Introduction
When I first heard that Buffalo Trace was releasing a new Colonel E.H. Taylor bottling based on a 19th-century recipe, I was very curious. This isn’t just another small batch or single barrel – it’s a historical recreation of sorts, intended to reflect a distilling approach and flavor profile from the early days of post-Civil War bourbon production. That definitely caught my attention, especially since I already have a great deal of respect for the standard E.H. Taylor lineup. So when I got my hands on the Distiller’s Council release, I approached it with equal parts interest and cautious optimism.
Nose
On the nose, this bourbon is expressive right away. Strong oak and matured tobacco are the two standout notes, delivering a sense of age and gravity. As it settled in the glass, a wave of dried cherries and spiced molasses began to emerge. There’s also something slightly herbal – maybe a hint of mint or anise – that brings complexity. It feels classic, bordering on old-fashioned, but without smelling tired or overly musty. The alcohol is well integrated, no sharp ethanol here, which is commendable given the strength (it's bottled in bond, at 100 proof).
Palate
I found the palate to be full-bodied, with a slightly oily texture that coats the tongue nicely. The first sip delivers a big hit of oak and char, followed by layers of dark fruit – plums, black cherry, and stewed figs. There’s a noticeable spice to it: clove, cinnamon, and a crack of black pepper that adds warmth rather than bite. Mid-palate, a wave of caramel sweetness rounds things out, keeping the bolder flavors in check. The balance here is solid – bold but not brash, warming without being harsh. This isn’t a fruit-forward bourbon, but the richness is compelling and quite evocative of older styles.
Finish
The finish is long and quite dry, emphasizing oak tannins and hints of well-worn leather. There’s some sweet pipe tobacco in the final lingering notes alongside faint echoes of dark cocoa. That herbal thread from the nose pops up again right at the end – it’s subtle but helps tie everything together. The dryness might be divisive, but in this context it feels appropriate, reinforcing the whisky's roots in a more traditional approach.
Price and Value
This is where things get a bit tricky. As a special release, the bottle retails higher than your average bottle from the E.H. Taylor line, and if you’re trying to purchase it on the secondary market, prepare for a steep markup. From a purely flavor perspective, it offers an experience that’s complex, well-structured, and undeniably interesting. Whether that justifies the spend depends on how much value you place on the historical narrative and limited availability. Personally, for a one-time purchase rooted in bourbon heritage, I didn’t feel shortchanged.
Background
This bottling was developed as part of Buffalo Trace’s commitment to keeping Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr.’s legacy alive. Taylor was known for championing rigorous standards in distilling, and his advocacy helped lead to the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897. The Distiller’s Council bourbon is said to mirror a late-1800s production method, using a unique mash bill and fermentation approach reflective of the era.
Buffalo Trace’s innovation team reportedly drew on archived recipes and production insight and crafted the whiskey with their onsite microstill, then aged it in traditional warehouses before bottling it in bond. You can learn more about their approach and broader whiskey projects on the official Buffalo Trace website.
Final Notes
Would I purchase this bottle again? I think I would, though likely only if I found it at or near retail – I’m not compelled to chase the secondary surge for it. Is this something I’d give to someone just starting out with bourbon? Probably not. While it’s far from harsh, the flavors lean toward the dry, spiced, and wood-driven side, which might overshadow a beginner’s palate.
In terms of occasion, this feels like a whiskey best suited for slow sipping with time to reflect – maybe as a nightcap or shared among a small group of enthusiasts. Compared to other Colonel E.H. Taylor releases, this one carries a bit more heft and historical character, though I’d say it’s closer in structure to the Straight Rye than the Small Batch or Single Barrel. Overall, it’s a genuinely thoughtful whiskey that rewards those with an interest in where bourbon came from – not just where it’s going.