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Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof vs Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Put Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof next to Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve and you have a full-proof, unfiltered heavyweight set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof | Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 9 years |
| Proof | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) +10 proof | 120 proof (60% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$75 – $200 | ~$45 – $55 ~$88 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available easier to find |
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 5/7 spice: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 7 out of 10
fruit 4/3 fruit: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 3 out of 10
heat 9/8 heat: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 8 out of 10
nuttiness 6/7 nuttiness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 7 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 6 out of 10
oak 8/8 oak: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 8 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.
- Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve: The same nine-year Knob Creek juice bottled from a single barrel at 120 proof, and the extra strength suits it. Everything the standard bottling does, turned up — with the barrel-to-barrel variation that comes with the format.
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 Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve if you want the Beam profile at serious proof for well under what most barrel-strength bourbons cost without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof); neat, old-fashioned (Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve).