Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Bourbon is a 100-proof (50% ABV) bottled-in-bond Kentucky straight bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery, available in a 750ml bottle. Scored 99/100 by the International Wine and Spirits Competition, this expression draws from individually selected barrels aged in Warehouse C — a limestone rickhouse Colonel Taylor himself built in 1881. Few bourbons carry that kind of direct lineage between the liquid and the historical figure behind it.Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof) | Origin: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA | Bottled-in-Bond | Distillery: Buffalo TraceProduction & HeritageBuffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, is one of the longest continuously operating distilleries in America, with roots stretching back to 1775. The E.H. Taylor, Jr. line honors Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr., a transformative figure in American whiskey history who championed the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 — legislation that established standards of identity and quality that still govern bonded spirits today. This Single Barrel expression uses Buffalo Trace’s Mashbill #1, composed of approximately 75% corn, less than 10% rye, and around 15% malted barley, with each barrel hand-selected from Warehouse C, where natural limestone construction and seasonal temperature swings shape the maturation profile.Tasting NotesAroma: Lightly toasted oak opens the nose, followed by waves of dried figs and butterscotch. A warm caramel-sweet undercurrent carries subtle dried fruit beneath.Taste: The entry is soft and honeyed, building toward a mid-palate of vanilla and butterscotch before darker tones of tobacco, charred oak, and baking spice take hold. The 100-proof backbone carries these flavors with authority but without punishing heat.Finish: Medium-long, with lingering tobacco and toasted oak gradually giving way to gentle sweetness. It resets the palate cleanly, preparing each sip for the next.How to Drink E.H. Taylor Single BarrelAt 100 proof, this bourbon rewards a neat pour in a Glencairn or rocks glass; a few drops of water can coax out additional butterscotch and dried fruit nuance. On the rocks is equally rewarding for a slower, cooler session. In an Old Fashioned, the toasted oak and dark spice cut through sugar and bitters with precision. A Boulevardier benefits from the tobacco and charred oak character, which stands firm against Campari’s bitterness. A classic Mint Julep lets the honeyed vanilla shine alongside fresh mint, making full use of the bonded proof.Best For
Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who values bottled-in-bond heritage and provenance
Anchoring a single barrel bourbon comparative tasting
Adding a historically significant bottle to a growing whiskey collection
Marking a milestone occasion with a pour that carries genuine legacy
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does E.H. Taylor Single Barrel taste like? It delivers a rich combination of butterscotch, honey, and vanilla balanced by darker notes of tobacco, charred oak, and baking spice. The finish is medium-long with lingering toasted oak and gentle sweetness.How does E.H. Taylor Single Barrel compare to Henry McKenna 10 Year? Both are single barrel bottled-in-bond bourbons at 100 proof, but Henry McKenna carries a 10-year age statement and uses a different, higher-rye mashbill that yields spicier results. E.H. Taylor Single Barrel tends to show a sweeter, more oak-driven profile and is widely regarded for greater barrel-to-barrel consistency.Is E.H. Taylor Single Barrel good for sipping neat? Yes — the 100-proof bottled-in-bond strength delivers full flavor without harsh heat, making it an excellent neat sipper. A small addition of water can further unlock its butterscotch and dried fruit complexity.Where is E.H. Taylor Single Barrel made? It is produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, and aged exclusively in Warehouse C, a limestone rickhouse built by Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. in 1881.What foods pair well with E.H. Taylor Single Barrel? Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the charred oak and tobacco notes. Dark chocolate echoes the butterscotch and vanilla sweetness. Aged cheddar or Gouda provides a savory counterpoint to the bourbon’s caramel richness. Pecan pie amplifies the toasted nut and brown sugar character, and grilled stone fruits like peaches play well off the dried fig notes on the nose.What sizes does E.H. Taylor Single Barrel come in? E.H. Taylor Single Barrel is primarily available in the standard 750ml bottle size.Is E.H. Taylor Single Barrel worth the price? It positions as a premium expression within the Buffalo Trace portfolio, sitting above the core E.H. Taylor Small Batch. Its single barrel selection, historic Warehouse C aging, and accolades — including a 99/100 from the International Wine and Spirits Competition and Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition — support its standing as a high-value bottle in the allocated bourbon category.Why E.H. Taylor Single Barrel?What separates this bourbon from the crowded single barrel field is the intersection of documented history and verified quality. Every barrel matures in a rickhouse that predates Prohibition, built by the man who fundamentally shaped bourbon’s legal identity through the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. The 99/100 score from the International Wine and Spirits Competition, Gold medals from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and a Top 50 Spirits nod from Wine Enthusiast confirm that the liquid matches the legacy. For bourbon drinkers seeking a bottle with both verifiable provenance and a rich, oak-forward flavor profile, this remains one of the most compelling American whiskeys in production.