Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Amaranth Bourbon

“Whisk(e)y Grilling Time Review!” So I did Greek Kabobs and in that thought I was like why not open this unicorn up as well. E.H. Taylor Jr. Amaranth Grain of the Gods Amaranth grain is most likened to wheat, and was once a staple of the Aztecs, used in numerous food items. They also used the grain to form images of their gods during the sacred month of Huitzilopochitli, and then at the end of the month ate them in order to take in the gods, which explains the origins of this bourbon's name Release Date: July 2019 ABV: 50% Age: NAS (Over 10 years per the company press release) Mash-Bill: Buffalo Trace Mashbill #1 that replaces rye with amaranth as the flavoring grain - corn, amaranth, and malted barley) Price: $70 (2019) to 1200.00 secondary Nose: Cherry 🍒 bomb at first than takes a quick turn to fall baking spices, dark chocolate and seasoned oak come together in a rich, fragrance. The aroma is incredible with the first pour and seemed to even get better with time sitting. It’s intensity of this can go for days. Nevertheless the aroma remained complex, inviting, and most interesting with a unique almost like it was barrel in a wine cask just before release. Front: A light mouthfeel is noticeable, but this is countered with a first a zing of spices of flavors. The wine or sherry note is the zing, honey, toasted caramel, summer floral notes, and touch of of smoke almost scotch like characteristics. It’s a freak of nature how this kinda has a slight undertone of blended of a high proof whiskey/scotch. Back/Finish: Sweet cigar tease at first, leather Christmas spice quickly developed as well. The zing in the front becomes bitter along with a tannic note. It’s the lingering beauty feels that it moves to fast and doesn’t last too long. Buffalo Trace has many experiments in the works, and in recent years has chosen to honor E.H. Taylor by releasing limited experimental variations of the brand. Attributing this to Taylor’s persona, Buffalo Trace has stated it “honors Taylor’s enduring spirit of innovation and commitment to exceptional whiskey.” The tenth unique release in the Taylor lineup, Amaranth is the sixth special release and the second to use a unique mashbill. However, while Four Grain had four grains in the mashbill, they still remained the most commonly used grains - corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley. Amaranth is the first of its kind, with no other previous bourbon using the grain in its mashbill. This is surprising considering distilleries like Corsair have released Grainiac (9 grain mashbill) done a review one and Insane in the Grain (12 grain mashbill) whiskeys - none of which used amaranth. This is a unique dram from the gods and damn lucky to be able to get a bottle to review. “A feast is made for laughter, and whisk(e)y maketh merry!” Cheers!

Nose: Caramel and brown sugar, Palate: initially oak, slight cherry and caramel finish Finish: Medium to long For being 100 proof, drinks like a lower proof

Nose: Sweet cherry, spices, cloves, old leather, wood shavings. Taste: sweet, then spicy, then hot, cherries and apples, brown sugar, slight heavy cream or horchata. Experience: hard to find a clear experience for me. It's an armchair bourbon for sure but a warm and cozy armchair, with some cider and cinnamon sticks. Was hoping I wouldn't like this, as it is impossible to find and a limited release. But damn, it's good. There are far cheaper and more accessible bourbons that come pretty close, but it stands up next to The Buffalo Trace Antique collection and other great whiskies.