E.H. Taylor Small Batch vs. Single Barrel vs. Barrel Proof: What’s the Difference?

If you're shopping for Colonel E.H. Taylor bourbon, three bottles are likely to come up again and again: E.H. Taylor Small Batch, E.H. Taylor Single Barrel, and E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof.

They share the same historic E.H. Taylor name and are all produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, but they offer noticeably different drinking experiences.

So, what is the difference between E.H. Taylor Small Batch vs. Single Barrel vs. Barrel Proof?

The simplest answer is:

E.H. Taylor Small Batch is the balanced, approachable introduction to the lineup.

E.H. Taylor Single Barrel maintains the classic 100-proof Bottled-in-Bond format while showcasing the individual character of one selected barrel.

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof removes the dilution entirely, presenting the bourbon uncut and unfiltered at barrel strength for a much more powerful experience.

But there is considerably more to the comparison than proof alone.

In this complete E.H. Taylor comparison, we'll examine their production methods, proof, flavor profiles, availability, collectibility and ideal drinker to help you determine which E.H. Taylor bourbon is best for you.

You can also shop the complete E.H. Taylor Collection at Whiskey Caviar, including Small Batch, Single Barrel, multiple Barrel Proof batches and some of the rarest E.H. Taylor releases ever produced.

E.H. Taylor Small Batch vs. Single Barrel vs. Barrel Proof at a Glance

	E.H. Taylor Small Batch	E.H. Taylor Single Barrel	E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
Type	Kentucky Straight Bourbon	Kentucky Straight Bourbon	Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Producer	Buffalo Trace Distillery	Buffalo Trace Distillery	Buffalo Trace Distillery
Mash Bill	Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1	Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1	Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1
Proof	100 Proof	100 Proof	Varies by batch; typically over 125 proof
ABV	50%	50%	Varies by batch
Bottled-in-Bond	Yes	Yes	No — bottled at barrel strength
Format	Small batch	Single barrel	Barrel proof batch
Profile	Balanced and classic	More individual and barrel-driven	Bold, concentrated and powerful
Best For	New E.H. Taylor drinkers	Single-barrel enthusiasts	Experienced/high-proof drinkers
Collectibility	High	High	Very High

The most important thing to understand is that Small Batch and Single Barrel are both bottled at 100 proof, while Barrel Proof is bottled substantially higher.

The difference between Small Batch and Single Barrel is therefore less about strength and more about how the whiskey is selected and bottled.

What Is Colonel E.H. Taylor Bourbon?

Colonel E.H. Taylor is produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery and named after Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr., one of the most influential figures in the history of American whiskey.

Taylor's legacy is closely associated with improving standards in American whiskey production and with the movement that ultimately led to the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897.

That connection explains why Bottled-in-Bond whiskey remains such an important part of the modern E.H. Taylor identity.

If you want to explore the complete lineup—including Straight Rye, Four Grain, Amaranth, Cured Oak, Warehouse C, Tornado Surviving and 18 Year Marriage—read our Complete Guide to Colonel E.H. Taylor Bourbon.

For this comparison, however, we're concentrating on the three bourbons most enthusiasts encounter when moving through the core E.H. Taylor lineup.

E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon

Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon is where we recommend most people begin.

Buffalo Trace creates Small Batch by selecting barrels and combining them to produce a balanced representation of the E.H. Taylor style.

It is Bottled-in-Bond at exactly 100 proof, or 50% ABV.

Buffalo Trace identifies the bourbon as using its Mash Bill #1, the distillery's traditional low-rye bourbon mash bill.

What Does E.H. Taylor Small Batch Taste Like?

E.H. Taylor Small Batch delivers the type of classic Kentucky bourbon profile that has made the bottle so popular.

Expect characteristics including:

Caramel
Butterscotch
Sweet corn
Vanilla
Licorice
Black pepper
Light tobacco
Oak
Baking spice

The 100-proof strength is an important part of the experience.

There is enough proof to provide structure, richness and a satisfying finish without reaching the intensity of Barrel Proof.

That makes Small Batch remarkably versatile.

An experienced bourbon enthusiast can appreciate it neat, while someone moving up from lower-proof whiskey isn't immediately confronting a 125+ proof pour.

Why Choose E.H. Taylor Small Batch?

