweetness at the entry: brown sugar, caramel, butterscotch carry through. Sazerac+3whiskeyconsensus.com+3Bourbon Blog+3

• Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice appear in many tasting notes, adding warmth and structure. Sazerac+3whiskeyconsensus.com+3Bourbon Blog+3

• Oak influence: the mid-palate often reveals oak, char, and darker wood notes, sometimes a hint of tobacco or leather. whiskynotes.be+3Bourbon Blog+3Sazerac+3

• Some citrus or peel brightness in select bottles (e.g. orange peel) as a balancing note. Bourbon Blog+2whiskynotes.be+2

Finish

• Long finish, often described as oaky and persistent, with lingering spice, tobacco or dark fruit echoes. whiskynotes.be+2Bourbon Blog+2

• Some reviewers mark a bit of smoke or char in the tail, with an aftertaste of dried fruit and wood. Bourbon Blog+2whiskynotes.be+2

Community / User Notes

• Enthusiasts often praise its balance: not overly aggressive, with a pleasing integration of sweetness and oak. Reddit+2Reddit+2

• Some bottles are more “fruit-forward” than heavily oaked, especially in early pourings or more generous barrels. Reddit+1

• Others caution that at inflated secondary prices, the value proposition becomes weaker. whiskeyconsensus.com+1

• One reviewer described the bourbon as mellowing nicely over time, especially after aging in the opened bottle. Reddit

Overall, the consensus is that E.H. Taylor Single Barrel is a flavorful, refined whiskey that sits nicely between the more accessible Small Batch and the boldness of Barrel Proof in the Taylor line.

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“People Also Ask” — Common Questions & Answers

Here are how typical “People Also Ask” queries might appear, with researched answers.

1. What proof is E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel?

It is 100 proof (50 % ABV). whiskeyconsensus.com+4Bourbon Blog+4Brotherhood of the Barrel+4

2. Is E.H. Taylor Single Barrel aged?

There is no official age statement on the current packaging (i.e. it is NAS). Craft City+4whiskeyconsensus.com+4Sazerac+4

However, the original release was aged 11 years and 7 months in Warehouse C. Bourbon Blog

Many whisky writers estimate a typical range between 7 and 12 years based on flavor and barrel schedules. whiskeyconsensus.com+2Brotherhood of the Barrel+2

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

It is believed to use Buffalo Trace’s Mash Bill #1, a low-rye recipe, though the exact formulation is proprietary. whiskeyconsensus.com+2Brotherhood of the Barrel+2

4. Is E.H. Taylor Single Barrel worth it?

It depends on what you value (flavor, collectibility, rarity). Some considerations:

Reasons it might be “worth it”:

• Single barrel complexity and uniqueness

• Strong proof and flavorful profile with good balance

• Prestige brand and heritage (E.H. Taylor name, Bottled-in-Bond)

• If acquired near retail price, many reviewers feel it is a solid value for the experience whiskeyconsensus.com+2Brotherhood of the Barrel+2

Caveats / trade-offs:

• Availability is limited, so you may pay a premium in the secondary market whiskeyconsensus.com+3Bourbon Blog+3Sazerac+3

• Because of barrel-to-barrel variation, not every bottle will be outstanding — some may disappoint Reddit+3Reddit+3Reddit+3

• As prices rise, incremental improvements over more affordable bourbons may not justify the markup

In short: if you can find it at a fair price and from a barrel you trust, it can be a rewarding pour. But it’s a risk to chase at inflated prices without knowing the barrel quality.

5. How should you drink / serve E.H. Taylor Single Barrel?

• Neat is the preferred approach, in a good tasting glass (Glencairn, copita)

• A few drops of water can help open up aromas, especially with 100 proof strength

• Avoid over-dilution (ice cubes) if you want to preserve subtleties

• Take time to nose and sip slowly, letting the flavors evolve

• Because each barrel is unique, tasting multiple bottles side-by-side when possible is enlightening

• If you open a bottle, store it upright and enjoy within a timeframe (oxidation may alter flavors)

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

• It is a single barrel offering by design, so only limited quantities per barrel

• It is a prestige / niche expression, not a mass-market release Bourbon Blog+2Brotherhood of the Barrel+2

• High demand from collectors and enthusiasts often outpaces supply

• Some retailers may hold tight allocation or mark up prices, making it less accessible

Hence, it often becomes a “hunt bottle” for bourbon fans.

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Strengths, Weaknesses & Comparative Context

Strengths

• Flavor complexity: Because each bottle comes from a single selected barrel, the expression can display more distinct flavors and character, compared to blends.

• Balanced profile: Many reviews point to a good balance of sweetness, oak, spice, and fruitness.

• Heritage & prestige: The E.H. Taylor name, Bottled-in-Bond status, and tie to historic Warehouse C all lend cachet.

• Good drinking strength: 100 proof is robust but not overwhelming, allowing nuance to shine without being harsh.

• Award recognition & branding support: It is marketed as a flagship limited offering, with accolades.

Weaknesses / Risks

• Bottle variation: Some bottles will be better than others; inconsistency is inherent in single barrel releases.

• Price inflation / margin compression: When sold above retail, the cost/value balance can suffer.

• Lack of age statement: Some consumers prefer a set age to anchor expectations.

• Scarcity: Hard to acquire in many markets, making tasting opportunities limited.

• Potential over-oaking or dryness: In some barrels, the oak influence or char may dominate. Community comments sometimes note underwhelming or dry finishes in certain picks. Reddit+1

Comparison to Peers

• Compared to E.H. Taylor Small Batch, Single Barrel aims to be more expressive and barrel‑driven (though Small Batch is more consistently available).

• Against Barrel Proof EHT, Single Barrel is more approachable and balanced (less extremes)

• Within the broader bourbon field, it competes with other niche / allocated single barrel bourbons; its value depends on the barrel quality and price relative to alternatives

Many enthusiasts find that Single Barrel, when well priced and well selected, offers a more compelling experience than some “bottle hype” bourbons, especially for sipping and exploration.

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Conclusion

E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Bourbon is a compelling, premium bourbon expression that blends heritage, craftsmanship, and flavor diversity. It is a standout within the E.H. Taylor line — positioned between the more accessible Small Batch and the high-octane Barrel Proof releases.

Its 100 proof strength offers both presence and nuance. While it is non-age-stated, historical releases show long maturation (e.g. ~11 years) and many whisky writers estimate its typical range at 7–12 years. The use of barrels from Warehouse C and its Bottled-in-Bond status help ground it in Taylor’s legacy.

In taste, it presents a balance of sweetness, spice, oak, fruit, and sometimes tobacco or leather undertones. The finish is long and oak-forward, though nuances depend heavily on the barrel.

However, its rarity and the variability inherent in single barrel selection bring both excitement and risk. Value is heavily contingent on paying near retail rather than inflated secondary prices. If you can obtain a bottle at a fair price, it’s often deemed a rewarding sip. But chasing it blindly in speculative markets may not always pay off.