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E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel vs Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year
Comparing E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel and Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel | Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 68% corn, 18% rye, 14% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 4 years |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 125.2 proof (62.6% ABV) +25 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$70 – $140 | ~$65 – $75 ~$35 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Limited easier to find |
- E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel and Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 8/4 oak: E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 8 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 4 out of 10
heat 5/9 heat: E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 5 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 9 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 6 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 7 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 5 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 6 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 5 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 4 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Oak is doing most of the differentiating here.
- 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.
- Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year: Willett's own young distillate at full barrel proof. It is loud and sweet, all caramel corn, pastry and citrus, with a lot of heat for a four-year bourbon. Proof varies by batch.
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.
- Go with Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year if you want a young, hot, barrel-proof pour that shows off Willett's own distillate at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel); neat (Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year).