Some whiskies are easy to open as soon as you get them. Others sit on the shelf, waiting for the right moment. My bottle of Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon was firmly in the second category.
I won this bottle in an Instagram competition through @RareSpiritsCollection about a year and a half ago, but I deliberately held off opening it. At the time, my bourbon palate was still developing, and I didn’t want to waste what so many people call a “modern classic” by not fully appreciating what was inside.
I’m glad I waited—because when I finally cracked it open, this bourbon didn’t just live up to the hype… it genuinely impressed me.
A Bottled-in-Bond Classic
E.H. Taylor Small Batch carries the Bottled-in-Bond designation, meaning it’s at least four years old, bottled at 50% ABV (100 proof), and produced in a single distilling season at one distillery. Most sources suggest this particular small-batch expression combines barrels aged between six and eight years.
It also shares Buffalo Trace’s low-rye mash bill—less than 10% rye—though the final result feels far more refined and layered.
Nose – Mellow and Sweet
Right from the first nosing, I was met with a mellow sweetness.
Notes of mature oak, honey, and a hint of cherry syrup came through, with a faint spice that reminded me of cloves. It’s an inviting, well-balanced aroma that feels less “shouty” than many bourbons at this strength.
Palate – Complex and Creamy
On the palate, I was relieved to find none of the sharp, overly sweet corn character I often get from bourbons. Instead, the profile was fresher and more layered:
- Cherry syrup and brown sugar
- Robust, well-aged oak—think dusty, old timber rather than fresh-cut wood
- A touch of vanilla and cream on the finish
The 50% ABV carries the flavours beautifully without overpowering the experience, creating a creamy, lingering finish that keeps you going back for another sip.
Other Notes
As I explored the glass, some butterscotch, light tobacco leaf, and even a hint of milk chocolate emerged, adding even more depth. It’s the kind of bourbon that evolves as you sit with it, rewarding patience with new discoveries.
Price vs. Value
Here in Australia, E.H. Taylor Small Batch is priced at around $150–$250, depending on where you find it. Compare that to the U.S., where it retails for around $50-70, and it’s easy to see why many Australian whisky fans get frustrated.
Would I personally drop $250 on this bottle? Probably not. But if I had spent that money on this in order to explore it, I still wouldn’t be disappointed—it’s that good. I’m just very lucky to have won mine.
Final Thoughts
This bourbon was well worth the wait. It’s beautifully balanced, complex without being intimidating, and a perfect showcase of why E.H. Taylor has such a devoted following.
If you’ve ever written bourbon off as too sweet or too one-dimensional, this could be the bottle that changes your mind.