Buyer's Guide
Complete Guide to the E.H. Taylor Bourbon Lineup
Sep
The EH Taylor Bourbon lineup from Buffalo Trace includes several distinct bourbon expressions, ranging from the widely available Small Batch to rare annual releases like Four Grain and Cured Oak. Every release is Bottled-in-Bond, meaning it follows strict federal aging and proofing standards, but each one differs significantly in proof, availability, and flavor intensity.
Named after Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr. the man behind the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, this EH Taylor Bourbon lineup is one of the most respected and actively collected bourbon families in the world. If you’re trying to figure out where to start, which release is worth chasing, or how the different expressions actually compare, this guide breaks it down.
Who Was E.H. Taylor?
Colonel Taylor wasn’t just a distiller, he was a driving force behind the federal law that still defines what “bonded whiskey” means today. Every bottle in this lineup is a tribute to that legacy, which is part of why Bottled-in-Bond status matters so much to how this brand presents itself.
The EH Taylor Bourbon Lineup, Compared
| Release | Proof | Availability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Batch | 100 (fixed, bonded) | Most available | First-time buyers, everyday drinking |
| Barrel Proof | 125+ (varies by batch) | Moderate, batch releases | Enthusiasts wanting full-intensity flavor |
| Single Barrel | Varies | Moderate | Comparing barrel-to-barrel character |
| Four Grain | Varies | Very limited (annual release) | Collectors, mash bill enthusiasts |
| Cured Oak | Varies | Extremely limited | Collectors, investment-focused buyers |
Small Batch vs. Barrel Proof: Which Should You Buy?
If you’re deciding between the two most accessible releases, the choice really comes down to intensity and intent. Small Batch is fixed at 100 proof by law, giving it a measured, easy-to-drink character that works well for regular sipping. Barrel Proof skips that ceiling entirely, delivering the same underlying house style at full, undiluted cask strength, bigger, hotter, and more concentrated, often benefiting from a few drops of water to open up.
Neither one is strictly “better”. Small Batch is the more approachable everyday bottle, while Barrel Proof is the one enthusiasts reach for when they want to taste Buffalo Trace’s E.H. Taylor style at its most intense.
Why The EH Taylor Bourbon Lineup Keeps Growing
Buffalo Trace has periodically brought back limited releases that were previously discontinued or hard to find, including expressions like Four Grain and Cured Oak returning after years away from shelves. This rotating mix of always-available core releases and rare limited drops is part of why the E.H. Taylor name generates consistent search interest and collector attention year-round, there’s always something either newly available or newly scarce to chase.
Which E.H. Taylor Should You Start With?
- New to the brand? Start with Small Batch, it’s the baseline house style and the easiest to actually find.
- Already familiar and want more intensity? Move to Barrel Proof for the uncut, full-strength version of the same profile.
- Chasing something rare? Watch for limited annual releases like Four Grain or Cured Oak, which sell out fast and rarely stay on shelves at retail price.
Shop the EH Taylor Bourbon Lineup
If you’re looking to learn more about the EH Taylor Bourbon Lineup, visit the Buffalo Trace officail website for more insight.