Choose Small Batch if you want:

• Your first E.H. Taylor bourbon

• A classic Bottled-in-Bond bourbon

• 100 proof without excessive heat

• A balanced flavor profile

• A bourbon for drinking rather than purely collecting

• An impressive bourbon gift

• An introduction to Buffalo Trace's Mash Bill #1

• Strong value within the E.H. Taylor lineup

For most buyers asking us "Which E.H. Taylor should I start with?", Small Batch is the answer.

Shop Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon at Whiskey Caviar.

E.H. Taylor Single Barrel Bourbon

Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel Bourbon looks similar to Small Batch on paper.

Both are:

Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey

Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1

Bottled-in-Bond

100 proof

50% ABV

So why does Single Barrel exist?

Because the production philosophy is fundamentally different.

What Does Single Barrel Mean?

Small Batch combines selected barrels.

Single Barrel showcases an individual barrel.

That distinction matters because bourbon doesn't mature identically in every barrel.

Two barrels filled with similar distillate can develop different characteristics depending on factors including their location in the warehouse and the conditions experienced during years of maturation.

One barrel might develop stronger caramel characteristics.

Another may show more oak.

Another may emphasize dark fruit, spice, tobacco or butterscotch.

When barrels are blended into a small batch, those characteristics can be balanced against one another.

With a single-barrel whiskey, that individual barrel gets the spotlight.

Where Is E.H. Taylor Single Barrel Aged?

One of the particularly interesting details about E.H. Taylor Single Barrel is its connection to Warehouse C.

Buffalo Trace states that E.H. Taylor Single Barrel is aged in historic Warehouse C, which was constructed by Colonel Taylor in 1885.

That gives the expression another direct connection to the man whose name appears on the bottle.

What Does E.H. Taylor Single Barrel Taste Like?

Because it is a single-barrel bourbon, exact characteristics can naturally vary.

However, the general profile can include:

Toasted oak
Butterscotch
Dried fig
Caramel
Dark fruit
Tobacco
Dark spice
Vanilla
Cocoa

Compared with Small Batch, we generally expect Single Barrel to feel more individualistic and barrel-driven.

That variability is part of the attraction.

Why Choose E.H. Taylor Single Barrel?

Choose Single Barrel if you:

• Already enjoy E.H. Taylor Small Batch

• Like single-barrel bourbon

• Want more barrel-specific character

• Prefer 100-proof bourbon

• Want Bottled-in-Bond whiskey

• Enjoy comparing different barrels

• Want a step up within the core E.H. Taylor lineup

• Are building an E.H. Taylor collection

Shop Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel Bourbon at Whiskey Caviar.

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Bourbon

Then we get to the heavyweight of the comparison.

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof takes the underlying E.H. Taylor bourbon character and presents it uncut and unfiltered at barrel strength.

Instead of bringing the bourbon down to 100 proof, Buffalo Trace bottles Barrel Proof straight from the cask.

The result is typically over 125 proof, although the exact proof changes depending on the batch.

And that variation is extremely important.

Unlike Small Batch or Single Barrel, where someone can simply say, "I own a bottle of E.H. Taylor Small Batch," Barrel Proof enthusiasts frequently identify their bottle by its batch and proof.

Whiskey Caviar currently carries several examples, including:

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 11 — 129 Proof

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 12 — 131.1 Proof

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 13 — 127.3 Proof

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 14 — 127.4 Proof

Whiskey Caviar also carries older collectible releases such as the 2014 Batch 3 at 129 proof.

Because Barrel Proof batches have become their own collecting category, we'll cover every major batch and exact proof in our dedicated E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch Guide.

What Does E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Taste Like?

Think of Barrel Proof as turning up the intensity.

Buffalo Trace describes characteristics including cooked berries, caramel, floral notes, toasted vanilla, dried oak, pepper and fruit.

At barrel strength, those flavors can become considerably more concentrated.

Expect characteristics such as:

Dark caramel
Cooked berries
Vanilla
Dried fruit
Toasted oak
Black pepper
Baking spice
Dark sugar
Floral notes

And, naturally, considerably more alcohol intensity.

Is E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Too Strong?

That depends entirely on your experience with high-proof bourbon.

A jump from 100 proof to the upper 120s or low 130s is significant.

If you usually drink bourbon around 90–100 proof, Barrel Proof may initially feel aggressive.

That doesn't mean you need to avoid it.

Pour a small amount into a proper whiskey glass, allow it to rest, and taste it carefully.

You can also add a few drops of water.

