EH Taylor Small Batch Review: Worth the Hype?
Some bourbons are just whiskey in a bottle, but others tell a story. E.H. Taylor Small Batch is one of the latter. To truly appreciate what you’re pouring, you need to know about the man on the label: Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. He was a visionary who revolutionized the bourbon industry, championing the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 to guarantee quality for drinkers everywhere. This wasn't just about making whiskey; it was about setting a standard. In this guide, we’ll explore the rich history behind this iconic bottle, what makes it a benchmark for quality, and how that legacy translates into the incredible flavor you taste today.
Key Takeaways
- The "Bottled-in-Bond" Label is Your Quality Guarantee: This isn't just a historical detail; it's a promise of authenticity. The strict standards Colonel Taylor championed mean you're getting a 100-proof bourbon with a consistently rich and well-crafted character.
- Expect a Classic Balance of Sweet and Spice: This bourbon delivers a quintessential flavor profile, starting with rich caramel and butterscotch before introducing a pleasant warmth from rye spice. It’s approachable enough to sip neat but has the character to stand up beautifully in a classic cocktail.
- Shop Smart for This Sought-After Bottle: E.H. Taylor Small Batch stands out for its robust flavor, making it a clear step up from many other bourbons. Due to its popularity, focus your search on trusted retailers and be prepared for a price that reflects its high demand and exceptional quality.
What's the Story Behind EH Taylor Small Batch?
To really appreciate a glass of E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch, it helps to know the story behind the name. This isn't just another bourbon; it's a tribute to a man who fundamentally shaped the American whiskey industry. The history in this bottle is as rich as its flavor, rooted in a legacy of quality, innovation, and a fight for authenticity that changed everything. When you pour a dram, you're tasting a piece of that history, crafted with the same principles that Colonel Taylor himself established over a century ago.
Colonel Taylor: The Bourbon Innovator
The man on the label, Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr., was a true visionary in the world of bourbon. Getting his start in the distilling business after the Civil War, he wasn't content with the old ways of doing things. He introduced new methods and technologies, like copper fermentation tanks and steam heating, that greatly improved the quality and consistency of his whiskey. He treated his distillery like a showplace, understanding that presentation and quality went hand-in-hand. Colonel Taylor is often called one of the founding fathers of the modern bourbon industry, and his commitment to excellence is the standard this whiskey aims to meet.
Understanding the Bottled-in-Bond Act
Have you ever noticed the "Bottled-in-Bond" designation on a bottle? You have Colonel Taylor to thank for that. He was a key figure in pushing for the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, which was essentially the first consumer protection law for American spirits. This act guarantees a certain standard of quality. To be labeled Bottled-in-Bond, a whiskey must be the product of one distillery from one distilling season, aged for at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at exactly 100 proof (50% alcohol by volume). These strict rules ensure you're getting an authentic, unadulterated product, just as Taylor intended.
How It's Made Today
The legacy of Colonel Taylor lives on at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, one of America's oldest and most celebrated distilleries. This is where E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch is produced today, following the same demanding standards set long ago. The term "small batch" means the bourbon is created by mixing the contents of a select, limited number of barrels. While there's no legal definition for the term, for the E.H. Taylor brand, it signifies a careful selection process where distillers choose specific barrels that have reached the perfect point of maturation to create the whiskey's signature flavor profile.
What Does EH Taylor Small Batch Taste Like?
Trying a new bourbon is always an experience, and E.H. Taylor Small Batch is one that lives up to its reputation. It’s a classic example of a well-crafted Kentucky bourbon, delivering a balanced and memorable profile from the first pour to the last sip. If you’re curious about what’s inside that distinctive bottle, let’s walk through the tasting notes together. This is a whiskey that tells a story with its flavor, blending traditional notes with a character that is all its own. It’s complex enough for a seasoned palate but welcoming for those just starting their bourbon journey.
Nose and First Impressions
The moment you pour a glass of E.H. Taylor Small Batch, you’re greeted with a warm and inviting aroma. The first thing you’ll likely notice is a rich wave of sweet caramel, followed closely by notes of vanilla and sweet corn—a hallmark of a great bourbon. As you let it open up, you might also pick up hints of dried fruit, like raisins or figs, and a gentle touch of oak that grounds the sweetness. It’s not an overpowering scent, but rather a well-balanced introduction that promises a flavorful sip.
