Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof Bourbon

The bourbon gods were smiling upon me one summer day a few years ago: I found two bottles of E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof in plain sight on the shelf at a local, now-closed, liquor store. They were marked $69.99. As nonchalantly as I could, I took them to the counter, and checked out at that price. Deep, clear burnt orange color. Complex nose shows an amalgamation of oiled leather, cedar, pipe tobacco, caramel, vanilla, cinnamon applesauce, oranges, pine rosin, and spearmint along with freshly split oak. Powerful, spicy heat on the palate, adding some milk chocolate before finishing with drying leather and rich, liquified vanilla cake that goes on and on. Drinking much better than the last few times I've had it. Need to do a high-test bakeoff with some BTAC and ECBP. 129.3 proof. N.B. All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

Batch 9, 130 proof. Still has EH Taylor flavor but proof too high to truly love the flavor as much as lower proof versions.

Powerful Carmel or toffee nose. The typical kick-butt oily mouthfeel. Some spice kicks in mid-taste. Lovely.

Proof - 127.3 Nose - Smells like a savory thanksgiving meal: Turkey, gravy, cranberry. Stuffed pot pie or stuffing. Very savory with a touch of sweetness. Pecan pie at the end. Palate - Straight cinnamon at first. Then comes a wave of herbs and pepper. The savory continues all the through. This is pretty much a thanksgiving dinner and its great. Finish - Finish is delightful, not too long and harsh and not too short.

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