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Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof vs Woodford Reserve
Comparing Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and Woodford Reserve reveals a matchup between an uncut, cask-strength bruiser and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof | Woodford Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) +40 proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$75 – $200 | ~$35 – $42 ~$99 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available 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.
Woodford Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Woodford Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 9/4 heat: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Woodford Reserve 4 out of 10
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Woodford Reserve 3 out of 10
oak 8/6 oak: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Woodford Reserve 6 out of 10
fruit 4/6 fruit: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Woodford Reserve 6 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10, Woodford Reserve 6 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Woodford Reserve 6 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.
- Woodford Reserve: The most widely poured premium bourbon in America, and a genuinely well-made one. Dried fruit and cocoa over a balanced 18% rye mash, finished smooth enough to please almost anyone.
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 Woodford Reserve if you want a polished, widely available crowd-pleaser that never puts a foot wrong at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof); neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Woodford Reserve).