The Ultimate Show Of E.H. Taylor vs. Other Bourbons 

In the crowded landscape of premium American whiskey, E.H. Taylor holds a revered spot. But with so many acclaimed bottles on the shelf—many from the very same distillery—how does it truly compare? Whether you’re staring down a choice between two bottles or just trying to understand where it fits in the grand scheme, knowing how E.H. Taylor vs. other bourbons plays out is key to spending your money and satisfying your palate wisely.

This isn’t about declaring one bottle the undisputed champion. Instead, it’s about understanding their personalities. Is the robust, high-proof character of Taylor your style, or do you prefer something smoother and more approachable? By pitting E.H. Taylor against its most common competitors, we’ll break down the nuances of mash bill, proof, age, and overall experience to help you find your perfect pour.

E.H. Taylor vs. Blanton’s: The Battle of Icons

This is perhaps the most classic matchup within the Buffalo Trace family. Both are iconic, allocated, and instantly recognizable. However, they cater to almost opposite preferences.

E.H. Taylor Small Batch is a Bottled-in-Bond bourbon, meaning it’s a guaranteed 100 proof (50% ABV). It uses Buffalo Trace’s higher-rye Mash Bill #1, which contributes to a spicier, more robust profile. You can expect bold notes of caramel, cinnamon, pepper, and oak. The mouthfeel is rich and substantial, with a long, warming finish. It’s a confident, full-flavored bourbon that makes no apologies for its strength.

Blanton’s Original Single Barrel is a single barrel bourbon bottled at a lower 93 proof (46.5% ABV). It uses the softer, wheat-free Mash Bill #2, which leads to a smoother, sweeter, and more nuanced profile. Think honey, citrus, dark chocolate, and a light, creamy vanilla. The experience is elegant and approachable.

The Verdict: Choose E.H. Taylor for a powerful, spicy, and classic bottled-in-bond experience. Choose Blanton’s for a smoother, more complex, and easy-sipping single barrel. It’s a battle of boldness vs. finesse.

E.H. Taylor vs. Eagle Rare: Age Statement vs. Proof Statement

This comparison pits two Bottled-in-Bond legacy brands against each other, but they’ve evolved in very different directions.

E.H. Taylor Small Batch, as we’ve established, is all about the 100-proof punch. While it’s aged for roughly 7-10 years, its primary identity is its strength and vigor. The high proof amplifies all the flavors, making it a vibrant and intense sip.

Eagle Rare is defined by its 10-year age statement. It’s bottled at a much lower 90 proof (45% ABV) and, like Taylor, uses Mash Bill #1. The extra aging smooths out the rye spice and emphasizes notes of dried cherry, dark oak, honey, and leather. It’s remarkably smooth and balanced, often described as a “bridge” bourbon for those stepping into more aged spirits.

The Verdict: This is a choice between intensity and maturity. If you want a bold, high-proof experience that wakes up your palate, E.H. Taylor is your pick. If you prefer a smoother, oak-forward, and more relaxed sipper, Eagle Rare will be more your speed.

E.H. Taylor vs. Stagg Jr. / George T. Stagg: Proof Brothers in Arms

Now we enter the realm of the heavy hitters. Stagg Jr. (now known simply as Stagg) is the uncut, unfiltered little brother to the legendary George T. Stagg from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC).

The core similarity is striking: both E.H. Taylor and Stagg use the same Mash Bill #1. However, the difference is all about proof and presentation. E.H. Taylor is a disciplined, high-proof whiskey at a steady 100 proof. Stagg, on the other hand, is a barrel-proof behemoth, typically bottled between 128 and 135 proof (64-67.5% ABV).

This massive proof difference translates directly to the experience. Stagg is intensely concentrated, with hyper-amplified flavors of dark chocolate, cherry, and baking spices. It’s often considered a “cherry bomb” and usually demands a drop of water or time to open up. E.H. Taylor is powerful but approachable right out of the bottle.

