Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon Whiskey

A Culmination of Craft: E H Taylor Bourbon , Jr. Four Grain Bourbon Whiskey

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, our passion is unearthing spirits that represent the absolute zenith of a distiller’s art. We seek out bottles that are not merely consumed, but studied and savored—whiskeys that tell a story of innovation, history, and uncompromising quality. In the pantheon of great American Kentucky whiskey, the name Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. stands as a beacon of excellence. Among his esteemed lineup, one expression shines with particular rarity and complexity: the Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon Whiskey.

This is not just another bourbon whiskey; it is a masterclass in grain composition and balanced flavor. While most straight bourbon relies on a traditional three-grain mash bill, this exceptional small batch bourbon introduces a fourth grain, creating a symphony of flavor that is both unique and profoundly satisfying. For the collector or connoisseur in pursuit of a true rare bourbon from the hallowed Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, the E H Taylor Bourbon Four Grain is a legendary find.

The Visionary’s Legacy: Colonel E.H. Taylor’s Enduring Impact

To understand any bottle bearing the Colonel EH Taylor name is to understand the man himself. A titan of the 19th-century whiskey industry, Taylor was a relentless advocate for quality and authenticity. His most enduring legacy is his pivotal role in the passing of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, a landmark piece of legislation that guaranteed a spirit’s purity, provenance, and quality.

Every expression in the E H Taylor Bourbon line is produced as a Bottled-in-Bond product, meaning it is:

• The product of one distillation season at one distillery.

• Aged for a minimum of four years under federal supervision.

• Bottled at exactly 100 proof (50% ABV).

This guarantee is the foundation of the eh taylor jr legacy. The Four Grain Bourbon not only meets this gold standard but elevates it through its innovative recipe, making it a must-have for those who appreciate the best barrell bourbon batch from a proven lineage.

Because this is a bourbon whiskey small batch / limited release style product, availability is rare and demand is high.

The Art of the Four Grain Bourbon: Deconstructing the Mash Bill

What exactly is a Four Grain Bourbon Whiskey, and why is it so special? The vast majority of bourbon is made from three grains: corn (the dominant grain), plus rye and malted barley. The Colonel eh taylor bourbon whiskey Four Grain adds wheat as a fourth component, creating a more complex and layered grain bill.

This ingenious composition allows each grain to play a distinct role:

• Corn: Provides the foundational sweetness and classic bourbon character.

• Rye: Contributes a robust, spicy backbone that invigorates the palate.

• Wheat: Imparts a soft, mellow, and creamy smoothness.

• Malted Barley: Aids in fermentation and adds subtle, biscuity notes.

The result is a straight Kentucky bourbon whiskey of remarkable harmony. It captures the spicy complexity of a high-rye bourbon and the soft, approachable character of a wheated bourbon, all in one beautifully integrated package. It is a testament to the skill of the Buffalo trace distillery that no single grain overpowers the others.

Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Flavor

Bottled at 100 proof, this E H Taylor Bourbon has the perfect strength to carry its complex profile without overwhelming the senses. The tasting experience is a journey through the entire spectrum of bourbon flavors.

• On the Nose: The aroma is an intricate and inviting bouquet. Initial notes of rich caramel, honey, and vanilla bean are prominent, classic of a well-aged American whiskey Kentucky. These are followed by a fascinating interplay of baking spices (cinnamon, clove) from the rye and a soft, nutty, cereal sweetness from the wheat. A hint of oak and dark cherry provides a sophisticated depth.

• On the Palate: The first sip reveals a full-bodied and velvety mouthfeel. The flavor explodes with a perfect balance of sweet and spice. Caramel and brown sugar from the corn are met immediately by a wave of peppery rye and baking spices. The wheat then smooths the edges, introducing creamy notes of toasted marshmallow and praline. The entire experience is grounded by a structured, oaky character that speaks to its quality aging.

• The Finish: The finish is long, warm, and exceptionally well-rounded. It lingers with a gentle warmth, fading notes of spice, sweet oak, and a final, satisfying hint of dried fruit and vanilla. It’s a dignified finish that underscores why this is considered one of the most balanced and complex pours in the entire E.H. Taylor portfolio.

Accolades: World Whisky of the Year & Beyond

One of the key headline draws for Colonel E.H. Taylor Four Grain is that it was crowned World Whisky of the Year in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2018. The accolade propelled it into collector spotlight and added significant prestige.

