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Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof vs Kentucky Owl Batch 12
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and Kentucky Owl Batch 12 are cut from similar cloth: two takes on traditional bourbons, where the real difference is price (~$75 – $200 vs. ~$300 – $400).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof | Kentucky Owl Batch 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| 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) +15 proof | 115.8 proof (57.9% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$75 – $200 ~$213 less | ~$300 – $400 |
| Availability | Allocated | Limited easier to find |
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and Kentucky Owl Batch 12 do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Kentucky Owl Batch 12
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Kentucky Owl Batch 12
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 3 out of 10
spice 5/7 spice: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 7 out of 10
heat 9/7 heat: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 7 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 6 out of 10
oak 8/8 oak: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 8 out of 10
fruit 4/4 fruit: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Nutty, grain-driven character is the divider.
- 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.
- Kentucky Owl Batch 12: A high-end blend of young and older sourced Kentucky bourbons. Leather, smoky oak and caramel, with a peppery, spice-forward palate.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof if you want a hot, nutty, barrel-proof Buffalo Trace bourbon at a significantly lower price point.
- Go with Kentucky Owl Batch 12 if you want a spicy, leathery, high-end blended bourbon without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof); neat (Kentucky Owl Batch 12).