May Issue - Over & Under $50

Over and Under $50 Reviews

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof & Sazerac Rye

E.H. Taylor is a whiskey that has a nearly mythic level cult following. However, it hasn't gained such a level of prestige without reason.

E.H. Taylor, now produced by Buffalo Trace, wasoriginally part of Colonel Taylor's O.F.C. distillery.

The barrel proof iteration clocks in above 120 proof (the actual proof depends on the year), but drinks much smoother than that.

The flavor is sweeter than you'd expect with prominent notes of caramel and floral vanilla with heavy undertones of toasted wood and charcoal.

With an average price around $90, it's definitely worth picking up. That is, if you can find it.

Sazerac Rye, or "Baby Saz" as it's affectionately called in the whiskey community, is the child of the highly coveted Sazerac 18 Year (part of Buffalo Trace's antique collection).

However, unlike its highly allocated counterpart, this one isn't too difficult to find if you do a little digging. And, if you do, you'll be heavily rewarded for your efforts.

Coming in at about $40 a bottle, this is an affordable pour that doesn't sacrifice flavor or smoothness.

The pour is warm but easily drinkable with a blend of earthy and spicy rye notes that make it a unique blend in the rye space. The finish is warm and not as dry as you'd expect. There's a nice earthy and fruity note that finishes off the pour.