How to Drink E.H. Taylor

Last Updated on: 25th April 2024, 05:21 pm

Discover my way of drinking E.H. Taylor: Ideas for tasting, pairing, and enjoying this bourbon.

Written by: J Highland

Key Takeaways

• Optimal Tasting Method: Whiskey expert Neil Coleman recommends letting the bourbon sit in the glass for 15 minutes and adding a dash of water to enhance brown sugar flavors and reduce heat.
• Adding Water: Start undiluted, then add water drop by drop to find your preferred taste.
• Drinkability and Proof: Despite being 100 proof, E.H. Taylor offers a light drinkability.
• Flavor Comparison: It shares similar flavors with Buffalo Trace, as both are made from the same mash at the same distillery.
• On the Rocks: Use a large ice ball or whiskey stones to prevent over-dilution.
• Glassware: Preferably use a Glencairn glass to enhance aroma and flavor, but a regular whiskey tumbler is also fine.
• Tasting Notes: The bourbon has a complex profile with cherries, chocolate, tobacco, vanilla, fruity notes, and a warm, spicy finish.
• Cocktail Recipes: Try Lavender Bourbon Sour, Bourbon Fig Old Fashioned, and Blackberry Bourbon Smash.
• Food Pairings: Ideal with seared foie gras, grilled pork belly, duck confit, and pecan pie.
• Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Best Way to Drink E.H. Taylor Small Batch

Bourbon expert Neil Coleman suggests allowing it to rest in the glass for about 15 minutes and adding a splash of water, which brings out brown sugar notes and tones down any slight heat.

This bourbon offers a surprisingly light drinkability, despite its 100 proof.

It shares similar flavors with Buffalo Trace, as both are crafted from the same mash at the same distillery.

The difference is that E.H. Taylor is a bottled-in-bond release at 100 proof, compared to Buffalo Trace’s 90 proof.

This gives E.H. Taylor a more pronounced character without being overbearing, enhancing the finish and overall enjoyment.

The price is notably higher, but for those not constrained by budget, it’s a worthy option.

For those looking to explore further, Coleman recommends the E.H. Taylor Single Barrel, his top pick from the Buffalo Trace distillery.

Adding Water

Begin by sampling the beverage in its undiluted state immediately after pouring it.

Next, gradually introduce water, adding a few drops at a time, while continuously tasting.

Repeat this procedure until you discover the flavor that precisely matches your personal taste preferences.

On the Rocks

The optimal method for incorporating ice involves utilizing a large ice ball, thereby preventing excessive dilution.

Dilution can weaken the bourbon and give it a dull taste.

Alternatively, opting for a set of whiskey stones not only serves as a superior choice but also enhances the overall visual aspect of the drinking experience.

Selecting the Right Glassware

To enjoy E.H. Taylor Bourbon to the fullest, it’s best to use a Glencairn glass.

This glass has a unique shape that brings out the whiskey’s aromas and flavors, making your tasting experience more enjoyable.

The Glencairn glass is designed to concentrate the smell at the top, so you can better appreciate the bourbon’s subtle nuances.

However, if you can’t get a Glencairn glass, a regular whiskey tumbler works well too.

In the end, it’s all about your personal preference.

But if you’re a serious Bourbon fan, it’s worth investing in a Glencairn glass for a better-tasting experience.

Tasting Notes

E.H. Taylor Small Batch presents an aroma reminiscent of cherries, chocolate, and tobacco, with a subtle hint of ethanol.

Its distinct light red hue contributes to its unique personality.

On the palate, it offers a thick and oily texture that evolves from initial warmth and spiciness to sweet vanilla, fruity notes, and a dash of spice and oak.

The standout moment arrives in the finish, featuring toasty oak, black pepper, and lingering traces of vanilla and cherry.

This delivers a gratifying warmth, bringing the tasting experience to a delightful close.

E.H. Taylor in Cocktails

Here are 3 easy to make cocktail recipes for this bourbon:

1. Lavender Bourbon Sour: Shake together 2 oz of bourbon, 1 oz of freshly squeezed lime juice, 1/2 oz of lavender-infused simple syrup, and an egg white. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a sprig of fresh lavender.
2. Bourbon Fig Old Fashioned: In a mixing glass, muddle 2 sugar cubes and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters. Add 2 oz of bourbon and stir with ice until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube and garnish with a dried fig slice.
3. Blackberry Bourbon Smash: Muddle 5-6 fresh blackberries and a sprig of fresh mint in a shaker. Add 2 oz of bourbon, 1 oz of simple syrup, and 1/2 oz of fresh lime juice. Shake vigorously and strain into a highball glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a mint sprig and a blackberry skewer.

Food Pairings

Pairing a fine bourbon with the right food enhances its flavors.

Here are four food pairings to consider:

1. Seared Foie Gras: The luxurious, fatty texture of seared foie gras complements the smoothness and depth of a fine bourbon.
2. Grilled Pork Belly: The caramelized flavors of grilled pork belly harmonize beautifully with the bourbon’s rich and smoky undertones.
3. Duck Confit: The tender, flavorful duck confit pairs wonderfully with the bourbon’s depth and hints of spice.
4. Pecan Pie: The nutty sweetness of pecan pie complements the bourbon’s caramel and vanilla notes, creating a delightful dessert pairing.

Preserving the Bottle

• Store the bottle in a cool area, shielded from direct light exposure.
• Ensure the bottle is securely closed to prevent any oxidation.
• As the bottle’s liquid level decreases to approximately 25%, it’s advisable to consume it promptly to preserve its flavor.

About E.H. Taylor

• Crafted at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, following the same recipe as Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, and Benchmark.
• Produced from a blend of barrels aged for 7 years, carefully selected from the sixth floor of Warehouse C.
• This warehouse, originally built by Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. in 1881, serves as a historic backdrop for aging.
• Adheres to the “bottled in bond” standard, signifying distillation in a single season and bottling at a minimum of 100 proof.
• Each bottle is elegantly presented in a canister that pays homage to the vintage bottles used by Taylor over a century ago.