EH Taylor Small Batch: The Gold Standard of Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon

Welcome to the world of premium American whiskey! If you’re starting your journey into bourbon and have heard the name EH Taylor Small Batch, you’ve discovered one of the most celebrated and accessible expressions from a legendary distillery. This bourbon isn’t just a drink; it’s a direct link to history, a symbol of quality, and a benchmark for what a well-crafted, classic bourbon should be.

Perhaps you’re looking for a special bottle to celebrate, trying to understand the hype, or searching for a reliable gift. You’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide is designed to demystify the EH Taylor Small Batch. We’ll explore its rich heritage, its balanced and approachable flavor profile, and the practical aspects of finding and enjoying a bottle. By the end, you’ll understand exactly why this Colonel Taylor bourbon is a cornerstone of any great whiskey collection.

What is EH Taylor Small Batch? A Legacy in a Bottle

To truly appreciate this whiskey, we must first understand the story behind its name.

• EH Taylor / Colonel Taylor: This refers to Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr., a founding father of modern bourbon. He was not a military colonel but a Kentucky gentleman, recognized for his immense contributions to the industry. He was a visionary who fought for quality and integrity, famously championing the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. The Buffalo Trace Distillery honors his legacy with this premium line of Taylor bourbon.

• Small Batch: This term means the bourbon is created by blending a select number of barrels (anywhere from 10 to 100) to achieve a specific, consistent flavor profile. It’s a step above a single barrel in terms of consistency but maintains a high level of craftsmanship above mass-produced brands.

The Bottled-in-Bond Guarantee: Your Quality Seal

What truly sets EH Taylor Small Batch apart is its status as a Bottled-in-Bond spirit. This isn’t just marketing; it’s a federally regulated stamp of quality that Colonel Taylor himself helped establish. It guarantees:

• Single Distillery: The product is the work of one distiller at one distillery.

• Single Season: It was distilled in one distillation season.

• Aging: It is aged for at least four years under government supervision in a federally bonded warehouse.

• Proof: It is bottled at exactly 100 proof (50% alcohol by volume).

This means when you buy a bottle of Colonel EH Taylor Small Batch, you are guaranteed a pure, well-aged, and uncompromised American whiskey. It’s a promise of quality that has stood for over a century.

The Tasting Experience: What Does EH Taylor Small Batch Taste Like?

The flavor profile of EH Taylor Small Batch is often described as the perfect embodiment of a classic, high-rye bourbon. It’s balanced, complex enough to be interesting, but never overwhelming. At 100 proof, it has a robust presence that stands up to scrutiny while remaining smooth enough for casual sipping.

Here’s a guide to the flavor journey you can expect from this E H Taylor Small Batch:

• On the Nose (Aroma): The aroma is inviting and complex. You’ll immediately notice sweet notes of caramel, vanilla, and a touch of brown sugar. Behind that, there’s a light, minty or herbal characteristic (a signature of Buffalo Trace’s mash bill #1) and a hint of dried fruit and oak.

• On the Palate (Taste): The first sip is where this Taylor bourbon shines. The 100-proof strength provides a warm and full mouthfeel without any harsh alcohol burn. Flavors of rich toffee, baked apple, and cinnamon toast unfold. The rye grain in the mash bill contributes a pleasant, peppery spice that perfectly balances the sweetness, preventing it from being cloying.

• The Finish: The finish is medium to long, warm, and satisfying. It leaves a lingering taste of oak, vanilla, and baking spices, inviting you back for another sip. Its remarkable smoothness for its proof is one of its most praised attributes.

How to Enjoy Your EH Taylor Small Batch

One of the best things about EH Taylor Small Batch is its versatility. There’s no single “right” way to enjoy it.

• Sipping Neat: This is the best way to appreciate its full complexity. Pour it into a Glencairn glass or a whiskey tumbler at room temperature. Take your time to nose and sip, allowing the flavors to evolve.

• On the Rocks: Serving it over a single large ice cube is a fantastic way to enjoy it. The slow dilution slightly softens the proof and can open up different flavor notes, making it even more approachable.

• With a Splash of Water: Adding a few drops of distilled water can “open up” the whiskey, breaking the surface tension and releasing even more aromatic compounds. This is a great way to explore its depth.

• In a Cocktail: While it’s a superb sipper, its 100-proof strength and balanced flavor make it an excellent base for premium cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan, where it won’t get lost.

The Hunt: Finding and Buying a Bottle

Let’s address the most common question: How do you actually find a bottle of EH Taylor Small Batch?

This is what’s known as an “allocated” whiskey. This means Buffalo Trace produces a limited amount, and demand far exceeds supply. You won’t typically find it sitting on a regular shelf every day.