One of the advantages of barrel-proof bourbon is that you control the dilution.

You can experience it at full strength first and then gradually add water until you reach the point where the aromas and flavors open up most effectively for your palate.

Why Choose E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof?

Choose Barrel Proof if you:

• Regularly enjoy high-proof bourbon

• Want the most intense version of E.H. Taylor

• Prefer uncut whiskey

• Enjoy comparing batches

• Collect E.H. Taylor

• Collect Buffalo Trace releases

• Want a bottle with greater rarity and collector interest

• Like exploring how proof changes flavor

For an experienced bourbon drinker, Barrel Proof may ultimately be the most exciting of these three expressions.

E.H. Taylor Small Batch vs. Single Barrel: What's the Difference?

This is probably the most important comparison for someone deciding between their first two E.H. Taylor bottles.

Both are 100 proof.

Both use Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1.

Both are Bottled-in-Bond.

The major difference is batching.

E.H. Taylor Small Batch

Multiple selected barrels are blended together.

That allows Buffalo Trace to create a more consistent and balanced flavor profile.

E.H. Taylor Single Barrel

The whiskey comes from one selected barrel.

That means the individual characteristics of that barrel are preserved rather than blended with other barrels.

Which Is Better?

Neither production method is inherently better.

If you value consistency and balance, choose Small Batch.

If you value individuality and barrel variation, choose Single Barrel.

If you're completely new to E.H. Taylor, we'd start with Small Batch.

If you already know you enjoy E.H. Taylor, Single Barrel is an excellent next step.

E.H. Taylor Small Batch vs. Barrel Proof

This comparison is considerably easier to understand because proof creates such a large distinction.

Small Batch

100 proof

Balanced

Bottled-in-Bond

Approachable

More consistent

Easier to drink neat

Better starting point

Barrel Proof

Typically 125+ proof

Uncut

Unfiltered

More intense

Batch-specific

More collectible

Better suited to experienced drinkers

If you're choosing your first E.H. Taylor, buy Small Batch.

If you've already explored high-proof bourbon and want maximum intensity, buy Barrel Proof.

E.H. Taylor Single Barrel vs. Barrel Proof

This comparison is more interesting.

Both appeal to enthusiasts who want something beyond the standard Small Batch experience, but they accomplish that in completely different ways.

Single Barrel creates variation through the barrel.

Barrel Proof creates variation through the batch and proof.

Single Barrel remains fixed at 100 proof and emphasizes the unique characteristics of an individual barrel.

Barrel Proof keeps substantially more alcohol and intensity in the finished whiskey.

If you prefer nuance, Single Barrel may be more appealing.

If you prefer power and concentration, Barrel Proof is probably the better choice.

Which E.H. Taylor Is Smoothest?

"Smooth" is subjective, but among these three, E.H. Taylor Small Batch is generally the most approachable.

Its combination of 100 proof and small-batch blending creates a balanced profile.

Single Barrel is also 100 proof, but individual barrels may emphasize oak, spice or other characteristics differently.

Barrel Proof is intentionally much more powerful and shouldn't be selected primarily because you're searching for the smoothest E.H. Taylor.

Which E.H. Taylor Has the Highest Proof?

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof, by a substantial margin.

Small Batch: 100 proof

Single Barrel: 100 proof

Barrel Proof: varies by batch and is generally over 125 proof

This is one of the reasons Barrel Proof releases attract collectors. Different batches can provide different proof points and flavor experiences.

Which E.H. Taylor Is Rarest?

Of these three expressions, Barrel Proof is generally the most collectible and difficult to obtain, particularly when discussing desirable older batches.

Specific Barrel Proof batches can develop their own following.

Single Barrel is also highly sought after, while Small Batch is typically the most approachable entry into the collection.

However, availability varies considerably by market and release cycle.

And none of these should be confused with the truly rare historical E.H. Taylor releases such as Tornado Surviving, Old Fashioned Sour Mash, Seasoned Wood, Warehouse C, Amaranth and 18 Year Marriage.

You can explore those bottles in the complete E.H. Taylor collection at Whiskey Caviar.

Which E.H. Taylor Is Best for Beginners?

E.H. Taylor Small Batch.

This is the bottle we'd recommend to someone who says:

"I've never had E.H. Taylor. Which one should I buy?"

Small Batch gives you the essential E.H. Taylor experience at 100 proof without the additional variability of Single Barrel or intensity of Barrel Proof.

