Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Bourbon 129 Proof / 2014 Batch 3

Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Bourbon is uncut, unfiltered, and coveted by bourbon lovers around the world. This 2014 release was bottled at 129 proof.

F. Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal Rating: 5 stars/Highest Recommendation

“A masterpiece that, in truth, might be too much for inexperienced whiskey devotees.” -Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal

“Crafted from hand-selected barrels, this bourbon is bottled directly from the barrel; uncut and unfiltered. It reflects the way whiskey was produced in the days before Prohibition, when Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. was the owner of Buffalo Trace Distillery. Drawn from barrels aged in warehouses constructed over a century ago under Taylor’s watchful eye, the taste is smooth, yet powerful and uncompromising, just like its namesake.”

One of the real fathers of bourbon is Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr. He was adopted by his uncle, Edmund Haynes Taylor Snr., who rechristened him as his junior, after becoming an orphan at the age of five in 1830. Due to his honorary title of Kentucky Colonel, E.H. Taylor Jr. is also referred to as Colonel Taylor. Taylor established and owned seven distinct distilleries throughout the course of his career, and because of his advocacy for the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, he is regarded as “the father of modern bourbon.”

He established the Old Taylor distillery close to Frankfort in Kentucky ten years earlier after selling his interest in the OFC distillery (now Buffalo Trace) to George T. Stagg. The distillery, which gave rise to bourbon tourism, included a fake castle and subterranean gardens on the property. Here, he founded the Old Taylor brand, which was later acquired by National Distillers, one of the “big four” distilling companies that controlled the post-repeal market, after Prohibition.

Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Bourbon 2014 Batch 3 is a powerhouse vintage release from Buffalo Traces acclaimed Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. collection. Bottled straight from the barrel at 129 proof and non-chill filtered, this bourbon delivers the raw intensity and uncut character that the Barrel Proof series is known for. Aged in century-old warehouses and crafted from Mash Bill #1, Batch 3 showcases exceptional depth, richness, and structure. Available at Whiskey Caviar.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep mahogany with ruby hues.

• Nose: Bold caramel, toasted oak, and vanilla with layers of dark fruit, tobacco, and warm spice.

• Palate: Rich and full-bodied with notes of toffee, molasses, cinnamon, and charred oak balanced by hints of leather and dried cherry.

• Finish: Long, warming, and complex with lingering cocoa, oak spice, and subtle smoke.

Vital Stats

• Mash Bill: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (low rye).

• ABV: 64.5% (129 proof, barrel strength).

• Aging: Over 7 years.

• Bottle Size: 750 mL.

• Release Year: 2014 (Batch 3).

Ideal For
This batch is a rare find for collectors and seasoned bourbon lovers seeking vintage Barrel Proof releases. Best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water in a Glencairn glass to open its layered complexity.

FAQ

1. What makes Batch 3 unique?
Released in 2014, Batch 3 has become a collectors favorite due to its balance of high proof power and refined depth.

2. How strong is 129 proof?
Its bold and intense, delivering a fiery kick, but still balanced enough for sipping slowly.

3. Is this bottle still in production?
No, Batch 3 was a one-time release in 2014 and is now a highly sought-after collectible.

Available at Whiskey Caviar.