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E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel vs Russell’s Reserve 15 Year
Put E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel next to Russell’s Reserve 15 Year and you have a classic, corn-forward stalwart set against a full-proof, unfiltered heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel | Russell’s Reserve 15 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 15 years |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 117.2 proof (58.6% ABV) +17 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$70 – $140 ~$220 less | ~$250 – $400 |
- E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel and Russell’s Reserve 15 Year do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Russell’s Reserve 15 Year
One of my favorites.
Flavor Profile
E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel Russell’s Reserve 15 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 5/7 heat: E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 7 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 7 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 6 out of 10
oak 8/9 oak: E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 8 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 9 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel: Single barrels from the warehouse Colonel Taylor built, bonded at 100 proof. More oak and more concentration than the small batch, and one of the most sought-after regular releases Buffalo Trace makes.
- Russell’s Reserve 15 Year: The oldest regular Russell's Reserve, at barrel proof. Fifteen years in Camp Nelson rickhouses push it toward old oak, leather and dried fruit over the usual Turkey spice.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel if you want the most concentrated bonded expression of the Buffalo Trace profile, and the hunt does not deter you at a significantly lower price point.
- Go with Russell’s Reserve 15 Year if you want a very old, oak-heavy Wild Turkey for slow sipping with more proof behind it and with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat (E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel); neat (Russell’s Reserve 15 Year).