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Russell’s Reserve 15 Year vs Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
On paper Russell’s Reserve 15 Year and Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$250 – $400 vs. ~$75 – $200) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Russell’s Reserve 15 Year | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 15 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 117.2 proof (58.6% ABV) | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) +13 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$250 – $400 | ~$75 – $200 ~$188 less |
- Russell’s Reserve 15 Year and Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof do not publish an official mash bill.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
Russell’s Reserve 15 Year
One of my favorites.
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
A top 5 bottle.
Flavor Profile
Russell’s Reserve 15 Year Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 3/6 nuttiness: Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 3 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
fruit 6/4 fruit: Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 6 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10
heat 7/9 heat: Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 7 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 7 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
spice 6/5 spice: Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 6 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10
oak 9/8 oak: Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 9 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The house grain character is what splits these.
- Russell’s Reserve 15 Year: The oldest regular Russell's Reserve, at barrel proof. Fifteen years in Camp Nelson rickhouses push it toward old oak, leather and dried fruit over the usual Turkey spice.
- 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 Russell’s Reserve 15 Year if you want a very old, oak-heavy Wild Turkey for slow sipping.
- Go with Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof if you want a hot, nutty, barrel-proof Buffalo Trace bourbon at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (Russell’s Reserve 15 Year); neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof).