Buffalo Trace’s Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof series is famous for its intense flavors, limited availability, and barrel-strength bottlings. The latest Batch 13, distilled in 2024 and clocking in at a heady 127.3 proof, continues this tradition. This article reviews the full sensory experience, from nose to finish, and offers insight into its place in the whiskey lifestyle market.
Bottled at Full Strength
Batch 13 stays true to honor Colonel Edwin Taylor’s legacy of handcrafted, American-style bourbon. Each bottle delivers punchy intensity without added water. With a mash bill that blends corn, rye, and barley (ratios kept quiet), Batch 13 represents Buffalo Trace’s boldest barrel picks. MSRP sits around ₹150–₹200 in the US, yet collectors regularly resell it above ₹300 due to limited stock.
First Impressions: Aroma That Demands Attention
Pour a dram neat and let your nose hover above the glass. The aroma immediately presents dense caramel, burnt sugar, and faint charcoal. Swirling releases bright baking spices—cinnamon and clove—with undercurrents of black licorice, dried apricot, and soft orange peel. Even at 127.3 proof, the nose feels vital yet refined. A gentle waft later in the session reveals dusty antique books and a twist of lemon zest. The two-hour open glass showcases no burn—only evolving complexity.
On the Palate: Heat with Harmony
First sip hits with warmth that washes across the palate—128 proof isn’t for the faint-hearted. Yet the heat never overpowers. Creamy caramel and dark honey pave the way for rich flavors: leather-bound old books, fresh tobacco, and Moroccan date puree. Mid-palate brightness pops in bran muffin and oaky vanilla. A second tasting drives home ripe cherry and molasses. The mouthfeel remains lush and luxurious, even as proof asserts itself.
Finish: Lingering and Layered
The finish lingers with warm black pepper and tobacco leaf, alongside a whiskey cake quality redolent of almond extract and spiced pudding. Sweetness remains, but here it is balanced by an echo of oak tannin. The lingering 10-minute aftertaste is refined, rich, and memorable.
How Batch 13 Compares to Prior Editions
The Barrel Proof series varies each year. Batch 13 feels more structured and less rough than earlier runs, possibly due to cooler maturation or gentler proofing. While past bottlings leaned toward explosive sweetness and fire, Batch 13 is a harmonized blend of heat, oak, and fruit. Fans seeking power with polish will find this variant among the most refined in recent memory.
Value for Price
Batch 13’s MSRP roughly equals ₹200 to ₹250 in India. Compared to other barrel-strength whiskies, that’s aggressively positioned. Street prices may exceed ₹400, risking value, but collectors know well: Lincoln barrels like this rarely hit shelves. For those who genuinely enjoy sipping barrel-proof whiskey neat—or with a single drop of water—it’s a prized hold.
Serving Recommendations
- Neat in a Glencairn: Captures full aroma and structure without dilution.
- Add a few drops of water: Reveals leather, citrus rind, and floral honey.
- Large ice cube: Smooths initial heat—but slows aromatic development.
- Pair with: A cigar or bittersweet dark chocolate to echo the oak and cocoa notes.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Bold, layered, and age-rich flavor
- Well-balanced proof heat
- Rich textbook bourbon character
- Cons:
- High heat may intimidate casual drinkers
- Secondary market premiums can be steep
- Requires patient sipping to fully appreciate
Who Should Open a Bottle?
Batch 13 is ideal for barrel-proof enthusiasts who enjoy exploring whiskey depth. Fans of other high-strength releases—Booker’s, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, or Stagg—should appreciate Taylor’s approachable intensity with less rough edge. It also plays well in sparing use in Old Fashioned cocktails if straight pours feel overwhelming.
Final Taste Verdict
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 13 is a testament to Buffalo Trace’s commitment under the Bathhouse Row distilling legacy. Its 127.3 proof is bold yet refined, letting oak, fruit, and spice shine without losing texture. While not revolutionary, its execution earns it a spot among the elite barrel-proof releases. For collectors and serious bourbon fans, Batch 13 is worth scouting—premium mayo aside—for a bottle that delivers power, elegance, and honest craft in every sip.assaaq