E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof (2018 Release)

A little background

E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof is the uncut and unfiltered member of the popular E.H. Taylor line from Buffalo Trace.  It is released once a year with the 2018 coming in at 129.7⁰ of Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 goodness.  Retail price of around $80.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn.)

Color in the glass

Dark Amber

Nose

Dark fruits such as plums and prunes lead the way backed up by bourbon standards vanilla, caramel, brown sugar.  Very sweet on the nose but balanced out by the heat from the Proof.

Palate

A burst of flavor; thick with blueberry maple syrup, fruit punch, brown sugar, and vanilla soufflé.  There is a little heat present but nothing excessive given the high ABV.

Finish

All the sweet notes continue and are joined by cinnamon and ginger.  Decent length and the heat dissipates into a subtle warmth.

In closing

This is a great representation of Buffalo Trace’s Mash Bill #1 with dark fruits balanced by the spice from the high ABV.  This is the true “Stagg Jr.” in my honest opinion because it provides many of the same tastes and smells as the recent George T. Stagg releases.  This is a great bourbon that I wish could be experienced more easily by whiskey enthusiasts.