Here are the primary ways people find a bottle:

• Liquor Lotteries: Many stores use lotteries or raffles to sell allocated bottles fairly. Sign up for newsletters at your local premium liquor stores.

• Building Relationships: Becoming a regular, knowledgeable customer at a local store can increase your chances. Owners often reward loyalty.

• Online Retailers: Some e-commerce platforms get limited stock, but it sells out in minutes.

• Secondary Market: Bottles are available on auction sites and specialty retailers, but at a significantly inflated price.

Understanding the EH Taylor Small Batch Price

The EH Taylor Small Batch price is a topic of much discussion.

• MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price): If you find it at a licensed retailer, the price should be between $40 and $50 USD. At this price, it represents outstanding value.

• Secondary Market Price: Due to its allocated nature, the price on the secondary market is much higher, often ranging from $100 to $150 USD.

Why is This Whiskey So Highly Sought After?

The appeal of EH Taylor Small Batch is built on a rock-solid foundation:

1. Unbeatable Consistency: It delivers a fantastic, balanced flavor profile bottle after bottle, year after year.

2. Bottled-in-Bond Pedigree: It carries the quality and heritage guarantees of this prestigious designation.

3. Perfect Proof: At 100 proof, it’s strong enough to be complex and robust, but approachable for many sippers. It’s a “just right” Goldilocks bourbon.

4. The Buffalo Trace Connection: As part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection family, it shares DNA with some of the world’s most legendary whiskeys.

5. The Gateway Bottle: For many, it’s the first “hard-to-find” bourbon they hunt for, creating a strong emotional connection.

How Does It Compare to Other EH Taylor Bourbons?

The EH Taylor lineup is diverse. Here’s how the Small Batch fits in:

• EH Taylor Single Barrel: Comes from one barrel, offering a unique, one-of-a-kind experience that can vary from bottle to bottle. The Small Batch is the consistent, reliable flagship.

• EH Taylor Barrel Proof: Bottled straight from the barrel at a much higher, undiluted proof (often 125+). It’s for those seeking the most intense, powerful experience. The Small Batch is more approachable and balanced.

• EH Taylor Straight Rye: A different whiskey entirely, made from a rye mash bill for a spicier, herbal profile compared to the sweet, corn-forward character of the bourbon.

For a deep dive into the distillery’s history and process, you can visit the official Buffalo Trace Distillery Website. This link to the source adds a layer of E-E-A-T and expertise.

Conclusion: The Quintessential Premium Bourbon

EH Taylor Small Batch is more than just a bottle of bourbon; it is the embodiment of a standard. It honors Colonel Taylor’s legacy by delivering a whiskey that is impeccably crafted, historically significant, and utterly delicious. It’s a bourbon that both beginners and connoisseurs can agree on.

While its allocated status can make the hunt frustrating, finding one at or near its MSRP is a victory for any whiskey drinker. It’s a testament to the idea that you don’t always need the rarest or most expensive bottle to experience true quality. For a balanced, flavorful, and authentic taste of Kentucky bourbon heritage, EH Taylor Small Batch is very hard to beat.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the proof of EH Taylor Small Batch?
A: As a Bottled-in-Bond product, EH Taylor Small Batch is always bottled at 100 proof (50% alcohol by volume). This provides a consistent strength that is full-flavored but manageable for sipping.

Q2: Is EH Taylor Small Batch a good bourbon for beginners?
A: It is an excellent bourbon for beginners. Its balanced profile and renowned smoothness for its proof make it very approachable. It provides a perfect introduction to higher-proof, full-flavored bourbons without being intimidating. Many enthusiasts consider it a “gateway” bottle to the world of premium whiskey.

Q3: How old is EH Taylor Small Batch?
A: As a Bottled-in-Bond bourbon, it is required to be aged for at least four years. While Buffalo Trace does not publish an exact age statement for the Small Batch, it is generally believed to contain bourbon aged between 7 and 12 years, contributing to its depth and complexity.

Q4: Why is it so hard to find?
A: EH Taylor Small Batch is a highly “allocated” product. This means Buffalo Trace produces a limited quantity and distributes it sparingly to retailers. The demand from collectors and drinkers far exceeds the supply, making it very difficult to find at its original retail price.

Q5: Is it worth the high secondary market price?
A: At its MSRP of ~$45, it is arguably one of the best values in all of premium bourbon. On the secondary market ($100+), its value is more debatable. While it is a fantastic whiskey, there are other excellent and more available bourbons at that price point. Its value on the secondary market is driven by rarity and brand hype more than pure liquid quality.