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Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof vs Russell’s Reserve 15 Year
On paper Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and Russell’s Reserve 15 Year are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$75 – $200 vs. ~$250 – $400) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof | Russell’s Reserve 15 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 15 years |
| Proof | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) +13 proof | 117.2 proof (58.6% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$75 – $200 ~$188 less | ~$250 – $400 |
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and Russell’s Reserve 15 Year do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Russell’s Reserve 15 Year
One of my favorites.
Flavor Profile
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Russell’s Reserve 15 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 3 out of 10
fruit 4/6 fruit: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 6 out of 10
heat 9/7 heat: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 7 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 7 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 6 out of 10
oak 8/9 oak: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 9 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The house grain character is what splits these.
- 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.
- Russell’s Reserve 15 Year: The oldest regular Russell's Reserve, at barrel proof. Fifteen years in Camp Nelson rickhouses push it toward old oak, leather and dried fruit over the usual Turkey 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 at a significantly lower price point.
- Go with Russell’s Reserve 15 Year if you want a very old, oak-heavy Wild Turkey for slow sipping.
Best enjoyed neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof); neat (Russell’s Reserve 15 Year).