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Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof vs W.L. Weller Special Reserve
Comparing Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and W.L. Weller Special Reserve reveals a matchup between an uncut, cask-strength bruiser and a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof | W.L. Weller Special Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Wheated 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) +40 proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$75 – $200 | ~$30 – $60 ~$93 less |
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and W.L. Weller Special Reserve do not publish an official mash bill.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 Special Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof W.L. Weller Special Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 9/3 heat: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, W.L. Weller Special Reserve 3 out of 10
oak 8/4 oak: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, W.L. Weller Special Reserve 4 out of 10
spice 5/2 spice: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10, W.L. Weller Special Reserve 2 out of 10
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, W.L. Weller Special Reserve 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, W.L. Weller Special Reserve 7 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, W.L. Weller Special Reserve 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- 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 Special Reserve: The entry point to the Weller line and an easy introduction to wheated bourbon. Soft honey and vanilla with almost no rye bite, a bread-dough body, and a short, sweet finish that asks nothing of you.
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 Special Reserve if you want the softest, sweetest, most approachable wheated pour of the group at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof); neat, rocks, highball (W.L. Weller Special Reserve).