E.H. Taylor – Straight Rye
Quick Stats:
- Distiller: Buffalo Trace Distillery
- Spirit: Straight Rye Whiskey
- Aged: At least 4 years old
- Proof: 100
- Purchase Price: $80
- Buffalo Trace Website
About The Distillery & Bottle: - “For over 200 years, Buffalo Trace Distillery has been defined by a dedication to one craft: making fine bourbon whiskey. By honoring tradition and embracing change, Buffalo Trace Distillery has earned its place of leadership among the legendary spirit makers of the world.”
- “Straight Rye Whiskey has experienced a strong resurgence in the American whiskey landscape, yet Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. was making this style more than 100 years ago. This small batch, Bottled-in-Bond 100 proof straight rye whiskey pays tribute to the former Distillery owner with a unique rye whiskey reminiscent of days long past.”
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Nose
(4.5)
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Palate
(4)
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Finish
(3.5)
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Heat vs Proof
(3.5)
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Value
(4)
Notes & Review
Nose: Black currant and toasted oak hit you right on the nose and make for a delicious combination. You instantly think of a nice cup of tea on a cold night in front of a fire. Next come a wave of pear, peach, and clove like a nice winter dessert. There is the slightest hint of vanilla mixed in with earthy rye spice, cracked white pepper, and winter muddling spices.
Palate: There are definitely layers to unpack here. The rye has massive up front combination of spice and funk that gives it a unique profile. There is definitely some fruitiness of candied orange peel and some spiced cinnamon to give it some sweetness alongside allspice, black pepper, leather, and a twinge of burnt caramel.
Finish: The finish brings back a wave of rye spice and the expected barrel char flavor. However, there’s another unique note in there that seems like the faintest hint of toasted coconut and star anise.
Review: We know that Buffalo Trace has some of the most coveted and sought after bourbons, and the EH Taylor line is no exception. The Straight Rye expression is as difficult to find as the rest of them, and I have to say, for good reason.
I’m pretty darn picky on my rye whiskies. There seems to be a new something hitting shelves every week, and while some of them are good or great, many of them seem to be capitalizing on the craze. However, E.H. Taylor does enough to carve itself out and lend a unique profile in a sea of rye bottles to justify its price.
I wouldn’t particularly go insane over trying to find a bottle, but if one presented itself I don’t think I’d hesitate to pick it up to keep one in reserve.
While there are many other great bottles at this price, if you’re a fan of ryes (especially multi-dimensional rye profiled expressions) then this bottle might be right up your alley.
