Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 12:57 am
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between E.H. Taylor Single Barrel vs Stagg Jr. in this in-depth comparison and decide which bourbon is better for You!
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.
Written by: J Highland
E.H. Taylor Single Barrel vs Stagg Jr: Comparison
E.H. Taylor Single Barrel: A symphony of caramel and cinnamon with a long, luxurious finish of vanilla and old leather. Smooth with a 100-proof kick. Best enjoyed with a splash of water.
Stagg Jr.: Rich cherry and baking spice flavors meet a robust finish of oak and brown sugar. Bold and unfiltered at 130 proof, it’s an adventure in every sip.
Key Difference: E.H. Taylor and Stagg Jr., both from Buffalo Trace Distillery with the same mash bill as Eagle Rare, Buffalo Trace, and Benchmark, differ in aging and proof. E.H. Taylor is aged 12 years, bottled in bond at 100 proof, while Stagg Jr. is aged 8 years and bottled at barrel proof (130+/-)
Verdict: Both E.H. Taylor Single Barrel and Stagg Jr. offer unique experiences for the bourbon enthusiast. E.H. Taylor balances smoothness with complex flavors, while Stagg Jr. provides a bold, rich taste. Each stands out in its own right, offering something special for different palates, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: List of Recommended Single Barrel Bourbons
E.H. Taylor Single Barrel: Smooth Sailing with Bold Flavors
- Nose: Caramel charred oak, cinnamon
- Palate: Vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, oak
- Finish: Long, caramel, vanilla, old leather, oak
- Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Elmer T. Lee
Imagine this: Caramel, toasted oak, and a hint of cinnamon fill your nose, followed by a whisper of aged leather and honey. That’s the enticing aroma of E.H. Taylor Single Barrel, a bourbon known for its smoothness and delectable flavors.
On the palate, it’s pure silk. Buttery and smooth, it delivers vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, and a touch of oak, all without overwhelming spice. The finish is a delightful echo of those flavors, with lingering hints of caramel, vanilla, and aged leather.
The Verdict? This is an exceptional bourbon. Full-bodied sweetness, balanced spice, and perfectly integrated oak create a truly well-rounded experience. It’s incredibly smooth and goes down almost too easily (beware, it packs a punch!).
Beyond the Bottle:
- Aged for over 11 years, this bourbon has earned accolades, including a Gold Medal and a near-perfect score!
- E.H. Taylor himself was a bourbon pioneer, instrumental in shaping the industry.
Though finding this gem might be tricky, fear not! I have a list of other single barrel bourbons to keep your taste buds happy. So, raise a glass to smooth sailing with E.H. Taylor Single Barrel, and don’t forget to explore the other exciting options out there!
Stagg Jr.: A Bold Bourbon for Adventurous Palates
- Nose: Vanilla, cherry pie
- Palate: Cherry, cinnamon, baking spice, caramel, pecan
- Finish: Oak, cinnamon, brown sugar
- Alcohol content: 130 proof (65% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Weller Antique 107
Craving a bourbon with personality? Stagg Jr. might be your perfect match! This bold spirit packs a punch, but its rich flavors and unique character make it a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts.
First Impressions: Imagine warm vanilla pie filling the air, that’s the welcoming aroma of Stagg Jr. Prepare for a full-bodied experience, as its thick texture coats your mouth with warmth.
Flavor Explosion: Cherry, cinnamon, and hints of baking spice dance on your palate, followed by a nutty pecan finish. The oak influence adds depth, while lingering spice and brown sugar notes keep things interesting.
Is it for Everyone? Stagg Jr. is a bold bourbon, and its high proof can be intense for some. But for those who love full-bodied expressions, it’s a real treat! If the heat feels overwhelming, a large ice ball can tame it, unlocking even more sweetness and wood notes.
Stagg Jr. in a Nutshell:
- Aged 8-9 years
- Uncut and unfiltered for a true bourbon experience
- Two batches released annually
- A younger sibling to the legendary George T. Stagg
Ready to embark on a flavor adventure? Stagg Jr. might just be the bold bourbon you’ve been searching for!
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| E.H. Taylor Single Barrel | $140 |
| Stagg Jr. | $110 |