Compare
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof vs W.L. Weller 12 Year
Put Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof next to W.L. Weller 12 Year and you have a full-proof, unfiltered heavyweight set against a classic, high-wheat stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof | W.L. Weller 12 Year |
|---|---|---|
| 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 proof (45% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$75 – $200 | ~$70 – $180 ~$13 less |
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and W.L. Weller 12 Year do not publish an official mash bill.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.
W.L. Weller 12 Year
No notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof W.L. Weller 12 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 9/3 heat: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, W.L. Weller 12 Year 3 out of 10
spice 5/2 spice: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10, W.L. Weller 12 Year 2 out of 10
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, W.L. Weller 12 Year 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, W.L. Weller 12 Year 8 out of 10
fruit 4/6 fruit: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, W.L. Weller 12 Year 6 out of 10
oak 8/7 oak: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, W.L. Weller 12 Year 7 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.
- W.L. Weller 12 Year: Twelve years on a wheated mash at a modest 90 proof, which is the combination that made this bottle famous. Deep caramel and baked fruit with polished rather than aggressive oak — the closest widely-discussed analogue to the Pappy profile.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof if you want a hot, nutty, barrel-proof Buffalo Trace bourbon with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
- Go with W.L. Weller 12 Year if you want age and elegance on a wheated mash, and you are willing to chase it at a lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof); neat (W.L. Weller 12 Year).