Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr 18 Year Marriage Bottled in Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750ml

Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. 18 Year Marriage is one of the most extraordinary and sought-after releases in the entire Buffalo Trace portfolio, a bottled-in-bond Kentucky straight bourbon assembled from two different mash bills that have each been aged for a minimum of 18 years before being married together into a single expression. The concept of marrying two complementary aged bourbons traces back to Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr. himself, one of the most influential figures in the history of American whiskey and the man who championed the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, the first consumer protection legislation in United States history. This release honors his pursuit of perfection by combining the vanilla butter cake richness of one mash bill with the deep caramel and spice of another, the result of 18 years of patient maturation at Buffalo Trace Distillery under Kentucky's extreme climate. Bottled at exactly 100 proof in accordance with bonded requirements and presented in the Colonel E.H. Taylor cylindrical antique-label tube, this is one of the most limited and most decorated releases in the Taylor lineup and a cornerstone of any serious Buffalo Trace collection.

ABV / Proof

Tasting Notes

Color: Deep rich amber with warm copper tones, reflecting 18 years of maturation in new charred American oak

Nose: Generous and inviting, with vanilla butter cake, dark caramel, toasted oak, dried cherry, cinnamon, and a gentle baking spice. The two mash bills complement rather than compete, creating an aromatic harmony that neither could achieve alone.

Palate: Rich, layered, and beautifully integrated, with dark toffee, roasted corn sweetness, brown sugar, espresso, dried dark fruits, and a building spice from the rye-forward component. The 18 years of oak contact delivers a depth and smoothness that makes 100 proof feel remarkably approachable.

Finish: Long and satisfying, with vanilla, charred oak, dark fruit, and a warm lingering spice that honors everything the Colonel built his legacy on.

FAQ

Who was Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. and why does he matter?
Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr. is one of the most important figures in the history of American whiskey. He was a driving force behind the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, the first federal consumer protection legislation in US history, which established legal standards for bourbon production including minimum age, proof, and single-distillery requirements. Buffalo Trace's Colonel E.H. Taylor series honors his obsession with quality and his commitment to producing bourbon the right way.

What does "marriage" mean in bourbon terms?
A marriage bourbon is one assembled from two or more complementary whiskey components, each bringing different character from different mash bills or maturation histories. The 18 Year Marriage combines two distinct Buffalo Trace mash bills that have each been aged for a minimum of 18 years, then blended to create a complexity greater than either could achieve individually.

What does Bottled in Bond mean?
Bottled in Bond is a legal designation established by the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, which requires the spirit to be: aged for a minimum of four years, bottled at exactly 100 proof, produced at a single distillery in a single distillation season, and stored in a federally bonded warehouse. It is one of the strongest quality guarantees in American spirits law.

Is the 18 Year Marriage a limited release?
Yes. The Colonel E.H. Taylor 18 Year Marriage is one of the most limited releases in the Taylor series, produced only when 18-year-old stocks of both mash bills are deemed ready. It is highly allocated and sells through quickly upon each release. Stock at Liquor On Broadway is finite.

Where can I buy Colonel E.H. Taylor 18 Year Marriage online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.