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Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof vs Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: an undiluted barrel-strength pour versus an old-guard, rye-forward classic.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof | Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) +20 proof | 110 proof (55% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$75 – $200 | ~$55 – $70 ~$75 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.
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 5/8 spice: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 8 out of 10
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 3 out of 10
heat 9/7 heat: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 7 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 6 out of 10
oak 8/8 oak: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 8 out of 10
fruit 4/4 fruit: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- 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 Single Barrel: Non-chill-filtered single barrels at 110 proof, and the format that store picks have made a cult of. Concentrated Wild Turkey character with a texture the standard bottlings do not have.
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 Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel if you want concentrated Wild Turkey character with single-barrel variation and real texture at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof); neat, old-fashioned (Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel).