October 04, 2026

Every E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch & Proof: Complete Release Guide

Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Bourbon has become one of the most sought-after barrel-strength bourbons produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery.

Unlike E.H. Taylor Small Batch and E.H. Taylor Single Barrel, which are bottled at exactly 100 proof, E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof is bottled uncut and unfiltered at barrel strength.

That means the proof changes from release to release.

For bourbon collectors, those changing proof numbers are extremely important. An E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof bottle at 134.5 proof represents a completely different release from one at 127.3 proof, even though the bottles can look remarkably similar.

Since the first release in 2012, enthusiasts have cataloged E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof releases by:

  • Batch number

  • Release year

  • Exact proof

  • ABV

  • Bottle laser code

  • Relative rarity

This complete E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof batch guide covers every major bourbon release from the original 134.5-proof 2012 Batch 1 through the modern releases, including the unusual multiple-proof 2025 bottlings.

You can also shop the complete E.H. Taylor Collection at Whiskey Caviar, including multiple Barrel Proof batches and rare E.H. Taylor releases.

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch List: Every Proof & Release Year

Here is the quick-reference chart collectors can bookmark when identifying an E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof batch by proof.

Collector Batch Release Year Proof ABV
Batch 1 2012 134.5 67.25%
Batch 2 2013 135.4 67.70%
Batch 3 2014 129.0 64.50%
Batch 4 2015 127.2 63.60%
Batch 5 2016 127.5 63.75%
Batch 6 2017 128.1 64.05%
Batch 7 2018 129.7 64.85%
Batch 8 2019 129.3 64.65%
Batch 9 2020 130.3 65.15%
Batch 10 2021 127.3 63.65%
Batch 11 2022 129.0 64.50%
Batch 12 2023 131.1 65.55%
Batch 13 2024 127.3 63.65%
2025 Release A 2025 127.2 63.60%
2025 Release B 2025 127.4 63.70%
2025 Release C 2025 127.3 63.65%

Important: Buffalo Trace does not prominently label these bottles “Batch 1,” “Batch 2,” etc. on the front label. Batch numbering is commonly used by collectors and retailers to distinguish sequential releases.

That becomes particularly important with the 2025 E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof releases, because multiple proof points were bottled during the year.

What Is E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof?

Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky.

It belongs to the same E.H. Taylor family as:

The key distinction is that Barrel Proof is bottled without being proofed down to the standard 100 proof associated with many E.H. Taylor releases.

Instead, you get a much closer representation of the whiskey at barrel strength.

That means:

  • Higher proof

  • Higher ABV

  • Greater concentration

  • More intense aromas

  • More powerful flavor

  • Longer finishes

  • Meaningful variation between releases

For enthusiasts who enjoy high-proof bourbon, E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof is often considered one of the most exciting bottles in the E.H. Taylor lineup.

What Mash Bill Does E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Use?

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof is associated with Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1, the distillery's low-rye bourbon mash bill.

That connects E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof to an important family of Buffalo Trace bourbons.

However, mash bill alone doesn't determine how a bourbon tastes.

Flavor is also influenced by:

  • Barrel selection

  • Warehouse location

  • Time in oak

  • Temperature cycles

  • Evaporation

  • Entry proof

  • Final barrel proof

  • Batch composition

That helps explain why two E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof releases made from the same underlying bourbon mash bill can still taste noticeably different.

Why Does E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Change Proof Every Year?

Because the whiskey isn't diluted to a predetermined bottling strength.

Compare that with E.H. Taylor Small Batch.

Small Batch is bottled at:

  • 100 proof

  • 50% ABV

Every release targets that same strength.

Barrel Proof works differently.

The selected barrels are bottled at their natural batch strength, meaning one release might land at 127.2 proof while another reaches 135.4 proof.

That variability is not a defect.

It is one of the primary reasons collectors love E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof.

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 1 – 134.5 Proof

  • Release Year: 2012

  • Proof: 134.5

  • ABV: 67.25%

  • Collector Batch: 1

The bottle that started everything.

The first E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof bourbon release arrived in 2012 at a massive 134.5 proof.

That immediately established Barrel Proof as something dramatically different from the 100-proof Bottled-in-Bond expressions elsewhere in the E.H. Taylor lineup.

At 67.25% ABV, Batch 1 remains one of the strongest releases in the entire series.

More importantly for collectors, it is the inaugural E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof release.

