Compare
Old Forester Statesman vs Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
Comparing Old Forester Statesman and Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester Statesman | 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 | 95 proof (47.5% ABV) | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) +35 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$50 – $55 ~$85 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 Statesman
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
A top 5 bottle.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester Statesman Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 4/9 heat: Old Forester Statesman 4 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10
nuttiness 2/6 nuttiness: Old Forester Statesman 2 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
oak 5/8 oak: Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
fruit 7/4 fruit: Old Forester Statesman 7 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: Old Forester Statesman 8 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Old Forester Statesman 5 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 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.
- 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 Statesman if you want a bright, cherry-sweet Old Forester that sits between the 100 and 1920 in weight 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 with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Old Forester Statesman); neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof).