Chris OaksE.H. Taylor, Jr Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, New 2024 Release
Buffalo Trace Distillery, who was just awarded with the Best Bourbon In The World, just released a new expression that is also sure to catch folk’s attention. This is a new addition to the Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr lineup, a founding father to the modern bourbon industry and this award-winning distillery as well. So let’s dive into this E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey review!
It should be noted that the present E.H. Taylor, Jr collection currently includes a Straight Rye and also a Barrel Proof, so the new E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey release looks to bridge that gap. Furthermore, Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey is a less common offering that you see on liquors store shelves across the United States.
E.H. Taylor, Jr Lineup
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E. H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch -
E. H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel -
E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof -
E.H. Taylor, Jr. Straight Rye - E.H. Taylor, Jr Barrel Proof Rye
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E.H. Taylor, Jr. Old Fashioned Sour Mash -
E.H. Taylor, Jr. Warehouse C Tornado Surviving -
E.H. Taylor, Jr. Cured Oak -
E.H. Taylor, Jr. Seasoned Wood -
E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain -
E.H. Taylor, Jr. Amaranth -
E. H. Taylor, Jr. 18 Year Marriage -
E.H. Taylor, Jr. Warehouse C Bourbon
Review & Tasting Notes
This new Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey marks the 13th release to join the Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. Collection that we’ve outlined above. That lineup ranges from the more expressions such as Small Batch and Single Barrel, to super rare Warehouse C Bourbon and 18 Year Marriage. Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey lands in the middle of that lineup, but comes in the same E.H. Taylor, Jr bottle that we’ve grown to recognize with its vintage label.
Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. has been a staple at the Buffalo Trace Distillery grounds even before it existed. Taylor purchased the O.F.C. Distillery that stood in its place back in 1869, before eventually going into a partnership with George T. Stagg at the location. Considered by most as the “Father of the Modern Bourbon Industry,” the whiskey trailblazer was crafting straight rye whiskey more than 100 years before it made its resurgence in the American whiskey market.
Additionally, Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr put his stamp on the industry in the form of modernizing production by innovating state-of-the-art grain equipment which was a first-of-its-kind steam heating system that is still used in barrel warehouses at the Buffalo Trace Distillery currently. He also played a pivotal role in establishing the Bottle-in-Bond Act of 1897.
“Colonel Taylor’s impact on the bourbon industry is immeasurable and, more than 130 years after the construction of his famous and innovative Warehouse C, Buffalo Trace Distillery remains committed to producing exceptional whiskey with the finest quality ingredients,” stated Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey is an exceptional uncut, unfiltered expression that pays homage to the E.H. Taylor’s pioneering vision.”
This new expression for 2024 is a good balance of barrel strength and rye spice! In the past few years, we’ve witnessed more barrel proof spirits hit the market. It’s certainly been a trend, pulling new bourbon drinkers deeper into the depths and complexities of the category. Will rye be the next frontier? Either way, if you’ve been trying to take the next step in your exploration, here’s a unique opportunity to take that leap!
“Spirits enthusiasts know that there is no experience quite like tasting a whiskey in its truest, untouched form – straight from the barrel,” stated Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “Barrel Proof Rye takes the beloved recipe of Colonel E.H. Taylor Straight Rye Whiskey to a new level and brings a new release that perfectly complements the E.H. Taylor, Jr. Collection.”
This expression of Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. is the ideal blend of barrel proof strength and fresh rye spice. On the nose it has an aroma of white pepper and nutty undertones, with a touch of fresh floral and candied apricot. A sip brings a range of complex flavors, balancing the sweet, dried stone fruit with pepper and oaky dryness. The lasting finish is full and sweet as honey, concluding an exceptional experience.
With the E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey release, you can expect an abundance of spice from the high rye mash bill alongside the warmth expected from an uncut and unfiltered barrel strength spirit! How hot does this one come in you might ask? Well, it’s rated at a bold 126 proof. Don’t get the spice confused with the ABV though because they’re both well represented in this rye whiskey! Now for the tasting notes below.
The color of the liquid in the bottle is deep amber with golden highlights due to the uncut barrel strength. The nose has inviting hints of white pepper and candied apricots. The palate produces a bold and spicy punch with hints of cinnamon balanced with honey and dark chocolate. The finish is full, complex, and guaranteed to last, like an extended Kentucky Hug!
Color
Deep amber with golden highlights.
Nose
Inviting aromas of white pepper, nuts, and candied apricot complemented by spicy rye.
Palate
Bold and spicy with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper, balanced by hints of honey, dark chocolate, and dried apricot.
Finish
Long and warming with a persistent spice and subtle sweetness.
Barrel
Aged in a new #4 charred American oak barrels within the historic warehouses of Buffalo Trace Distillery.
Release Date & Availability
The E.H. Taylor, Jr Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey is slated for release in the summer of 2024. Availability will be limited and it will be sold through select retailers across the United States. Due to the high demand and limited edition nature of this release, expect allocated supplies.
Proof & ABV
This barrel proof rye whiskey features a proof of 126, translating to an ABV of 63%.
Mash Bill
While the exact mash bill is undisclosed, it is suspected to utilize Buffalo Trace’s high rye mashbill containing rye and malted barley, with no corn present.
MSRP & Secondary Price
The suggested retail price (MSRP) for the E.H. Taylor, Jr Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey is $78 for a 750ml bottle. However, due to its limited release and high demand, prices on the secondary market are expected to be significantly higher.
Verdict
The E.H. Taylor, Jr Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey is a welcomed addition to Buffalo Trace’s esteemed lineup by the Soaking Oak staff. Its robust and complex flavor profile, coupled with its unfiltered strength, makes it more of unique offering for most whiskey collections. This release exemplifies the high standards and tradition of excellence associated with the E.H. Taylor, Jr brand.
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AGGREGATE REVIEWS: SO SCORE
Chris Oaks
soakingoak