First releases frequently carry special significance in whiskey collecting, and Batch 1 combines that historical importance with extremely limited availability more than a decade later.

Why Batch 1 Matters

  • First E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof release

  • 134.5 proof

  • One of the highest-proof batches

  • Extremely difficult to find today

  • Major bottle for advanced E.H. Taylor collections

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 2 – 135.4 Proof

  • Release Year: 2013

  • Proof: 135.4

  • ABV: 67.70%

  • Collector Batch: 2

Batch 2 increased the proof even further.

At 135.4 proof, the 2013 release is the highest-proof E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof bourbon release in the original annual sequence through 2025.

That single statistic makes Batch 2 particularly interesting to collectors.

Why Batch 2 Matters

  • Highest proof in the series through 2025

  • 67.7% ABV

  • Early E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof release

  • Extremely collectible

  • Very difficult to replace

For collectors who organize bottles by unusual specifications, the 135.4-proof E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof is an obvious target.

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 3 – 129 Proof

  • Release Year: 2014

  • Proof: 129.0

  • ABV: 64.50%

  • Collector Batch: 3

The third release represented a noticeable proof decrease from the first two.

But 129 proof is hardly light whiskey.

Batch 3 remains a powerful barrel-strength bourbon at 64.5% ABV.

It also creates one of the first identification problems collectors encounter.

Batch 3 and Batch 11 are both exactly 129 proof.

Therefore:

129 proof alone does not tell you which E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof release you own.

You need to consider the bottle's laser code and production year.

Whiskey Caviar currently offers the rare 2014 E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 3 at 129 proof for collectors searching specifically for this early release.

Why Batch 3 Matters

  • First release below 130 proof

  • 2014 release

  • 129 proof

  • Shares its proof with Batch 11

  • Older collectible E.H. Taylor release

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 4 – 127.2 Proof

  • Release Year: 2015

  • Proof: 127.2

  • ABV: 63.60%

  • Collector Batch: 4

Batch 4 dropped to 127.2 proof, establishing a proof point that would eventually appear again years later.

At 63.6% ABV, it remains firmly in high-proof bourbon territory while being noticeably lower in alcohol than the enormous first two batches.

Interestingly, 127.2 proof returned during the 2025 release cycle.

That means once again, proof alone is insufficient for identifying an E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof bottle.

Why Batch 4 Matters

  • 127.2 proof

  • 2015 release

  • Early-series bottle

  • Proof later repeated in 2025

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 5 – 127.5 Proof

  • Release Year: 2016

  • Proof: 127.5

  • ABV: 63.75%

  • Collector Batch: 5

Batch 5 increased slightly to 127.5 proof.

For collectors trying to identify a bottle solely from proof, this is one of the easier releases because 127.5 is a distinctive number within the historical lineup.

Batch 5 Quick Facts

  • 2016 release

  • 127.5 proof

  • 63.75% ABV

  • Distinctive proof within the series

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 6 – 128.1 Proof

  • Release Year: 2017

  • Proof: 128.1

  • ABV: 64.05%

  • Collector Batch: 6

Batch 6 arrived at 128.1 proof.

This release continued the run of E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof batches sitting primarily in the upper-120-proof range following the exceptionally high-proof opening releases.

Batch 6 Quick Facts

  • 2017 release

  • 128.1 proof

  • 64.05% ABV

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 7 – 129.7 Proof

  • Release Year: 2018

  • Proof: 129.7

  • ABV: 64.85%

  • Collector Batch: 7

Batch 7 moved upward again to 129.7 proof.

At just under 130 proof, it sits between the mid-series releases and the 130+ proof batches collectors often seek.

Batch 7 Quick Facts

  • 2018 release

  • 129.7 proof

  • 64.85% ABV

  • Nearly 130 proof

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 8 – 129.3 Proof

  • Release Year: 2019

  • Proof: 129.3

  • ABV: 64.65%

  • Collector Batch: 8

The 2019 release arrived at 129.3 proof.

Batch 8 is another proof point that is easy to identify within the historical sequence.

Batch 8 Quick Facts

  • 2019 release

  • 129.3 proof

  • 64.65% ABV

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 9 – 130.3 Proof

  • Release Year: 2020

  • Proof: 130.3

  • ABV: 65.15%

  • Collector Batch: 9

Batch 9 pushed E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof back above the 130-proof threshold.

At 130.3 proof, Batch 9 was the first release above 130 proof since Batch 2.

That makes it an interesting point in the chronology.

Why Batch 9 Matters

  • 2020 release

  • 130.3 proof

  • 65.15% ABV

  • Return to 130+ proof

For enthusiasts specifically hunting 130-proof E.H. Taylor, Batch 9 is one of the key releases to know.

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 10 – 127.3 Proof

  • Release Year: 2021

  • Proof: 127.3

  • ABV: 63.65%

  • Collector Batch: 10

Batch 10 dropped back to 127.3 proof.

That number is particularly important because it appears again.

The 2024 release commonly identified as Batch 13 is also 127.3 proof, and another 127.3-proof bottling appeared during the 2025 production cycle.

Therefore:

A 127.3-proof E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof bottle cannot be reliably identified from proof alone.

The laser code becomes essential.

Batch 10 Quick Facts

  • 2021 release

  • 127.3 proof

  • 63.65% ABV

  • Proof later repeated

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

  • Release Year: 2022

  • Proof: 129.0

  • ABV: 64.50%

  • Collector Batch: 11

Batch 11 returned to exactly 129 proof.

That creates another duplicate.

Remember:

  • Batch 3 — 2014 — 129 proof

  • Batch 11 — 2022 — 129 proof

The bottles are separated by eight years but share the exact same proof.

Whiskey Caviar carries E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 11 129 Proof alongside other Barrel Proof releases.

Why Batch 11 Matters

  • 2022 release

  • 129 proof

  • Same proof as 2014 Batch 3

  • Laser code helps distinguish the releases

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

  • Release Year: 2023

  • Proof: 131.1

  • ABV: 65.55%

  • Collector Batch: 12

Batch 12 is one of the standout modern releases from a proof perspective.

At 131.1 proof, it became the highest-proof E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof release since the enormous 135.4-proof Batch 2 from 2013.

That immediately gives Batch 12 a distinctive position in the series.

Whiskey Caviar currently offers Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 12 Bourbon 131.1 Proof.

Batch 12 Tasting Profile

At this proof, expect an intense profile that can include:

  • Caramel

  • Toasted oak

  • Dark chocolate

  • Dried fruit

  • Toffee

  • Vanilla

  • Baking spice

  • Black pepper

  • Smoky oak

Why Batch 12 Matters

  • 131.1 proof

  • 65.55% ABV

  • 2023 release

  • Highest-proof release since 2013

  • Highly desirable modern batch

Shop E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 12 at Whiskey Caviar.

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

  • Release Year: 2024

  • Proof: 127.3

  • ABV: 63.65%

  • Collector Batch: 13

The 2024 E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof release returned to 127.3 proof.

This is the same proof as the 2021 release, so collectors need to pay attention to the year and laser code.

Whiskey Caviar currently offers E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 13 Bourbon 127.3 Proof.

Batch 13 Tasting Profile

Expect characteristics including:

  • Caramel

  • Dark chocolate

  • Tobacco

  • Seasoned oak

  • Dried fruit

  • Toffee

  • Vanilla

  • Baking spice

  • Leather

  • Black pepper

  • Brown sugar

Why Batch 13 Matters

  • 2024 release

  • 127.3 proof

  • 63.65% ABV

  • Shares its proof with earlier releases

  • Modern collectible Barrel Proof release

Shop E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 13 at Whiskey Caviar.

The Confusing 2025 E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Releases

This is where the historical batch list becomes considerably more complicated.

Instead of one easily identifiable proof point, three E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof bourbon proofs appeared from 2025 bottlings:

  • 127.2 proof — 63.60% ABV

  • 127.4 proof — 63.70% ABV

  • 127.3 proof — 63.65% ABV

This has led to inconsistent naming among collectors and retailers.

Some sources group all three under the broader 2025 / Batch 14 release cycle.

Others sequentially refer to them as Batch 14, Batch 15 and Batch 16.

Because Buffalo Trace does not print those collector batch numbers prominently on the bottle, the most precise way to identify a 2025 bottle is by its:

  • Proof

  • Laser code

  • Bottling year

For SEO and collector reference purposes, Whiskey Caviar recommends identifying them by year + proof rather than relying exclusively on unofficial batch numbering.

2025 E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof – 127.2 Proof

  • Release Year: 2025

  • Proof: 127.2

  • ABV: 63.60%

This proof mirrors the 127.2-proof release from 2015.

Therefore, a 127.2-proof bottle could theoretically refer to two different eras of E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof.

The bottle code helps settle the question.

