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Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof vs Rowan's Creek
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and Rowan's Creek sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: an undiluted barrel-strength pour versus an old-guard, classically built classic.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof | Rowan's Creek |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) +30 proof | 100.1 proof (50.0% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$75 – $200 | ~$40 – $50 ~$93 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available easier to find |
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and Rowan's Creek do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Rowan's Creek
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Rowan's Creek
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 8/4 oak: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Rowan's Creek 4 out of 10
heat 9/5 heat: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Rowan's Creek 5 out of 10
nuttiness 6/2 nuttiness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Rowan's Creek 2 out of 10
spice 5/7 spice: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10, Rowan's Creek 7 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Rowan's Creek 6 out of 10
fruit 4/4 fruit: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Rowan's Creek 4 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.
- Rowan's Creek: A small-batch Willett bottling that tastes rye-forward and herbal. Honey and caramel sit under mint, hay and warm spice, with a peppermint lift on the finish.
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 Rowan's Creek if you want an herbal, minty, rye-forward Willett bottling at a significantly lower price point and without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Rowan's Creek).