According to the label of the EH Taylor Jr Small Batch, “As founding father of the bourbon industry, Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. left an indelible legacy. His dedication to distilling began at the close of the Civil War when he purchased O.F C. Distillery. There, he developed innovative techniques that are still in use today. Made by hand, this Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey has been aged inside century old warehouses constructed by E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrels are evaluated and selected to create a perfect blend of distinctive character that is like no other. This bourbon is a true sipping bourbon that honors the uncompromising legacy of E.H. Taylor, Jr.”
The innovations introduced by Colonel Taylor include copper fermentation tanks, column stills and a steam heating system that is still used in the warehouses today.
EH Taylor is aged in Buffalo Trace Warehouse C which was built in 1881 by Edmund Haynes Taylor, one of the leaders of the bottled in bond act of 1897.
Bourbon Review: EH Taylor Jr Small Batch
ABV: 50% (100 Proof)
Type: Bourbon
Age: 7+ Years
Mash Bill: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (Believed to be low rye)
Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Location: Franklin County, KY (USA)
The Nose: Despite coming in at 100 proof it’s remarkably sweet with notes of corn, butterscotch and brown sugar. Subsequent aromas from the glass reveal caramel and raisins.
Tasting Notes: The slick oily mouthfeel of the EH Taylor Small Batch sees notes of butterscotch, cinnamon, citrus and vanilla. The second sip gives an orange rind definition to the citrus component with butterscotch and cinnamon being the real star of the show. There are hints of brown sugar and oak as well in subsequent sips.
The Pairing: We chose to pair this with the Rojas Street Tacos because based on a review on The Cigar Authority which shows that the cigar shares tasting notes with the bourbon. Sadly however, the two do not pair well together. The bourbon became high heat with no sweetness, and the Street Tacos became a pepper bomb. We never allow our pairing to affect our scoring, but if we did it would result in a minus 10 points.
Conclusion: I hate chasing bourbon. With that said, EH Taylor in any form is something I will chase and hunt down. While the bourbon is made year round, finding in can be a nightmare. I’ve been lucky enough to score a few bottles last year and this year. It’s a ridiculously smooth and balanced bourbon with a flavor profile that falls right in my wheelhouse. If you see this on the shelf, it is a MUST buy.
Score: 96
Price: $39.99 750ml (New Hampshire)
