Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 14 Bourbon Review

Part of what makes whiskey hunting every winter so fun is the not-so-rare bourbon release like Colonel E.H. Taylor barrel proof bourbon, which shows up far more regularly than the likes of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. This year, however, the Colonel does show up in the Antique Collection, with the addition of the E.H. Taylor bottled-in-bond expression, which is extra-aged to 15 years and 4 months and bottled at 100 proof. In preparation for addressing my top bourbons of the year, I tasted that expression, and it ultimately left a lot to be desired. That finding drew me towards this year's Barrel Proof expression—batch 14 in the series that began back in 2012.

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch List:

Batch 1: 134.5° (2012)

Batch 2: 135.4° (2013)

Batch 3: 129.0° (2014)

Batch 4: 127.2° (2015)

Batch 5: 127.5° (2016)

Batch 6: 128.1° (2017)

Batch 7: 129.7° (2018)

Batch 8: 129.3° (2019)

Batch 9: 130.3° (2020)

Batch 10: 127.3° (2021)

Batch 11: 129.0° (2022)

Batch 12: 131.1° (2023)

Batch 13: 127.3° (2024)

Batch 14: 127.2° / 127.3° / 127.4° (2025)*

*Update: 2025's release saw a weird phenomenon occur, where very shortly after the first reports of 127.2 proof batches started to hit store shelves, another version of this bottle was also turning up in smaller numbers at 127.4 proof. Shortly after that, we found 127.3 proof bottles turning up, which unfortunately is the same proof as batch 13, which was released in 2024.

Recently @distractedanddiverted did an excellent video showing the difference between batch 13 and batch 14 by rotating over clear views of the laser codes in their Instagram post. The two different bottles of 127.3 proof E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof bourbon featured an L24298 laser code and an L25296 laser code, meaning the first was bottled last year under the batch 13 moniker and the L25 was bottled more recently in 2025. Do you think this means there are potentially more than 3 batches from 2025 that we don't even know about? Does it signal a distillery blending in higher quantities than ever before? Questions for you to noodle on...

Since this year's release I am reviewing is another repeat proof, I'll reiterate how to read laser codes on bottles so you know definitively which specific batch you have based on something more than just proof. On the lower edge of your bottle, look for faint white font; you will likely have to tilt the bottle towards a light source to find it, as it doesn't have any noticeable texture to the touch. When you find the letters, the first 3 are the important ones. "L" just means it was bottled on Buffalo Trace's bottling line, and the next 2 numbers are the bottling year. L25 means 2025, and L15 means 2015 in the case of the 127.2 proof batch 4. You can see a great image example of this in my review of batch 13. The bottle under review here is the 127.2 proof batch, which has a laser code of L25176.

I managed to score this from one of my local Massachusetts retailers for MSRP. I paid for this with my own money for the purposes of this review. In accordance with my editorial policy, I tasted this bottle a minimum of three times neat in a glencairn on a fresh palate before writing my tasting notes and offering an honest rating. If this level of transparency is resonant with you, please consider subscribing to my newsletter or sharing this review with a friend.

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Company on Label: Distilled & bottled by Old Fashioned Copper Distillery (Buffalo Trace), Frankfort, Kentucky

Whiskey Type: Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey

Mash Bill Percentages: Undisclosed Buffalo Trace mash bill 1 (low rye)

Proof: 127.2°

Age: NAS (assumed to be roughly 8-12 years)

MSRP: $80 (2025)

Buy online: Frootbat

Further identification: The 2025 release of Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof was first released in October of 2025 alongside the once-yearly allocations from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection

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Nose: At first glance, this is surely a well-aged Kentucky bourbon. Prevalent level oak leads the way before crushed red grape and macerated cherry bubble to the surface, bringing with it a light tingle in the nostrils. Rolling the glass to coat the entire surface produces rich chocolate Swiss roll cake aromas before loud raspberry roulade swings in as an agreeable compliment. Long inhales offer slight hints of anise, vanilla saltwater taffy, and oak sprinkled with flecks of black pepper. After a sip, things only get more comfortable as gobs of caramel flood into my nostrils. There's a slightly drying, crisp cleanliness characteristic here that reminds me of stepping out into cold, dry air after having taken a hot shower inside, skin steaming into the night. Earthiness builds with time as the oak influence makes itself known, and this remains quite consistent and mellow throughout the latter half of the glass. My empty glencairn smells of Play-Doh, horse barn hay, truffle butter, and leather.

Palate: Right away this glass feels well balanced between fruit and wood spice. Cherry cordial tones are immediately bolstered by pumpkin pie and graham cracker layers that feel well integrated from the very first sip. I'm surprised by how soft it lands on the tongue despite being an uncut and unfiltered bourbon bottled at 127.2 proof; there's basically no heat to this, even as a first sip of the day. Another taste offers more cherry tones, now leaning more into a cherry wine feeling as some tannins creep across the tongue. The linger is all red licorice and snickerdoodles. A long sip and swish elevates spiced tea tones like cardamom, cinnamon stick, and clove over black tea. Sipping near the bottom of the glass, I find cinnamon and nutmeg tones leaning in a bit harder, and the fruitiness subsiding. Light cherry tones can still be found as a strong undertone; it just doesn't deliver as crisp and clean as maybe a Taylor small batch or single barrel would. While never venturing too far into any one category (sweet, creamy, or oaky), this demonstrates the core range of a Kentucky bourbon quite solidly. My last sip is a rush of all fruit again, which is a lovely surprise as raspberry, plum, and cherry tones proliferate in an effervescent send-off. The linger is medium-long with caramel apple pie and ganache tones that are both comfortable and enjoyable.

TL;DR: An easy-sipping barrel proof bourbon that doesn't disappoint when tasted on its own

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Rating: 4/5

Really good. I want one of these on my shelf.

While this doesn't quite reach as high as some of the older batches that I really enjoyed, like batch 9 and batch 10, this year's release manages to draw a strong line in the sand for what Kentucky bourbon should taste like. It likely won't stand up to some comparison tastings, but by maintaining perfect drinkability, this release should be approachable for whiskey drinkers of all levels, though longtime enthusiasts who have tasted quite a bit may find it a bit underwhelming. Despite this subtle qualm from me, I know this will be a release that serves folks much better than the new E.H. Taylor bottled-in-bond BTAC release will.

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WRITTEN BY: NICK ANDERSON

With over a decade of sipping experience, Nick Anderson brings a well-calibrated palate to his profound passion for the whiskey industry. Beginning in Irish whiskey before expanding into bourbon, rye, and beyond, he has long been taking the ephemeral observation of unspoken enjoyment and translating it into meaningful words. He is the owner and primary long-winded whiskey writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com, and he hopes you find resonance in the patient conveyance of an honest whiskey review.

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