The Palate: A Breakdown of Flavors
This is where the bourbon truly shines. The first sip feels warm, coating your mouth with a wonderful texture. The flavors from the nose are all here, but with more depth. You’ll taste a beautiful mix of sweet and spicy notes, creating a satisfying balance. Think rich toffee and butterscotch mingling with warmer spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. There’s also a distinct rye spice that adds a pleasant kick without being aggressive. Underneath it all, you’ll find classic bourbon flavors of oak, a touch of chocolate, and creamy vanilla that tie everything together beautifully.
Finish and Overall Character
The experience doesn’t end when you swallow. E.H. Taylor Small Batch has a long, pleasant finish that encourages you to take your time with it. The warmth from the palate lingers, leaving behind flavors of toasted oak and a hint of dark chocolate. That peppery spice from the rye also sticks around, but it’s more of a gentle tingle than a sharp burn. The finish is often described as rich and creamy, with a final, lasting note of vanilla. It’s a smooth and satisfying conclusion that makes you appreciate the craftsmanship in the bottle.
How to Best Serve and Store Your Bottle
One of the best things about this bourbon is its versatility. You can absolutely enjoy E.H. Taylor Small Batch neat to appreciate its full range of flavors. If you prefer, adding a large ice cube or a splash of water can help open it up, softening the spice and bringing out more sweetness. It also makes an incredible foundation for classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan. As for storage, keep your bottle upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. This will protect the integrity of the spirits and ensure it tastes just as good months from now.
How Does EH Taylor Compare to Other Bourbons?
With so many fantastic whiskies on the shelf, it helps to have a few points of comparison. EH Taylor Small Batch shares a family tree with some other big names from the Buffalo Trace Distillery, but it absolutely holds its own with a distinct character and profile. Understanding these differences can help you appreciate what makes this particular bottle so special. Let's look at how it stacks up against a couple of its well-known cousins and what gives it a unique edge.
EH Taylor vs. Eagle Rare
If you enjoy Eagle Rare, think of EH Taylor Small Batch as its bolder, more expressive sibling. Both bourbons start from the same foundational recipe at Buffalo Trace, but their paths diverge from there. EH Taylor is bottled at a higher 100 proof, giving it a richer mouthfeel and a more pronounced warmth. You’ll notice stronger, more forward flavors of brown sugar, bright citrus, and sweet corn shining through. While Eagle Rare is known for its smooth, oak-forward profile, EH Taylor Small Batch delivers a more intense and vibrant tasting experience from start to finish.
EH Taylor vs. Buffalo Trace
Comparing EH Taylor to the flagship Buffalo Trace bourbon is another great way to understand its place in the lineup. Again, they share the same grain recipe, or "mash bill," but that’s where the similarities end. EH Taylor is a Bottled-in-Bond bourbon, which means it adheres to strict government standards for age and proof, ensuring a certain level of quality and consistency. This results in a more complex and robust flavor profile compared to the younger, lower-proof Buffalo Trace. It’s a clear step up, offering a richer and more refined sip for those looking to explore deeper bourbon flavors.
What Makes It Unique?
So what truly sets EH Taylor Small Batch apart? It all comes back to its namesake, Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr., often called the "Father of the Modern Bourbon Industry." He was an innovator who introduced new standards in the 1800s, including using copper fermentation tanks and climate-controlled warehouses for aging. This commitment to quality is honored in every bottle. The Bottled-in-Bond designation isn’t just a label; it’s a promise of craftsmanship rooted in history. This heritage, combined with its carefully selected barrels, gives the bourbon a signature taste that is both classic and exceptionally well-made.
What the Experts Say
You don’t have to take my word for it—critics and bourbon lovers consistently praise this bottle. The distillery itself describes it as a "true sipping bourbon," and it’s easy to see why. The experience starts with sweet notes of caramel corn and butterscotch, which then unfold into a soft, lingering finish with hints of pepper and tobacco. It’s a beautifully balanced profile that has earned it top marks across the board, with some reviewers giving it a near-perfect score and a "100% recommendation." It’s one of those bottles that can be hard to find for a reason: it truly lives up to the hype.
How to Find and Buy EH Taylor
Finding a bottle of E.H. Taylor Small Batch can feel like a treasure hunt. Its popularity means it doesn’t sit on shelves for long, but that just makes finding one all the more rewarding. The key is knowing what to look for, what a fair price is, and where to focus your search. With a little patience and the right strategy, you can add this fantastic bourbon to your home bar. Let’s walk through how to track down a bottle without overpaying or getting duped.