Quick Facts

  • 127.2 proof

  • 63.6% ABV

  • 2025 bottling

  • One of three known 2025 proof points

2025 E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof – 127.4 Proof

  • Release Year: 2025

  • Proof: 127.4

  • ABV: 63.70%

The 127.4-proof release is another distinct 2025 bottling.

Whiskey Caviar currently offers the E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 127.4 Proof release.

Its profile can include:

  • Caramel

  • Toasted oak

  • Vanilla bean

  • Cinnamon

  • Clove

  • Dark fruit

  • Toffee

  • Brown sugar

  • Dark chocolate

  • Sweet tobacco

  • Honey

  • Charred oak

Shop E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 127.4 Proof at Whiskey Caviar.

2025 E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof – 127.3 Proof

  • Release Year: 2025

  • Proof: 127.3

  • ABV: 63.65%

A third 2025 bottling appeared at 127.3 proof.

This creates perhaps the most confusing proof in the entire E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof catalog because 127.3 proof has appeared multiple times.

That is exactly why serious collectors should learn to read bottle laser codes rather than relying only on proof.

How to Identify Your E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch

The easiest starting point is the proof printed on the bottle.

For example:

  • 134.5 proof → 2012 / Batch 1

  • 135.4 proof → 2013 / Batch 2

  • 127.5 proof → 2016 / Batch 5

  • 128.1 proof → 2017 / Batch 6

  • 129.7 proof → 2018 / Batch 7

  • 129.3 proof → 2019 / Batch 8

  • 130.3 proof → 2020 / Batch 9

  • 131.1 proof → 2023 / Batch 12

Those proof points are relatively easy.

The problem occurs when proofs repeat.

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batches With Duplicate Proofs

129 Proof

  • 2014 — Batch 3

  • 2022 — Batch 11

127.2 Proof

  • 2015 — Batch 4

  • 2025 — one of the 2025 releases

127.3 Proof

  • 2021 — Batch 10

  • 2024 — Batch 13

  • 2025 — one of the 2025 releases

If your proof appears more than once, check the bottle's laser code.

How to Read an E.H. Taylor Bottle Laser Code

Collectors often use the laser-etched production code near the bottom of the bottle to identify when it was bottled.

The most useful part is typically the year indicator.

For example:

  • L22 → 2022 bottling

  • L24 → 2024 bottling

  • L25 → 2025 bottling

That becomes especially useful when two bottles have identical proofs.

Imagine you find a 129-proof E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof.

Proof alone leaves two major possibilities:

  • 2014 Batch 3

  • 2022 Batch 11

The laser code helps determine which one you actually have.

The same principle applies to the increasingly confusing 127.3-proof releases.

What Is the Highest-Proof E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch?

The highest-proof release in the traditional annual bourbon sequence through 2025 is:

Batch 2 — 135.4 Proof

That equals:

67.7% ABV

The next-highest is:

Batch 1 — 134.5 Proof

or:

67.25% ABV

Those first two releases stand noticeably above most subsequent batches.

The next major high-proof standout is:

Batch 12 — 131.1 Proof

That makes the 2023 Batch 12 particularly interesting for someone who wants a modern release with a proof closer to the intensity of the early bottles.

Which E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch Is the Rarest?

The earliest releases are naturally among the most difficult to find today.

In particular:

  • Batch 1 — 2012 — 134.5 proof

  • Batch 2 — 2013 — 135.4 proof

  • Batch 3 — 2014 — 129 proof

have had many years to disappear into private collections or be opened and consumed.

Batch 1 also carries the additional historical importance of being the first E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof release.

That combination of age, scarcity and historical significance makes early batches particularly desirable among advanced collectors.

Which E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch Is Best?

There is no objectively "best" batch.

Higher proof does not automatically mean better bourbon.

Proof influences:

  • Intensity

  • Mouthfeel

  • Alcohol heat

  • Flavor concentration

  • Finish

But the barrels selected for a particular release matter just as much.

Some drinkers may prefer a 127-proof batch because its flavors are easier to access neat.

Others may gravitate toward the enormous 135.4-proof Batch 2 specifically because they want the most intense expression possible.

For modern bottles, Batch 12 at 131.1 proof is especially interesting because it combines relatively recent availability with one of the highest proofs in the series.

Is E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Better Than Small Batch?

They serve different purposes.

