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Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof vs Penelope Rio
Comparing Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and Penelope Rio reveals a matchup between an uncut, cask-strength bruiser and a sourced, even-keeled blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof | Penelope Rio |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Four-Grain Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, 3% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) +32 proof | 98 proof (49% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$75 – $200 | ~$80 – $100 ~$48 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Limited 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 Rio
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Penelope Rio
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 8/4 oak: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Penelope Rio 4 out of 10
heat 9/5 heat: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Penelope Rio 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/9 sweetness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Penelope Rio 9 out of 10
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Penelope Rio 3 out of 10
fruit 4/6 fruit: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Penelope Rio 6 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10, Penelope Rio 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Oak is doing most of the differentiating here.
- 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 Rio: Penelope's four-grain blend finished in honey barrels and then amburana wood. It tastes like a cinnamon roll: honey, gingerbread and sweet baking spice.
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 Rio if you want a honey-and-amburana-finished bourbon that tastes like a cinnamon roll at a significantly lower price point and without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof); neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Rio).