Colonel E. H. Taylor Single Barrel Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey

Rich vanilla, seasoned oak, and warm baking spice lead the experience of Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey, a meticulously selected expression that highlights the individuality of a single cask within one of America’s most historically significant whiskey lines. Bottled to showcase the nuance and character of an individual barrel rather than a standardized blend, this bourbon reflects both the vision of Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr. and the modern discipline of careful barrel stewardship. Each release offers a distinct yet unmistakably classic profile, underscoring a legacy built on precision, patience, and respect for tradition.

Product Details:

• ABV: 50%
• Producer: Buffalo Trace Distillery
• Owner: Sazerac Company
• Distiller: Harlen Wheatley
• Classification: Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
• Barrel Selection: Single barrel
• Release Type: Limited allocation

Sensory Description:

The nose opens with layered aromas of caramelized sugar, vanilla bean, toasted oak, and dried orange peel, supported by subtle notes of leather and baking spice. On the palate, the bourbon is full and structured, delivering flavors of rich toffee, honeyed corn, cinnamon, and clove, framed by well-integrated oak tannin. Each barrel expresses itself slightly differently, but balance remains a hallmark, with sweetness, spice, and wood working in harmony rather than competition. The finish is long and composed, lingering with notes of charred oak, soft vanilla, and gentle pepper warmth. Compared to batched bourbon expressions, the single barrel format offers greater depth and variation, allowing drinkers to experience the nuanced influence of barrel placement, aging conditions, and wood character within Buffalo Trace’s warehouses.

Producer’s Background:

Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr. is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in American whiskey history, playing a foundational role in establishing quality standards that would later inform the Bottled in Bond Act. His namesake bourbons are produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery under the direction of master distiller Harlen Wheatley and the Buffalo Trace production team. Owned by the Sazerac Company, Buffalo Trace Distillery is known for its historic continuity, traditional methods, and rigorous barrel selection practices. The Colonel E.H. Taylor line reflects a commitment to heritage-driven whiskey making, with the Single Barrel expression standing as a testament to the distillery’s confidence in individual cask character and long-term maturation.

Serving Suggestions:

Best enjoyed neat in a Glencairn or similar nosing glass to fully appreciate the nuance and individuality of the barrel. A small splash of water may be added to soften the structure and reveal additional layers of sweetness and spice. This bourbon pairs naturally with aged cheeses, roasted nuts, smoked meats, or dark chocolate, though it is equally compelling as a contemplative sipper on its own.