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Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof vs Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Comparing Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B reveals a matchup between an uncut, cask-strength bruiser and a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | 12 years |
| Proof | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) +40 proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$75 – $200 ~$398 less | ~$170 – $900 |
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 9/3 heat: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10
spice 5/3 spice: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
oak 8/6 oak: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, spiced 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 at a significantly lower price point and with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
- Go with Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line.
Best enjoyed neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof); neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B).