E.H. Taylor Small Batch is:

  • 100 proof

  • Bottled-in-Bond

  • Balanced

  • More approachable

  • A better introduction to E.H. Taylor

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof is:

  • Typically 125+ proof

  • Uncut

  • Unfiltered

  • More concentrated

  • More intense

  • More batch-dependent

  • More collector-oriented

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

If you're already comfortable drinking barrel-strength bourbon, Barrel Proof offers an entirely different experience.

Read our full E.H. Taylor Small Batch vs. Single Barrel vs. Barrel Proof comparison for a deeper look at the differences.

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof vs. George T. Stagg

This is another comparison bourbon enthusiasts frequently make.

Both are powerful barrel-proof bourbons produced by Buffalo Trace, and both are associated with the distillery's Mash Bill #1 family.

But they occupy different places in the Buffalo Trace portfolio.

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof belongs to the Colonel E.H. Taylor collection.

George T. Stagg belongs to the annual Buffalo Trace Antique Collection.

George T. Stagg is generally associated with substantially older age statements, while E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof is released without an age statement.

Both can offer tremendous proof, oak, caramel, dark fruit and spice.

For collectors of high-proof Buffalo Trace bourbon, owning both provides a fascinating comparison.

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Bourbon vs. Barrel Proof Rye

Don't confuse E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Bourbon with E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Rye.

They are completely different whiskeys.

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Bourbon

  • Bourbon

  • Corn-driven mash bill

  • Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1

  • Caramel and vanilla forward

  • Multiple historical releases

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Rye

  • Rye whiskey

  • Rye-driven flavor profile

  • More spice and herbal character

  • Separate release history

If you're building a complete E.H. Taylor collection, both belong on the shelf.

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

How Should You Drink E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof?

Our preferred way to taste E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof is:

  • Neat first

  • At room temperature

  • In a proper whiskey glass

  • Followed by a few drops of water if desired

The best way to enjoy E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof is with a Glencairn Whisky Glass from Whiskey Caviar.

The tapered shape helps concentrate the whiskey's aromas, which is especially useful with high-proof bourbon.

Pour a small amount and allow it to rest.

Then nose carefully rather than immediately placing your nose deep inside the glass. At 125–135+ proof, alcohol vapor can overpower the subtler aromas if you approach the glass too aggressively.

Take a small first sip.

Then consider adding a few drops of water.

Water can reveal additional:

  • Caramel

  • Vanilla

  • Dark fruit

  • Chocolate

  • Baking spice

  • Oak

  • Tobacco

One of the pleasures of barrel-proof bourbon is deciding exactly how much dilution—if any—you prefer.

How to Do an E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch Tasting

If you own multiple batches, tasting them side by side can be extremely revealing.

Rather than starting with your oldest bottle, arrange them from lowest proof to highest proof.

For example:

  • 127.3 proof

  • 129.0 proof

  • 130.3 proof

  • 131.1 proof

  • 134.5 proof

This helps prevent the strongest whiskey from overwhelming your palate before you reach the lower-proof pours.

Use identical Glencairn Whisky Glasses and pour approximately the same amount into each.

Compare:

  • Nose

  • Sweetness

  • Fruit

  • Oak

  • Spice

  • Mouthfeel

  • Alcohol intensity

  • Finish

You may discover that your favorite batch isn't necessarily the highest proof.

Is E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Collectible?

Absolutely.

In fact, Barrel Proof may be one of the most naturally collectible recurring E.H. Taylor expressions because every release creates a new variation.

Collectors can organize bottles by:

  • Batch

  • Year

  • Proof

  • Laser code

  • Early vs. modern releases

That creates a collecting dynamic similar to other batch-driven bourbons.

The earliest releases have also become increasingly difficult to locate as bottles disappear into collections or are opened.

Where to Buy E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Online

Whiskey Caviar carries multiple E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof releases alongside the broader E.H. Taylor family.

Current and rotating inventory can include:

You can also shop all E.H. Taylor whiskey available at Whiskey Caviar.

Rare and allocated whiskey inventory changes frequently.

