Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr. is a towering figure in bourbon history, recognized as one of the foremost innovators who elevated the industry to its modern standards. The E.H. Taylor Jr. brand celebrates his commitment to quality, authenticity, and innovation, maintaining his legacy in every bottle.
Historical Context and Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr.
- Early Life and Career:
- Born in 1830 in Kentucky, Edmund H. Taylor Jr. was adopted by his uncle after being orphaned. His uncle, Col. Zachary Taylor, later became the 12th President of the United States, instilling a sense of legacy in young Edmund.
- Taylor began his career as a banker, but his entrepreneurial spirit led him to the bourbon industry, where he made his most significant mark.
- Innovations and Impact:
- Taylor was an early advocate for transparency and quality in bourbon production. He understood that to grow bourbon’s reputation globally, consistency and quality were critical.
- He introduced several innovations, including copper fermentation tanks, advanced distillation techniques, and aging practices, ensuring the purity and integrity of his products.
- He played a pivotal role in the enactment of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, the first consumer protection law in the U.S., which mandated stringent regulations for bottled whiskey. This law guaranteed that whiskey labeled as "bottled-in-bond" was produced in a single season, by one distiller, aged for at least four years, and bottled at 100 proof.
- The Old Fire Copper (O.F.C.) Distillery:
- Taylor acquired the O.F.C. Distillery in 1870, where he implemented many of his innovative methods. The distillery set a new standard for bourbon quality.
- O.F.C. became known for its state-of-the-art facilities and meticulous production practices, which helped establish Kentucky bourbon's global reputation.
Production at Buffalo Trace Distillery
Today, E.H. Taylor Jr. bourbons are produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. This distillery, one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States, embodies Taylor's legacy by adhering to his high standards of craftsmanship.
- Mash Bills:
- Buffalo Trace uses several mash bills for E.H. Taylor bourbons, primarily Mash Bill #1 (low rye) and Mash Bill #2 (high rye). Additionally, some specialty expressions, like Four Grain or Amaranth, use unique grain recipes.
- Aging Process:
- The bourbons are aged in traditional, non-climate-controlled rickhouses to allow natural fluctuations in temperature and humidity, which enhance flavor development.
- Bottled-in-Bond:
- Every E.H. Taylor bourbon is bottled-in-bond, a nod to Taylor’s advocacy for quality assurance.
Expressions of E.H. Taylor Jr.
E.H. Taylor Jr. is renowned for its small-batch and limited-edition bourbons, each crafted to highlight unique production techniques or flavor profiles. Below are some of the most iconic releases:
Core Range:
- Small Batch:
- The most widely available expression.
- Flavor Profile: Notes of caramel, butterscotch, and spice with a smooth, balanced finish.
- Single Barrel:
- Each bottle comes from a single barrel, offering unique flavor nuances.
- Flavor Profile: Rich vanilla, toasted oak, and hints of dark fruit.
- Straight Rye:
- Made entirely of rye grain, unlike most bourbons.
- Flavor Profile: Spicy, herbal, with layers of citrus and cinnamon.
Limited and Special Releases:
- Barrel Proof:
- Uncut and unfiltered, this expression offers bold and intense flavors.
- Flavor Profile: Robust caramel, dark chocolate, and a lingering spice finish.
- Four Grain:
- Crafted using corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley.
- Flavor Profile: A complex interplay of sweet, spicy, and nutty notes.
- Amaranth "Grain of the Gods":
- Made with amaranth, an ancient grain used by the Aztecs.
- Flavor Profile: Earthy and nutty with hints of honey and dried fruit.
- Seasoned Wood:
- Aged in barrels with staves that have undergone special seasoning processes.
- Flavor Profile: Rich wood character with vanilla, clove, and dried spices.
- Warehouse C Tornado Surviving:
- Aged in barrels that survived a 2006 tornado that partially destroyed Warehouse C.
- Flavor Profile: Intensely rich with caramel, oak, and smoky undertones.
- 18-Year Marriage:
- A blend of three bourbons: two rye-based mash bills and one wheat-based mash bill.
- Flavor Profile: Elegantly balanced with flavors of honey, spice, and toasted oak.
Ownership and Legacy
- Sazerac Company:
- The Sazerac Company, a privately held American company, owns the E.H. Taylor brand and Buffalo Trace Distillery. They are dedicated to preserving Taylor’s legacy and maintaining the high standards he championed.
- Global Recognition:
- Under Sazerac’s stewardship, E.H. Taylor bourbons have gained international acclaim, becoming some of the most sought-after spirits for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
- The meticulous attention to detail, from grain selection to aging, ensures that each bottle remains a testament to Taylor’s pioneering spirit.
Why E.H. Taylor Jr. Matters
E.H. Taylor Jr. is more than a bourbon brand; it is a tribute to the ingenuity and craftsmanship that shaped the modern bourbon industry. By celebrating traditional methods while embracing innovation, the brand keeps Taylor’s spirit alive, making every sip a journey through bourbon history.