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Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof vs Penelope Architect
Comparing Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and Penelope Architect reveals a matchup between an uncut, cask-strength bruiser and a blender-built, even-keeled bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof | Penelope Architect |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Four-Grain Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 7% rye, 15% wheat, 3% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) +26 proof | 104 proof (52% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$75 – $200 | ~$60 – $70 ~$73 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.
Penelope Architect
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Penelope Architect
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 8/5 oak: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Penelope Architect 5 out of 10
heat 9/6 heat: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Penelope Architect 3 out of 10
fruit 4/6 fruit: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Penelope Architect 7 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- 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.
- Penelope Architect: Penelope's four-grain blend finished with French oak staves chosen for their tannin. The French oak adds berry, cherry and warm spice to a vanilla-heavy base.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof if you want a hot, nutty, barrel-proof Buffalo Trace bourbon.
- Go with Penelope Architect if you want a four-grain bourbon with a French oak finish that adds berries and warm spice at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof); neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Architect).