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Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof vs Maker's Mark
Comparing Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and Maker's Mark reveals a matchup between an uncut, cask-strength bruiser and a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof | Maker's Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) +40 proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$75 – $200 | ~$25 – $32 ~$109 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available 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.
Maker's Mark
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Maker's Mark
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 9/3 heat: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Maker's Mark 3 out of 10
oak 8/4 oak: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Maker's Mark 4 out of 10
spice 5/2 spice: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10, Maker's Mark 2 out of 10
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Maker's Mark 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Maker's Mark 8 out of 10
fruit 4/4 fruit: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Maker's Mark 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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.
- Maker's Mark: The bottle that made wheated bourbon mainstream. Soft, sweet, and deliberately low on spice and oak, with baked bread and honey doing most of the work. Consistency is its real feature.
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 Maker's Mark if you want a reliably sweet, low-spice wheater that is easy to find and easy to drink at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof); neat, rocks, cocktails, highball (Maker's Mark).