Compare
E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel vs W.L. Weller Special Reserve
Comparing E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel and W.L. Weller Special Reserve reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel | W.L. Weller Special Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) +10 proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$70 – $140 | ~$30 – $60 ~$60 less |
- E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel and W.L. Weller Special Reserve do not publish an official mash bill.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.
W.L. Weller Special Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel W.L. Weller Special Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 8/4 oak: E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 8 out of 10, W.L. Weller Special Reserve 4 out of 10
spice 5/2 spice: E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 5 out of 10, W.L. Weller Special Reserve 2 out of 10
heat 5/3 heat: E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 5 out of 10, W.L. Weller Special Reserve 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 6 out of 10, W.L. Weller Special Reserve 7 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 4 out of 10, W.L. Weller Special Reserve 3 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 5 out of 10, W.L. Weller Special Reserve 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- 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.
- 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 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 with more proof behind it.
- 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 (E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel); neat, rocks, highball (W.L. Weller Special Reserve).