Complete E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Proof List

For quick reference:

  • 2012 / Batch 1 — 134.5 proof

  • 2013 / Batch 2 — 135.4 proof

  • 2014 / Batch 3 — 129.0 proof

  • 2015 / Batch 4 — 127.2 proof

  • 2016 / Batch 5 — 127.5 proof

  • 2017 / Batch 6 — 128.1 proof

  • 2018 / Batch 7 — 129.7 proof

  • 2019 / Batch 8 — 129.3 proof

  • 2020 / Batch 9 — 130.3 proof

  • 2021 / Batch 10 — 127.3 proof

  • 2022 / Batch 11 — 129.0 proof

  • 2023 / Batch 12 — 131.1 proof

  • 2024 / Batch 13 — 127.3 proof

  • 2025 Release A — 127.2 proof

  • 2025 Release B — 127.4 proof

  • 2025 Release C — 127.3 proof

Bookmark this page. As new E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof releases appear, this guide can be updated to maintain a complete chronological reference.

Final Thoughts: Why E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Is So Special

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof captures something that standardized proof whiskey cannot.

Variation.

Every release provides another snapshot of Buffalo Trace bourbon at natural barrel strength.

Sometimes that means 127.2 proof.

Sometimes it means 131.1 proof.

And in the extraordinary case of the 2013 release, it meant 135.4 proof.

That variation gives bourbon enthusiasts a reason to taste multiple releases and gives collectors a clearly defined series to pursue.

For someone just beginning the journey, a modern Barrel Proof release provides an excellent introduction.

For the advanced collector, the search can stretch all the way back to Batch 1 from 2012.

And that's what makes E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof different from simply buying the same bourbon year after year.

Every release adds another chapter.

Explore E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and the complete E.H. Taylor Collection at Whiskey Caviar.

Frequently Asked Questions About E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof

How many E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof batches are there?

Collectors generally identify 13 annual bourbon releases from 2012 through 2024, followed by multiple distinct proof points bottled during 2025. Because Buffalo Trace does not prominently print collector-style batch numbers on the bottles, the safest way to identify releases is by year, proof and laser code.

What proof is E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof?

The proof varies by release because the bourbon is bottled at barrel strength. Historical releases have ranged from the upper 120s to more than 135 proof.

What is the highest-proof E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof?

The 2013 release commonly identified as Batch 2 was bottled at 135.4 proof, or 67.7% ABV, making it the highest-proof bourbon release in the sequence through 2025.

What proof is E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 1?

Batch 1 was released in 2012 at 134.5 proof, or 67.25% ABV.

What proof is E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 3?

The 2014 Batch 3 release is 129 proof. Whiskey Caviar offers the collectible 2014 Batch 3 here.

What proof is E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 11?

The 2022 release commonly called Batch 11 is 129 proof, the same proof as 2014 Batch 3. Use the production year or laser code to distinguish them.

What proof is E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 12?

Batch 12 was released in 2023 at 131.1 proof, or 65.55% ABV. Shop E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 12 at Whiskey Caviar.

What proof is E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 13?

The 2024 release commonly identified as Batch 13 is 127.3 proof, or 63.65% ABV. Shop E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Batch 13 at Whiskey Caviar.

Why are there multiple E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof releases for 2025?

Multiple 2025-bottled Barrel Proof bourbons appeared at 127.2, 127.4 and 127.3 proof. This has created inconsistent informal batch numbering, so collectors should use proof and bottle laser codes when identifying them.

How can I tell which E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof batch I have?

Start with the proof printed on the bottle. If that proof was used only once, identification is straightforward. If the proof appears in multiple years—such as 129.0, 127.2 or 127.3—check the bottle's laser code to determine its production year.

Is E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof rare?

Yes. E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof is an allocated Buffalo Trace bourbon, and older releases can be particularly difficult to find. Early batches have become significant collector bottles.

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

Neither is universally better. Small Batch is a balanced 100-proof Bottled-in-Bond bourbon, while Barrel Proof is significantly stronger, uncut and more variable between releases. Barrel Proof is generally better suited to experienced high-proof bourbon drinkers.

Does E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof have an age statement?

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof is released without an age statement. Be cautious with websites assigning a precise age unless Buffalo Trace has officially stated one for that particular release.

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

A few drops of water can help reduce alcohol intensity and reveal additional aromas and flavors. We recommend tasting the bourbon neat first and then adding water gradually.

What is the best glass for E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof?

The best way to enjoy E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof is in a Glencairn Whisky Glass from Whiskey Caviar. Its shape helps concentrate aromas and is ideal for comparing multiple batches side by side.

Where can I buy E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof online?

Whiskey Caviar carries multiple Barrel Proof releases along with Small Batch, Single Barrel, Straight Rye and rare E.H. Taylor expressions. Shop the complete E.H. Taylor Collection at Whiskey Caviar.