What's a Fair Price to Pay?
Let’s talk numbers. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for E.H. Taylor Small Batch is about $60 right at the Buffalo Trace Distillery. In a perfect world, you’d find it for that price. Realistically, you should expect to pay a bit more. A price tag around $70 is still considered a great find in today's market. However, due to high demand, you'll often see it priced much higher, sometimes well over $100. Knowing the baseline helps you decide what you’re comfortable spending. If you see a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is, so proceed with caution. Keep an eye on our collection of rare and hard-to-find spirits for authentic bottles at fair market prices.
Where to Look for a Bottle
Your best bet for finding E.H. Taylor is to look beyond your usual grocery store aisle. Start with reputable online retailers and specialized liquor stores that have a strong whiskey selection. These shops are more likely to receive allocations of sought-after bourbons. Building a relationship with your local store can also pay off, as they might give you a heads-up when a shipment arrives. Signing up for newsletters from online stores is another great tactic, as they often announce new arrivals to their subscribers first. You can also use online search tools to compare prices from different vendors, but always make sure you're buying from a trusted source.
How to Spot a Fake
As a bourbon’s popularity grows, so does the risk of counterfeit bottles. The most immediate red flag is an unusually low price. If someone is offering E.H. Taylor for less than its distillery price, you should be skeptical. When you have a bottle in hand, inspect it closely. Check for a clean, professionally applied label with no spelling errors or blurry text. The tax strip and seal should be intact and properly aligned. Most importantly, the best way to avoid fakes is to purchase from a reputable retailer you trust. A legitimate seller will always stand behind the authenticity of their spirits.
Is It a Good Investment?
From a collector's standpoint, E.H. Taylor is a solid choice. It’s a highly respected bourbon that consistently holds its value and often appreciates over time. While the Small Batch is a great starting point, other expressions in the E.H. Taylor line, like the Single Barrel or Barrel Proof, are even more prized by collectors. Whether you plan to drink it on a special occasion or keep it sealed as part of your collection, it’s a bottle that you can feel good about purchasing. It delivers an exceptional tasting experience while also being a worthy addition to any serious whiskey collection.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Bottled-in-Bond" actually mean for the bourbon in my glass? Think of it as a vintage seal of quality that guarantees what you're drinking is authentic and well-made. To earn this label, the bourbon must come from a single distillery and a single distilling season, be aged for at least four years, and be bottled at exactly 100 proof. For you, this means you're getting a consistent, robust, and pure expression of the whiskey, free from any additives and crafted under strict historical standards.
Is EH Taylor Small Batch a good choice for someone just getting into bourbon? Absolutely. While it's complex enough for a seasoned enthusiast, its flavor profile is incredibly welcoming. It leads with classic, easy-to-love notes of caramel, vanilla, and a touch of fruit, without any aggressive or overpowering spice. It’s a perfect example of what a premium, well-balanced Kentucky bourbon should taste like, making it an excellent and educational step up for anyone looking to explore beyond entry-level bottles.
Why is this bourbon so hard to find and often priced above retail? The simple answer is that its reputation precedes it. E.H. Taylor Small Batch is a highly awarded and sought-after bourbon from the legendary Buffalo Trace Distillery. Production is limited, and demand from bourbon lovers is incredibly high. This imbalance between supply and demand means that when bottles do become available, they sell out quickly and often at a premium price in the secondary market.
What's the difference between the Small Batch and the Single Barrel expressions? The main difference comes down to consistency versus uniqueness. The Small Batch is created by blending a select number of barrels together to achieve the brand's signature, consistent flavor profile every time. The Single Barrel, as the name suggests, is bottled from one individual barrel. This means each bottle of Single Barrel will have its own distinct character, offering a unique snapshot of that specific cask's journey.
What is the best way to serve EH Taylor to appreciate its flavor? To get the full experience, I always recommend starting with a neat pour in a proper whiskey glass. Give it a few minutes to breathe and take in the aromas before your first sip. If you find the 100 proof a bit intense, add a single large ice cube or a few drops of water. This can soften the alcohol and open up new layers of flavor. It also makes a fantastic base for a classic Old Fashioned if you're in the mood for a cocktail.