Once you've tried Small Batch, you have a baseline.

From there, Single Barrel lets you investigate barrel variation.

Then Barrel Proof lets you experience the whiskey at substantially greater strength.

That progression makes sense:

Small Batch → Single Barrel → Barrel Proof

Which E.H. Taylor Is Best for Collectors?

Among these three, Barrel Proof offers the deepest collecting opportunity.

That's largely because releases can be identified by batch and exact proof.

Collectors can hunt individual batches, compare them side by side and search for older releases.

Single Barrel is also interesting for collectors because of barrel variation, while Small Batch remains an essential bottle for anyone assembling a broader E.H. Taylor lineup.

A serious collection will eventually contain all three.

Which E.H. Taylor Makes the Best Gift?

It depends on the recipient.

For Someone New to Bourbon

E.H. Taylor Small Batch

Recognizable, premium and approachable.

For a Bourbon Enthusiast

E.H. Taylor Single Barrel

It feels like a meaningful upgrade while remaining approachable at 100 proof.

For a Serious Bourbon Collector

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof

The batch-specific nature and higher collectibility make it the most exciting gift of the three for an experienced enthusiast.

Whiskey Caviar also offers custom engraving on eligible E.H. Taylor bottles, making them excellent options for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, retirements and corporate gifts.

Browse E.H. Taylor bottles available for purchase and engraving at Whiskey Caviar.

How Should You Drink E.H. Taylor?

For all three expressions, we recommend beginning neat.

And the best way to properly enjoy E.H. Taylor is with a Glencairn Whisky Glass from Whiskey Caviar.

A Glencairn's wider bowl and narrower opening help concentrate whiskey aromas, which becomes particularly useful when comparing Small Batch, Single Barrel and Barrel Proof side by side.

For Small Batch and Single Barrel, pour approximately one to two ounces and allow the bourbon to rest briefly before tasting.

For Barrel Proof, start with a smaller sip.

Taste it at full strength first.

Then try adding a few drops of water.

You may notice additional fruit, caramel, vanilla or spice emerge as the alcohol concentration decreases.

The Best E.H. Taylor Side-by-Side Tasting

If you own all three bottles, conducting a side-by-side tasting is one of the best ways to understand the differences.

Pour them in this order:

1. E.H. Taylor Small Batch — 100 Proof

Establish your baseline.

Look for caramel, butterscotch, corn sweetness, licorice and spice.

2. E.H. Taylor Single Barrel — 100 Proof

Now look for differences despite the identical proof.

Pay attention to oak, fruit, tobacco, spice and overall texture.

This demonstrates what barrel selection can do.

3. E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof — 125+ Proof

Finish with Barrel Proof.

The jump in intensity should be immediately apparent.

Look for concentrated fruit, caramel, vanilla, oak and pepper.

Always taste Barrel Proof last. Starting with a 125–130+ proof bourbon can make the 100-proof whiskeys that follow seem muted.

E.H. Taylor Small Batch vs. Single Barrel vs. Barrel Proof: Which Should You Buy?

If you only remember one section of this guide, make it this one.

Buy E.H. Taylor Small Batch If:

You are new to E.H. Taylor.

You prefer balanced bourbon.

You want Bottled-in-Bond whiskey.

You enjoy 100-proof bourbon.

You want the best introduction to the brand.

Buy E.H. Taylor Small Batch at Whiskey Caviar.

Buy E.H. Taylor Single Barrel If:

You've already tried Small Batch.

You enjoy single-barrel whiskey.

You like barrel-to-barrel variation.

You want something more distinctive while remaining at 100 proof.

You appreciate the historical Warehouse C connection.

Buy E.H. Taylor Single Barrel at Whiskey Caviar.

Buy E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof If:

You're an experienced bourbon drinker.

You enjoy 120+ proof whiskey.

You want E.H. Taylor uncut and unfiltered.

You collect different batches and proofs.

You want the boldest of these three bourbons.

Shop E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof batches at Whiskey Caviar.

Our Verdict

There really isn't a loser in the E.H. Taylor Small Batch vs. Single Barrel vs. Barrel Proof comparison.

They represent three different ways to experience the same historic bourbon family.

Small Batch is about balance.

Single Barrel is about individuality.

Barrel Proof is about intensity.

For someone completely new to E.H. Taylor, we recommend starting with Small Batch.

