This fall, the Buffalo Trace Distillery is set to expand its renowned Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) with an exciting new release: E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon. This marks the first addition to the collection since 2006 and pays homage to the legacy of Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr., a pivotal figure in bourbon history. The announcement has whiskey enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the debut of this highly anticipated bourbon, which promises to deliver exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence
The inclusion of E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond in BTAC is a fitting tribute to Colonel Taylor, often celebrated as the "Father of Modern Bourbon." His influence on the bourbon industry was profound. In 1869, Taylor acquired the distillery that would later become Buffalo Trace and implemented groundbreaking innovations, including state-of-the-art grain equipment, copper fermentation tanks, and a steam-heated warehouse system still in use today. Beyond his contributions to distillery operations, Taylor championed the 1897 Bottled-in-Bond Act, the first consumer protection law in the United States, which established quality standards for whiskey production.
Image credit: Buffalo Trace
Andrew Duncan, Buffalo Trace’s Global Brand Director, reflected on Taylor's enduring legacy, stating, “As a founding figure who helped define bourbon quality—not just for Buffalo Trace, but for the entire industry—it’s only fitting that Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr.’s namesake brand takes its place among the collection.”
The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection: A Whiskey Enthusiast's Dream
Since its launch in 2000, the BTAC has become a hallmark of excellence in the whiskey world. Initially comprising three labels—Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Bourbon, William Larue Weller 19 Year Old Bourbon, and Sazerac 18 Year Old Rye—the collection has grown to include George T. Stagg (introduced in 2002) and Thomas H. Handy Rye (introduced in 2006). Each bottle in the collection is a rare and coveted item, celebrated for its craftsmanship, age, and unique flavor profile.
BTAC's release is a much-anticipated event each fall, with bottles quickly snapped up by collectors and aficionados. The addition of E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond is expected to heighten excitement and demand.
What Makes E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Special?
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E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond adheres to the strict requirements of the Bottled-in-Bond Act, ensuring its authenticity and quality:
- Single Distillation Season: Distilled in one season by one distiller at a single distillery.
- Minimum Aging: Aged for at least four years in wooden barrels.
- 100 Proof: Bottled at exactly 100 proof, with no additives permitted.
- Transparent Labeling: The label clearly identifies the distillery where it was made and aged.
Although Buffalo Trace has not disclosed the exact age of the new E.H. Taylor release, it is expected to surpass the standard E.H. Taylor Small Batch, which uses the same low-rye mash bill. The tasting notes provided by Buffalo Trace hint at aromas of vanilla, butterscotch, and aged stone fruit, complemented by a balanced mix of spice, sweet oak, and caramel, finishing with a lingering oaky sweetness.
E.H. Taylor's Long Overdue Induction into BTAC
The addition of E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond to BTAC feels like a natural progression. Taylor's contributions to bourbon history and his role in shaping industry standards make his namesake bourbon a worthy companion to the established icons of the collection, such as George T. Stagg and Eagle Rare 17 Year Old.
The bottle’s inclusion also highlights Buffalo Trace's commitment to honoring its legacy and the visionaries who have shaped its identity. As Duncan notes, BTAC was created to celebrate the distillery’s historic brands and the craftsmanship that defines them.
Anticipation for Fall 2025
With its debut slated for fall 2025, E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond is already creating a buzz among whiskey enthusiasts. As part of the BTAC lineup, it is poised to join the ranks of some of the most coveted bourbons and ryes in the world. While details such as the exact age and final flavor profile remain under wraps, the promise of an elevated expression of the E.H. Taylor brand ensures its desirability.
For fans of BTAC and collectors of fine bourbon, this release is sure to be a highlight of the year. However, as with all BTAC offerings, availability will be limited, making it a challenge to secure a bottle at retail prices.
A Celebration of Bourbon History
The addition of E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon to the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is more than just the release of a new whiskey. It is a celebration of Colonel Taylor’s legacy and his lasting impact on the bourbon industry. For those fortunate enough to secure a bottle, it represents a piece of history, a testament to the artistry and innovation that define Buffalo Trace Distillery.
As the fall release approaches, one thing is certain: E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon is set to make its mark as a standout addition to one of the most prestigious collections in the world of whiskey.
