For Day Thirteen, I’m pouring a bourbon that’s not only known for its quality but also deeply rooted in the history of American whiskey—E.H. Taylor Small Batch. This bottle pays homage to Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr., one of the founding fathers of modern bourbon, who left an indelible mark on the industry by championing the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. This legislation guaranteed the quality and authenticity of whiskey by ensuring it met strict standards, including being the product of a single distillery, aged for at least four years, and bottled at 100 proof.
I’m a big fan of Bottled-in-Bond whiskeys. While the requirements were originally designed to ensure the purity of the product, they also make it easier to compare the craftsmanship of multiple distilleries. With each bottle adhering to the same proof and aging rules, you can really taste how each distillery expresses their approach to the craft within those fixed parameters. It gives you a clear sense of the distiller’s skill in balancing the flavors of their whiskey, as the standards level the playing field in terms of production.
Today, the E.H. Taylor line continues to honor his legacy by offering some of the finest examples of Bottled-in-Bond whiskey. What I love about the Small Batch expression is its consistency. Despite being a regular release in the E.H. Taylor lineup, it’s still hard to come by because bourbon lovers appreciate its classic flavor profile and well-crafted balance. This is bourbon as it was meant to be—rich, full-bodied, and smooth.
E.H. Taylor Small Batch is rumored to be aged in Warehouse C, a facility that Colonel Taylor himself built back in 1881. Warehouse C has become legendary in the bourbon world because of the way it ages whiskey, allowing for optimal temperature fluctuations and perfect maturation. That legacy carries through in every sip of this bourbon.
On the nose, you’re greeted with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of fresh mint. The palate is where this bourbon shines—butterscotch, dried fruit, and rich oak all blend together, offering a balance of sweetness and spice. The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering hints of spice and toasted oak that keep you coming back for more.
What’s special about E.H. Taylor Small Batch isn’t just the legacy behind it—it’s the consistent quality that makes every pour a reminder of why this brand has stood the test of time. It might be hard to find, but when you do, it’s always worth it.
Distiller: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Mash Bill: Undisclosed (believed to be Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1)
Age: At least 4 years (Bottled-in-Bond)
Proof: 100 proof (50% ABV)
Availability: Limited allocation, though part of the regular E.H. Taylor lineup