The Verdict: E.H. Taylor is the refined, bottled-in-bond classic. Stagg is the untamed, explosive powerhouse. If you love the Mash Bill #1 profile but want it turned up to eleven, Stagg is the goal. If you prefer that profile at a more manageable and consistent strength, Taylor is perfection.

E.H. Taylor vs. Henry McKna Bottled-in-Bond: A Value Proposition Showdown

To compare outside the Buffalo Trace family, Henry McKna Bottled-in-Bond is a perfect foil. It’s another widely respected, award-winning Bottled-in-Bond bourbon that is often more readily available.

Both are Bottled-in-Bond, so they share the same 100-proof, 4-year-minimum age guarantees. However, they hail from different distilleries (Heaven Hill for McKna) and use different mash bills. E.H. Taylor tends to be more refined and complex, with a notable spicy rye character. Henry McKna BIB is known for its classic, sweet, and nutty profile (think peanut brittle, caramel, and oak), which is characteristic of Heaven Hill’s signature flavor.

The most significant difference is often availability and price. You can frequently find Henry McKna BIB on the shelf for $40-$50. Finding E.H. Taylor Small Batch at its $50-$60 MSRP is a rare victory.

The Verdict: Henry McKna BIB is the undisputed champion of value and availability in the Bottled-in-Bond category. E.H. Taylor often offers a more complex and nuanced flavor profile but requires a much greater effort (or cost) to obtain. It’s a trade-off between convenience and perceived premium quality.

The Final Sip: Where E.H. Taylor Fits In Your Collection

So, where does this leave E.H. Taylor? Through these comparisons, a clear identity emerges. E.H. Taylor is not the smoothest, the strongest, or the most available. Its unique position is that of a benchmark bottled-in-bond bourbon.

It offers a perfect harmony of age, proof, and complexity that is both challenging and rewarding. It’s more approachable than a barrel-proof Stagg but more robust and flavorful than Eagle Rare or Blanton’s. It’s a bourbon that commands respect without being unapproachable.

Ultimately, your preference in the E.H. Taylor vs. other bourbons debate comes down to what you value most. If your priority is a high-proof, flavorful, historically significant pour and you have the means to acquire it, E.H. Taylor is an essential experience. If you prioritize accessibility, lower proof, or specific flavor notes like heavy oak or wheated sweetness, another bourbon might be a better fit for your glass and your wallet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is E.H. Taylor better than Blanton’s?
“Better” is subjective. E.H. Taylor is often considered a “better” bourbon by purists who value the Bottled-in-Bond standard and its bold, high-proof character. Blanton’s is often considered “better” by those who prefer a smoother, more complex, and easy-drinking single barrel. They are different tools for different jobs.

Q2: Why is E.H. Taylor more expensive than Eagle Rare if they’re similar?
While they share a mash bill, E.H. Taylor’s Bottled-in-Bond designation requires it to be bottled at 100 proof, which often means using slightly older or more select barrels to maintain flavor balance at that higher strength. Furthermore, the fancy packaging (metal tube) and the even more intense hype and scarcity surrounding the Taylor name drive its price and perceived value above the 90-proof Eagle Rare.

Q3: Can E.H. Taylor be considered a beginner bourbon?
While its quality is high, E.H. Taylor’s 100-proof strength makes it a bold choice for a complete novice. The high alcohol content can be overwhelming to an unaccustomed palate. It is, however, an excellent second or third bourbon for a beginner looking to understand what higher proof and the Bottled-in-Bond standard can offer.

Q4: What is the best E.H. Taylor expression for a bourbon enthusiast?
For an enthusiast who already appreciates high-proof spirits, the E.H. Taylor Single Barrel is often the top choice from the core lineup. It offers the Bottled-in-Bond reliability with the unique, unblended character of a single barrel, often showcasing deeper, oakier, and more complex flavors than the consistently excellent Small Batch.