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Old Forester 1870 Original Batch vs Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
Put Old Forester 1870 Original Batch next to Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against a full-proof, unfiltered heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 1870 Original Batch | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) +40 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $55 ~$88 less | ~$75 – $200 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
A top 5 bottle.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 1870 Original Batch Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 3/9 heat: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 3 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10
nuttiness 2/6 nuttiness: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 2 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
oak 5/8 oak: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 5 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
fruit 6/4 fruit: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 6 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 7 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 4 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Old Forester 1870 Original Batch: The first bottle in Old Forester's Whiskey Row Series, recreating the founder's habit of blending barrels from three warehouses. It is the lightest of the series, caramel sweet and easy.
- 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 Old Forester 1870 Original Batch if you want the gentlest, most easygoing pour in the Whiskey Row Series at a significantly lower price point and without hunting for it.
- Go with Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof if you want a hot, nutty, barrel-proof Buffalo Trace bourbon with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, highball (Old Forester 1870 Original Batch); neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof).