Compare
E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch vs Old Forester Statesman
Comparing E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch and Old Forester Statesman reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch | Old Forester Statesman |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | 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 | 100 proof (50% ABV) +5 proof | 95 proof (47.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $90 | ~$50 – $55 ~$15 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available easier to find |
- E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch does 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. Small Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Old Forester Statesman
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch Old Forester Statesman
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch 6 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 8 out of 10
oak 7/5 oak: E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch 7 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10
fruit 5/7 fruit: E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch 5 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 7 out of 10
nuttiness 4/2 nuttiness: E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch 4 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 2 out of 10
heat 5/4 heat: E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch 5 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 4 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch 5 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Sweetness is where these two part ways.
- E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch: Bottled-in-bond from the same low-rye Buffalo Trace recipe, and the extra 10 proof over standard BT gives it noticeably more grip. Butterscotch and tobacco with a long, drying finish that outlasts most bottles near its shelf price.
- Old Forester Statesman: Old Forester's fruit-forward middle child, first made for a spy movie tie-in. Bright cherry and brown sugar lead, with cocoa and a touch of the house banana note.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch if you want the Buffalo Trace house profile with real structure and a bonded 100-proof backbone.
- Go with Old Forester Statesman if you want a bright, cherry-sweet Old Forester that sits between the 100 and 1920 in weight at a lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Old Forester Statesman).