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Elijah Craig Barrel Proof vs Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
On paper Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$70 – $100 vs. ~$75 – $200) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Elijah Craig Barrel Proof | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 12 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 124 proof (62% ABV) | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) +6 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$70 – $100 ~$53 less | ~$75 – $200 |
| Availability | Limited easier to find | Allocated |
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 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
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
A top 5 bottle.
Flavor Profile
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 7/5 spice: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 7 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/6 nuttiness: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 7 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
oak 9/8 oak: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
fruit 4/4 fruit: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10
heat 9/9 heat: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- Elijah Craig Barrel Proof: The uncut, unfiltered version of the same 12-year Heaven Hill juice, and the intensity is the whole point. Thick fudge and char with cinnamon heat, a genuinely long finish, and enough proof that water meaningfully changes the glass.
- 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.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Elijah Craig Barrel Proof if you want maximum intensity and oak depth, and you want to control the dilution yourself at a significantly lower price point.
- Go with Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof if you want a hot, nutty, barrel-proof Buffalo Trace bourbon.
Best enjoyed neat (Elijah Craig Barrel Proof); neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof).