Over the last few years the Colonel E.H. Taylor line has become something of a dumping ground for one-offs that probably should have fallen under Buffalo Trace's experimental collection series. Cynics like me would say that's because Buffalo Trace can make more money by slapping a fancy label on them and including a sweet tube. Regardless, intermingled with all the one-offs there have been some expressions that keep returning every year, one of which is the small batch. According to the original Buffalo Trace press release from 2012, the small batch is aged 7 years on the sixth floor of their brick warehouses and subject to limited availability. That last part is funny because it used to be plentiful here but these days spotting any Colonel Taylor product on the shelves in Nashville is rare.
No Age Statement; 50% ABV; $45
Nose: Sweet and fruity with heavy vanilla and lots of peaches. The ethanol and light spice give it a slight menthol tingle as well.
Taste: Like the nose it is very sweet with peaches and vanilla dominating. There's a little bit of wood depth here that gives it some older notes like tobacco and leather. In the finish a little cinnamon spice comes through but it's faint. This is like eating peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream from a wooden spoon.
Thoughts: This is a good bourbon. It's a nice sweet spot in age so you get a good balance of oak notes while still retaining some fruity youth. My main criticism here would be cost as it seems you're mostly paying for is the name and packaging. Taste-wise I'd recommend Four Roses Single Barrel, Henry McKenna, or Eagle Rare over this which is good news because all those products are cheaper and much easier to find.
Rating: B- / B
Note that price is not considered when assigning a rating.
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