Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Barrel Proof Batch 14 127.2 Proof 2025 750ml

Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof Batch 14 is the 2025 edition of Buffalo Trace's most uncompromising E.H. Taylor release, bottled uncut and unfiltered at 127.2 proof. The line honors Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr., born in Kentucky in 1830, who moved to Louisiana with his great uncle Zachary Taylor before returning to Kentucky and making his most indelible mark on history as a founding father of the modern bourbon industry. Taylor established seven distilleries over his career, including the operation now known as Buffalo Trace, and his advocacy gave America the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897. This whiskey is drawn directly from hand selected barrels of Buffalo Trace's Mash Bill #1, the distillery's low rye bourbon recipe, and aged in the century old warehouses Taylor built and oversaw. Nothing is added and nothing is taken away, reflecting the way whiskey was produced before chill filtration and proofing down became standard practice. Barrel Proof is released roughly once a year, typically in the fall, and each batch carries its own natural strength, which is why the label reads proof varies by batch, quality unyielding. Batch 14 has drawn praise for how gracefully it carries its strength. The nose brings dark caramel, seasoned oak, baking spice and soft red fruit. The palate is remarkably balanced between fruit and wood spice, with cherry cordial, pumpkin pie, graham cracker and snickerdoodle richness, then a wave of cardamom, cinnamon stick, clove and black tea, all landing far softer than the proof suggests. The finish is long, with red licorice, gentle tannin and warm spice. A few drops of water or a large ice cube will open it further, though it drinks beautifully neat. Presented in the collection's signature yellow label with a kraft gift tube, Batch 14 is a highly allocated annual release.

ABV / Proof

Tasting Notes

Color: Rich amber.

Nose: Dark caramel and seasoned oak with baking spice and soft red fruit.

Palate: Balanced between fruit and wood spice, with cherry cordial, pumpkin pie, graham cracker and snickerdoodle richness, then cardamom, cinnamon stick, clove and black tea.

Finish: Long, with red licorice, gentle tannin and warm spice.

FAQ

What proof is E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 14?

Batch 14 is bottled at 127.2 proof (63.6% ABV), uncut and unfiltered.

How can I tell Batch 14 from Batch 4?

Both were bottled at 127.2 proof. The laser code on the glass tells them apart: L25 indicates the 2025 bottling, which is Batch 14, while L15 indicates Batch 4 from 2015.

Where is the laser code on the bottle?

Look along the lower edge of the glass for faint white lettering. Tilt the bottle toward a light source, since the code has no texture to the touch.

What mashbill is used?

It comes from Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1, the distillery's low rye bourbon recipe.

Does it need water?

Not necessarily. Reviewers have noted Batch 14 drinks softer than its proof suggests, though a few drops of water will open it further.

Where can I buy Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 14 online?

Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.