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Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof vs Jefferson’s Very Small Batch
Comparing Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and Jefferson’s Very Small Batch reveals a matchup between an uncut, cask-strength bruiser and a blender-built, even-keeled bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof | Jefferson’s Very Small Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) +48 proof | 82.3 proof (41.1% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$75 – $200 | ~$28 – $36 ~$106 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available easier to find |
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and Jefferson’s Very Small Batch do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Jefferson’s Very Small Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Jefferson’s Very Small Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 9/2 heat: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 2 out of 10
oak 8/4 oak: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 3 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- 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.
- Jefferson’s Very Small Batch: A blend of sourced barrels bottled at a very gentle 82.3 proof. Easy and inoffensive, but thin enough that it is hard to recommend over bonded bottles costing less.
Which One Should You Choose?
- 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.
- Go with Jefferson’s Very Small Batch if you want an especially soft, low-proof pour and gentleness matters more than intensity at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof); rocks, cocktails, highball (Jefferson’s Very Small Batch).