The E.H. Taylor series has some whiskeys that I really love and the rye has been very well received by most reviewers. Colonel E.H. Taylor Rye is said to be from a mashbill that differs from other Buffalo Trace ryes like Sazerac and Thomas Handy. Supposedly there is no corn, just a high rye content and a little malted barley which makes it one of the more interesting ryes out there. The problem though is that the price tag is also very high. Is it worth it? Let's find out.
Nose: Heat is just right. Lots of caramel/syrup wood sugars and honey up front, wintergreen and minty spice in the back. A little brine reminiscent of the pickle juice note some mention from LDI ryes.
Taste: Elegant is the word that comes to mind. Wonderfully balanced and nuanced combinations of spicy and sweet. It's neither overly sweet nor overly spicy but rather a great combination of both flavors at once. Mouthfeel is silky and buttery smooth.
Finish: Medium to long in length. The sweetness from the nose and palate are not immediately evident and initially masked by loads of funky, crisp, dry rye spiciness. The spice really comes on strong here at the end. Once the spice resigns, dark sweet wood sugars come back to leave a resounding sweet and spicy trail all the way to the end.
Notes: This is an incredible rye and really unlike any other pour I've ever had. Right now if I had to enumerate my favorite ryes I would put this near the top but behind Thomas Handy and Boss Hog. While those two get points for brash boldness, the Taylor Rye makes up for that with elegant nuance and balance.
Rating: A-
Buy Recommendation: Even at the high price point, yes. Whistle Pig is another contender in this price range and that one is certainly unique as well but I can't honestly say it is better than the Taylor.
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