Bourbon Review · E.H. Taylor
E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
Bottled in Bond Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon — Limited
⚑ Placeholder review — tasting notes to be updated after the pour.
The Story
E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof is technically still a bonded bourbon — it meets all the BiB requirements — but it's released at full barrel proof rather than the standard 100 proof, which creates an interesting paradox: a regulation-compliant whiskey that comes in at 120+ proof. Released in limited batches throughout the year, it's become one of the more sought-after Taylor expressions, combining the house style's high-rye character with the intensity that only barrel strength can deliver. The Taylor name on barrel-proof bourbon is a reliable sign of quality.
Nose, Palate & Finish
Nose
Intense and concentrated — the high proof amplifies everything the Taylor lineup does well. Rich caramel, dark cherry, toasted oak, and a bold rye spice hit all at once. Complex and inviting despite the heat. Water is your friend here.
Palate
Dense and layered. The high-rye mashbill at barrel proof delivers a spice-forward experience that builds on the palate — pepper, dried fruit, dark caramel, and a substantial oak structure. Adding water opens the sweetness and smooths the intensity into something beautifully complex. Don't skip the water.
Finish
Very long and warming. The spice and oak carry well into the finish with a dry, complex tail that keeps developing. One of the better finishes in the Taylor lineup.