Buffalo Trace Revives E.H. Taylor Four Grain and Cured Oak Bourbons

FRANKFORT, KY (May 21, 2026) – Buffalo Trace Distillery has officially announced the return of two of the rarest and most highly decorated expressions in its storied portfolio: Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain and Cured Oak. In a major structural update to the lineup, Four Grain has been elevated to an ongoing annual limited release, while Cured Oak returns as a rare, ultra-limited offering.

Both expressions are bottled at a classic 100 proof and pay direct tribute to Colonel Taylor’s historic innovations at the O.F.C. Distillery (now Buffalo Trace) and his authorship of the landmark Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897.

The Two Iconic Returning Expressions:

Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon (100 Proof): Originally launched in 2017, this unique recipe utilizes corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley. Distilled in 2015 and aged for 10 full years, Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley labels it a successful “graduated experiment.” The blend of both rye and wheat produces a complex canvas of foundational sweetness, soft palate weight, and structures of chocolate, vanilla, and light spice.
Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Cured Oak Bourbon (100 Proof / Bottled-in-Bond): First dropped in 2015 to critical acclaim, this expression is aged 10 years inside custom white oak barrels constructed from staves air-dried (cured) for 13 months—more than double the standard industry practice. The extended curing time allows the 100-proof spirit to extract deep, robust notes of tobacco, dried fruit, seasoned oak, and toffee with a distinctly long, dry finish.

Pricing, Allocations, and Regional Availability

Both allocations will land in May 2026 at an unbelievably accessible Suggested Retail Price (SRP) of $79.99 per 750ml bottle. However, secondary market valuations are expected to skyrocket due to unique regional distribution restrictions:

Four Grain will be sold exclusively at the Buffalo Trace Distillery (Frankfort, KY) and Sazerac House (New Orleans, LA) gift shops, alongside select brick-and-mortar retailers throughout Kentucky and Louisiana.
Cured Oak will be distributed nationally via Sazerac’s standard distribution network to select premium retailers, bars, and restaurants across the United States.

💬 Buffalo Trace Quotes

“What makes Four Grain so special is how unconventional it is,” said Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “It’s also a clear example of what we call a ‘graduated experiment’ – one that began as a deliberate exploration and evolved into a release worthy of returning as a permanent expression. Rye and wheat are often used separately, but combining them creates a completely different flavor experience. Alongside corn and malted barley, we’re able to build layers of flavor that balance sweetness, spice and depth in a way you don’t typically see in bourbon.”

“What you notice with Cured Oak is the added depth and complexity that comes from the extended curing process,” said Wheatley. “Most of our barrels are cured for six months, but with this release the extended curing brings forward richer notes that create a longer, more layered finish.”

“Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. was a true pioneer whose commitment to craftsmanship helped redefine what bourbon could be,” said Charley Costa, Brand Manager, Whiskey, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Four Grain and Cured Oak reflect that legacy in distinct ways: one through an unconventional grain composition, the other through the influence of barrel aging. Together, they demonstrate how intentional innovation and a dedication to quality can produce truly distinctive whiskeys.”

Listen to Bourbon Lens on your favorite podcast app or stream on Spotify. If you’d like to support Bourbon Lens, join our Patreon, sign up for our “Weekly Pour” Newsletter, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.