In the heart of Kentucky, where bourbon is more than just a drink—it’s a way of life—Buffalo Trace Distillery has unveiled a new gem that’s got whiskey enthusiasts buzzing. Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Distiller’s Council, a limited-edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon, hit shelves in July 2025, and it’s not just another bottle to add to the collection. Priced at $1,499.99, this 100-proof bourbon is a tribute to the man who shaped the bourbon world as we know it, crafted with techniques that take you back to the 1870s. It’s a sip of history, bottled in a stunning Grecian-style decanter that screams old-school class.
Image credit: Buffalo Trace
The story of this bourbon begins not in 2025, but in 1996, when a group of bourbon legends gathered at what was then called the George T. Stagg Distillery, now Buffalo Trace. These weren’t just any distillers—they were the heavyweights of the industry, names like Elmer T. Lee, Orville Schupp, Gary Gayheart, Mark Brown, and Harlen Wheatley, the current master distiller at Buffalo Trace. Over 30 whiskeys were tasted that day, each with different ages, proofs, and mash bills. One comment changed everything: “Well, we don’t make whiskey the way we used to.” That sparked a deep dive into the past, unearthing the long-forgotten methods of Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr., a pioneer who revolutionized bourbon-making in the 19th century.
This wasn’t just a nostalgic chat. The group, later dubbed the “Distiller’s Council,” set out to bring Taylor’s techniques back to life. They focused on his sour mashing process, a method that Buffalo Trace has since patented, blending it with modern know-how to create something truly unique. The result? A bourbon that’s as close as you can get to what Taylor himself might have poured at his O.F.C. Distillery in the 1870s. It’s a bottled-in-bond whiskey, meaning it’s made from a single distillation season, bottled at exactly 100 proof, and crafted with no additives—just pure, unadulterated bourbon.
Image credit: Buffalo Trace
What makes this release stand out is its commitment to authenticity. Buffalo Trace didn’t just slap Taylor’s name on a bottle and call it a day. They went all in, using white corn and a mash bill that’s distinct from anything else in their lineup. While the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, we know it’s a nod to the grains Taylor would have used over a century ago. The bourbon spent 15 years aging in barrels, though you won’t find an age statement on the bottle itself. This long maturation gives it a depth and character that’s rare in today’s market, with tasting notes that promise a grain-forward nose, hints of biscuits and pastry, and a palate bursting with toasted sugar, dark caramel, crème brûlée, plum dessert, and nougat.
The packaging is just as impressive as the liquid inside. The bourbon comes in a custom box, housing a Grecian-style glass decanter inspired by 1950s Old Taylor advertisements that once graced the pages of magazines like TIME and Playboy. It’s the kind of bottle that demands a spot on the top shelf, not just for its taste but for its sheer presence. At $1,500, it’s the priciest in the E.H. Taylor, Jr. lineup, but for collectors and serious bourbon fans, it’s a small price to pay for a piece of history.
Image credit: Buffalo Trace
Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. isn’t just a name on a label—he’s the man who laid the foundation for modern bourbon. Back in 1869, he bought the O.F.C. Distillery (now Buffalo Trace) and turned it into a powerhouse with innovations like copper fermentation tanks and steam-heated barrel warehouses—features still in use today. He wasn’t just about making whiskey; he was about making it right. His push for the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 set a standard for quality that protected consumers from the shady practices of the time, ensuring every bottle was pure and true to its craft. Taylor also had a knack for hospitality, helping to kickstart whiskey tourism in Kentucky, a tradition that draws thousands to Buffalo Trace every year.
This release is the 14th in the E.H. Taylor, Jr. collection, joining fan favorites like Small Batch, Single Barrel, Barrel Proof, and limited editions like Warehouse C Tornado Surviving Bourbon and Four Grain. But the Distiller’s Council stands alone, not just for its price but for its unique place in bourbon history. It’s a tribute to the 1996 meeting, where many of the attendees have since passed on, leaving behind a legacy that Harlen Wheatley and his team are carrying forward. As Wheatley put it, he hopes those legends are sharing a glass of this bourbon’s “angel’s share” with Taylor himself, watching from above as their vision comes to life.
And there’s more to look forward to. In fall 2025, the E.H. Taylor name will make history again by joining the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, the distillery’s ultra-exclusive annual release. This will mark the first time a bottled-in-bond bourbon has been included in the lineup, alongside heavyweights like George T. Stagg and Eagle Rare 17. For bourbon hunters, this is huge news, as the Antique Collection is known for its rarity and prestige.
But back to the Distiller’s Council. With only a limited number of bottles hitting retail stores, bars, and restaurants across the U.S., getting your hands on one won’t be easy. Buffalo Trace hasn’t shared an exact bottle count, but given the hype and the $1,500 price tag, expect it to disappear fast. Whether you’re a collector looking to add a showpiece to your shelf or a whiskey lover eager to taste a bourbon that channels the 19th century, this release is worth the chase. It’s not just a drink—it’s a story, a legacy, and a testament to the craft that’s been perfected over generations.
For those who want to dig deeper into the E.H. Taylor, Jr. collection, Buffalo Trace’s website (https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/our-brands/e-h-taylor-jr) has all the details. But for now, the Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Distiller’s Council is the bottle to watch in 2025—a bourbon that bridges the past and present, crafted with the kind of care and passion that makes Kentucky whiskey so special.
