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Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof vs Jim Beam Black
Put Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof next to Jim Beam Black and you have a full-proof, unfiltered heavyweight set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof | Jim Beam Black |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 7 years |
| Proof | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) +44 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$75 – $200 | ~$22 – $28 ~$113 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available easier to find |
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and Jim Beam Black do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Jim Beam Black
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 9/3 heat: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
oak 8/6 oak: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10
fruit 4/3 fruit: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
nuttiness 6/6 nuttiness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 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.
- Jim Beam Black: The extra-aged version of the white label and a considerable step up for a few dollars more. Softer and rounder than Knob Creek with the same family peanut note, at a proof that keeps everything gentle.
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 Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof); neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black).