Spirit of the Day: E.H. Taylor Small Batch

Spirit of the Day: E.H. Taylor Small Batch

E.H. Taylor Small Batch is a premium straight Kentucky bourbon whiskey produced by the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. This spirit serves as a tribute to Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr., a central figure in the development of American whiskey standards. It is widely recognized for its balance, depth, and adherence to traditional production methods.

Producer History

The Buffalo Trace Distillery stands as a National Historic Landmark with roots dating back to 1775 when William Johnson established a distillery along the Kentucky River. In 1869, Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. purchased the site, then known as the O.F.C. Distillery, and introduced revolutionary techniques such as copper fermentation tanks and steam-heated warehouses. Following the repeal of Prohibition, the distillery continued to operate through various ownership changes before being acquired by the Sazerac Company in 1992. Today, the facility remains one of the oldest and most celebrated producers of American whiskey in the United States.

Product History

E.H. Taylor Small Batch was created to honor the legacy of Colonel Taylor, who was instrumental in the passage of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. The bourbon is crafted by hand and matured in the century-old warehouses that the Colonel himself constructed on the distillery grounds. Each batch is composed of carefully selected barrels that are blended to achieve a consistent profile of exceptional quality. The spirit is bottled at 50 percent alcohol by volume, reflecting the high standards of craftsmanship that defined Taylor's career.

Taste Profile

Appearance: The whiskey displays a rich, golden amber hue that catches the light with clarity.

Aroma/Nose: The nose is sweet and inviting, featuring prominent notes of caramel corn mingled with hints of butterscotch and light spice.

Palate: On the palate, the bourbon offers a balanced sweetness characterized by butterscotch and a touch of licorice.

Finish: The finish provides a soft mouth-feel that gradually transitions into subtle, lingering notes of black pepper and tobacco.

Overall Character: This expression is a refined sipping bourbon that balances traditional sweetness with a complex, spicy backbone.

Review

E.H. Taylor Small Batch is highly regarded by critics for its consistency and depth. Based on independent assessments from Breaking Bourbon, The Whiskey Wash, and Distiller, the spirit holds an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

Serving Guide

Glassware: Glencairn glass or heavy-bottomed rocks glass | Serving temperature: Room temperature | ABV: 50%

Serving Suggestions

• Served neat to appreciate the full complexity of the flavor profile.
• Served on the rocks to slightly open up the aromatics and mellow the spice.
• Served with a few drops of distilled water to highlight the underlying sweetness.

Food Pairings

• Smoked brisket or barbecue ribs, as the rich, savory fats complement the caramel and butterscotch notes of the bourbon.
• Dark chocolate desserts, which mirror the tobacco and spice elements found in the finish.
• Aged cheddar cheese, as the sharp, salty profile provides a contrast to the sweet corn base of the whiskey.

Cocktail Recipe

Old Fashioned

A classic cocktail that highlights the depth of the bourbon without masking its character. Yield: 1 serving.

• 2 ounces E.H. Taylor Small Batch
• 1 sugar cube
• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 splash of water
• Orange peel for garnish

1. Place the sugar cube in a rocks glass and saturate it with the bitters and a splash of water.
2. Muddle the sugar until it is mostly dissolved.
3. Add the bourbon and a large ice cube to the glass.
4. Stir gently for about 20 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
5. Express the orange peel over the glass and drop it in as a garnish.