E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 2025 Batch 15 Review
In-Depth Review
Calling all Buffalo Trace nerds: is this a new E.H Taylor Batch 15?
Earlier this year, Buffalo Trace released Batch 14 of E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof that clocked in at 127.2 proof. But my latest pickup has me wondering if Buffalo Trace may have released another batch while we weren’t paying attention? In front of me is a brand-new bottle of E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof that comes in at 127.4 proof – slightly different than the official Batch 14 number. After recently grabbing this bottle over the weekend, I couldn’t find anything official pointing to a batch featuring this proof. And after spending way more time on Reddit than I care to admit, I remain stumped. This bottle definitely exists (I’m drinking it) but I’m not completely sure what it is. Is it a new batch? A slightly different bottling of the same batch? (Is this what it’s like to be on the cutting edge of whisky reviewing?) For now, I will consider this E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 15.
Regardless of its provenance, we have an exciting opportunity to try one of Buffalo Trace’s most popular releases – a barrel proof version of their E.H Taylor line. These high-octane versions of the E.H. Taylor line can drive some serious hype – with markups typically hovering around 3x the typical $79.99 MSRP. Luckily, I didn’t pay that much. Let’s dive in and see if this release is worth the inevitable hype.
And yes, I did laser code and found that this bottle was filled on July 31st, 2025. So, if anyone can help point me to some official documentation of what we will be reviewing today – that would be lovely.
Age: Non-Age Stated
ABV: 63.7% (127.4 proof)
Cask: New American Oak
MSRP: Around $80
Distillery Name: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Review Date: 11/25/25
Color: Mahagony
Nose: On the nose there’s an immediate rush of rich cacao butter, rum cake, and butterscotch candies. The sweetness on the front of the nose desperately tries to mask the wallop of heat that jumps from the glass and burns its way down your nose. But as it settles in the glass, notes of chocolate and toasted hazelnut appear, complemented by heavy wood spice notes with a slight hint of cherry syrup.
Palate: The first sip jumps onto the tongue with notes of cinnamon sweet bread which are balanced against a strong, toasted oak backbone. Adding a few drops of water brings out notes of sandalwood, burnt coffee grounds, and Werther’s Originals. Despite its high proof and dark spicy flavors, the flavors feel cohesive and layered. The mouthfeel is also good – with a nice weight and viscosity to it - which helps round out the heat.
Finish: Long finish with a big Kentucky hug that settles nicely deep into the chest. The lingering finish is full of old wood, baking spices, and one last flash of cinnamon. This is a whiskey that stays with you long after the sip is over.
Final Thoughts: This 127.4 proof version of E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof is a stunner that will challenge you every step of the way. The nose is a fantastic array of sweet and spicy while the finish is extraordinarily long and rewarding. At times, the palate can drink hotter than its proof would lead you to believe, adding a few drops of water settles it down nicely into rich, dark layers of bourbon goodness. You won’t find the strong fruity character of other E.H. Taylor expressions, and instead will be rewarded with cinnamon, dark wood, with a hint of cherry woven throughout. Barrel Proof E.H. Taylor is always a treat, and this latest batch is no exception. If you have the chance to grab this anywhere near MSRP, this is an instant buy.