Murray awarded it a breathtaking score of 97.5/100, saying, “nothing could match the astonishing beauty of its surprisingly delicate weight and complexity combined.”

Such recognition places this bottle among the elite in bourbon whiskey brands and further drives demand among serious whiskey collectors.

Why the Four Grain is the Crown Jewel for Taylor Collectors

The Colonel EH Taylor Four Grain is consistently ranked as one of the most difficult-to-find bourbon releases on the planet. Its legendary status is built on several pillars:

1. Extreme Rarity: It is released in minuscule quantities compared to other expressions in the line, making it a true rare bourbon.

2. Innovative Profile: The unique four-grain mash bill offers a tasting experience unlike any other straight bourbon whiskey.

3. Uncompromising Quality: The Bottled-in-Bond guarantee combined with this innovative recipe represents the pinnacle of the distiller’s craft.

4. Allocated Nature: As part of the highly sought-after Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, its distribution is extremely limited.

Finding this bourbon for sale near me is the ultimate goal for many a whiskey hunt, making it a prized centerpiece for any world-class collection.

Price, Rarity & Market Value

Because this is a rare bourbon and limited edition, bottle prices are sky‑high. Retailers occasionally list E.H. Taylor Four Grain at several thousands of dollars.

On Whiskybase, the bottle is scored ~89.95/100, reflecting high quality and rarity.

In short: this is not a pour to be consumed without contemplation. Many collectors debate whether to hold for value or open for tasting—it’s as much an investment as a spirit.

Bourbon vs Whiskey & Where Four Grain Fits

When people say bourbon vs whiskey, it’s useful to clarify: bourbon is a subset of American whiskey made under strict conditions (≥51% corn, new charred oak barrels, distilled to ≤160 proof, etc.).

E.H. Taylor Four Grain fully qualifies—Kentucky origin, adherence to Bourbon law, matured in new charred oak—but goes beyond standard mashbills by using four grains instead of the typical two.

As a straight bourbon (i.e. no additives, aged for minimum 4 years, etc.), it delivers a layered expression that challenges expectations and stretches what bourbon can do.

Compared to small batch bourbon or single barrel bourbon, Four Grain is less about barrel singularity and more about mash bill innovation—and the blending expertise to make those grains cohere.

Where to Buy & How to Market It

If your store (Rare Finds Liquor Store) carries Colonel E.H. Taylor Four Grain, here are some selling and SEO tips:

• Position it as a hero rare bourbon, emphasizing its “World Whisky of the Year” title, mash bill uniqueness, and scarcity.

• Use keywords like e h taylor bourbon, four grain bourbon, e.h. taylor bourbon, four grain bourbon whiskey, colonel eh taylor bourbon, bourbon for sale online, rare bourbon, etc.

• Highlight that it’s Bottled‑in‑Bond, handcrafted, limited edition, and collectible.

• Encourage preorders or waitlists given limited supply.

• Use comparisons (e.g. vs small batch, vs single barrel) to show why this is a special standout.

For customers, guidance might include:

• Store in cool, stable conditions.

• Consider decanting or letting breathe to open aromatics.

• Sip slowly, perhaps using a splash of water to open layers.

When promoting, phrases like “buy bourbon online”, “best place to buy bourbon online”, “bourbon whiskey for sale”, or “rare bourbon for sale near me / online” integrate naturally into product pages or blog content.

The Final Verdict: A Benchmark of Bourbon Innovation

Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon Whiskey is more than a drink; it is an academic and hedonistic experience. It is a complex, harmonious, and profoundly satisfying spirit that pays homage to its namesake’s legacy while pushing the boundaries of what bourbon can be. It is the perfect acquisition for the collector seeking the definitive trophy bottle, for the enthusiast eager to taste a true masterpiece, and for anyone who wishes to understand the pinnacle of American whiskey craftsmanship.

It is, without reservation, one of the most definitive and rewarding pours in the world.

Secure the Pinnacle of the Taylor Line.

Elevate your collection with a benchmark of innovation and taste. Explore our curated selection at Rare Finds Liquor Store, where we connect you with the icons of the spirits world.

Visit our website to browse our selection of bourbon for sale online and inquire about securing your bottle of the legendary Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon Whiskey. Contact us for current availability on this and other unparalleled expressions.