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Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof vs Old Forester 100 Proof
Put Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof next to Old Forester 100 Proof and you have a full-proof, unfiltered heavyweight set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof | Old Forester 100 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) +30 proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$75 – $200 | ~$26 – $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.
Old Forester 100 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Old Forester 100 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 9/5 heat: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 3 out of 10
oak 8/6 oak: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 7 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 5 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.
- Old Forester 100 Proof: The bottle most people should buy from this range: the same recipe as the 86 with enough proof to actually taste it. One of the strongest arguments on the shelf for spending six dollars more.
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 Old Forester 100 Proof if you want the best value in the Old Forester range and a superb old-fashioned base without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof); neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Forester 100 Proof).