Once you understand that profile, move to Single Barrel and see what happens when one barrel is allowed to speak for itself.

Finally, move into Barrel Proof, where the bourbon is presented uncut and at substantially greater strength.

The ideal E.H. Taylor journey isn't necessarily choosing one of the three.

It's tasting all three side by side.

Where to Buy E.H. Taylor Bourbon Online

All three expressions are available through Whiskey Caviar, along with a much broader selection of rare and collectible E.H. Taylor whiskey.

Shop Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon

Shop Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel Bourbon

Shop E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Bourbon and Other E.H. Taylor Releases

Whiskey Caviar's E.H. Taylor collection also includes rotating inventory of Straight Rye, Barrel Proof Rye, Four Grain, Amaranth, Cured Oak, Seasoned Wood, Warehouse C, Tornado Surviving, Old Fashioned Sour Mash, 18 Year Marriage, Distiller's Council and E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond BTAC.

Availability of rare and allocated whiskey can change quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions: E.H. Taylor Small Batch vs. Single Barrel vs. Barrel Proof

What is the main difference between E.H. Taylor Small Batch and Single Barrel?

E.H. Taylor Small Batch combines selected barrels to create a balanced and consistent profile. E.H. Taylor Single Barrel comes from an individual selected barrel, allowing that particular barrel's characteristics to remain more prominent. Both are Bottled-in-Bond at 100 proof.

Is E.H. Taylor Single Barrel better than Small Batch?

Not necessarily. Single Barrel offers greater individuality, while Small Batch emphasizes consistency and balance. Someone new to E.H. Taylor may prefer starting with Small Batch, while enthusiasts interested in barrel variation may prefer Single Barrel.

Is E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof better than Single Barrel?

It depends on your preferences. Barrel Proof is substantially stronger and more concentrated, while Single Barrel remains at 100 proof and emphasizes individual barrel character. High-proof enthusiasts may prefer Barrel Proof, while drinkers who value nuance may favor Single Barrel.

What proof is E.H. Taylor Small Batch?

E.H. Taylor Small Batch is 100 proof, or 50% ABV.

What proof is E.H. Taylor Single Barrel?

E.H. Taylor Single Barrel is also 100 proof, or 50% ABV.

What proof is E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof?

The exact proof varies by batch. Buffalo Trace bottles E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof uncut and unfiltered at barrel strength, generally above 125 proof.

Are E.H. Taylor Small Batch and Single Barrel Bottled-in-Bond?

Yes. Both Small Batch and Single Barrel are Bottled-in-Bond bourbons bottled at the required 100 proof.

Is E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Bottled-in-Bond?

No. Although E.H. Taylor has a strong association with Bottled-in-Bond whiskey, Barrel Proof is bottled uncut at its batch-specific barrel strength rather than the fixed 100 proof required for Bottled-in-Bond whiskey.

Do E.H. Taylor Small Batch and Single Barrel use the same mash bill?

Yes. Buffalo Trace identifies both Small Batch and Single Barrel as using Mash Bill #1.

Which E.H. Taylor is hardest to find?

Among Small Batch, Single Barrel and Barrel Proof, Barrel Proof is generally the most collectible, particularly older or sought-after batches. Availability varies over time and by market.

Which E.H. Taylor should I buy first?

We recommend E.H. Taylor Small Batch as the starting point. Its 100-proof Bottled-in-Bond format provides an excellent baseline for understanding the E.H. Taylor style before progressing to Single Barrel and Barrel Proof.

Which E.H. Taylor is best for drinking neat?

All three can be enjoyed neat. Small Batch is the most approachable starting point, Single Barrel provides more barrel-specific nuance, and Barrel Proof provides the greatest intensity.

Should you add water to E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof?

You can. We recommend tasting Barrel Proof neat first and then experimenting with a few drops of water. Small amounts of water can reduce alcohol intensity and sometimes reveal additional aromas and flavors.

What is the best glass for E.H. Taylor bourbon?

We recommend drinking E.H. Taylor from a Glencairn Whisky Glass available at Whiskey Caviar. The shape helps concentrate aromas and is particularly useful for side-by-side whiskey tastings.

Where can I buy E.H. Taylor Small Batch, Single Barrel and Barrel Proof online?

Whiskey Caviar carries all three expressions along with numerous rare E.H. Taylor releases. Shop the complete E.H. Taylor Collection at Whiskey Caviar.