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Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof vs Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
On paper Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and Elijah Craig Barrel Proof are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$75 – $200 vs. ~$70 – $100) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof | Elijah Craig Barrel Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | 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 | 12 years |
| Proof | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) +6 proof | 124 proof (62% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$75 – $200 | ~$70 – $100 ~$53 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Limited easier to find |
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
A top 5 bottle.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 5/7 spice: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 7 out of 10
nuttiness 6/4 nuttiness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 7 out of 10
oak 8/9 oak: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 9 out of 10
fruit 4/4 fruit: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 4 out of 10
heat 9/9 heat: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 9 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- 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.
- Elijah Craig Barrel Proof: The uncut, unfiltered version of the same 12-year Heaven Hill juice, and the intensity is the whole point. Thick fudge and char with cinnamon heat, a genuinely long finish, and enough proof that water meaningfully changes the glass.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof if you want a hot, nutty, barrel-proof Buffalo Trace bourbon.
- Go with Elijah Craig Barrel Proof if you want maximum intensity and oak depth, and you want to control the dilution yourself at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof); neat (Elijah Craig Barrel Proof).