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Buffalo Trace vs Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
Buffalo Trace and Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: an old-guard, classically built classic versus an undiluted barrel-strength pour.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Buffalo Trace | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) +40 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 ~$106 less | ~$75 – $200 |
| Availability | Limited easier to find | Allocated |
- Buffalo Trace and Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Buffalo Trace
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
A top 5 bottle.
Flavor Profile
Buffalo Trace Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 4/9 heat: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10
oak 6/8 oak: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
nuttiness 4/6 nuttiness: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Buffalo Trace: The reference-point Kentucky bourbon: balanced brown sugar and vanilla sweetness, a whisper of mint, and just enough oak and spice to keep it interesting. Nothing is loud, which is exactly the point at 90 proof.
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof: E.H. Taylor straight from the barrel. Very hot and nutty, with toasted pecan, dark sugar and heavy oak; the proof changes with each batch.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Buffalo Trace if you want the balanced, everyday Kentucky benchmark that does nothing wrong at a fair price without hunting for it.
- Go with Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof if you want a hot, nutty, barrel-proof Buffalo Trace bourbon with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace); neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof).