A Historic Ultra-Premium Bourbon.
Buffalo Trace Distillery has introduced Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Distiller’s Council, a limited-edition, ultra-premium Kentucky Straight Bourbon that captures the pioneering spirit of the man who revolutionized American whiskey. This 100-proof bottling, crafted using equipment and techniques originally developed by E.H. Taylor, Jr., is the closest modern recreation of the exceptional bourbons produced at O.F.C Distillery (now Buffalo Trace) in the 19th century.
The Legacy of the 1996 Distiller’s Council
The inspiration for this bourbon dates back to 1996, when a group of bourbon visionaries and retired craftsmen from George T. Stagg Distillery gathered at Buffalo Trace. Their mission? To create the world’s best whiskey—a pursuit that still drives Buffalo Trace, the World’s Most Award-Winning Distillery. During the meeting, luminaries including Elmer T. Lee, Orville Schupp, Jimmy Johnson, Gary Gayheart, Al Geiser, Harlen Wheatley, Mark Brown, Ronnie Eddins, and Leonard Riddle sampled over 30 whiskeys. A pivotal moment came when one voice remarked, “Well, we don’t make whiskey the way we used to.” This sparked a deep dive into the lost techniques of E.H. Taylor, Jr., leading to the rediscovery of his innovative methods.
Reviving E.H. Taylor’s Pioneering Techniques
In the spirit of Honor Tradition, Embrace Change, Buffalo Trace revived Taylor’s sour mashing process—patent pending—and combined it with modern distillation expertise to create Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Distiller’s Council. This bourbon mirrors the 1880s production methods, using Taylor’s original mashbill and fermentation process. The result is a one-of-a-kind expression that stands apart from any other bourbon on the market today.
“Colonel Taylor’s unwavering commitment to quality and innovation has helped shape every decision at our Distillery since he set our standards in 1870,” said Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “His enduring legacy left a profound impact on everyone present on that fateful day in 1996. As many of them are no longer with us, we hope they are enjoying this angel’s share with the Colonel himself – watching proudly as we carry his vision forward.”
The Father of Modern Bourbon
Widely regarded as the “Father of the Modern Bourbon Industry,” Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. purchased the O.F.C. Distillery in 1869 and introduced groundbreaking innovations. From advanced grain equipment to copper fermentation tanks and the first steam-heated barrel warehouses (still in use today), Taylor transformed bourbon production. His advocacy for the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 solidified his legacy as a champion of quality and integrity.
“Colonel E.H. Taylor didn’t just shape a distillery – he helped shape the entire bourbon industry. That’s why he’s known as the Father of Modern Bourbon,” said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “From championing the Bottled-in-Bond Act to modernizing production standards, many of his innovations have stood the test of time and are in use to this day. Always of Topmost Class, he set the bar for integrity, innovation and craftsmanship.”
A Premium Bourbon Experience
Bottled at 100-proof, Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Distiller’s Council is presented in a vintage-style Grecian glass decanter, inspired by a 1950s Old Taylor “Original Recipe” Bourbon advertisement featured in magazines like TIME and Playboy. This limited-edition release will be available starting July 2025 at select retail stores, restaurants, and bars nationwide for a suggested retail price of $1,499.99 (750ml) (local taxes and fees apply).
Joining the E.H. Taylor and Antique Collections
This release marks the 14th addition to the acclaimed Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. portfolio, alongside favorites like Small Batch, Single Barrel, Rye, Barrel Proof Rye, Warehouse C Tornado Surviving Bourbon, and Four Grain. In Fall 2025, E.H. Taylor will make history again as the first Bottled-in-Bond bourbon in the prestigious Buffalo Trace Antique Collection.
About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery, a National Historic Landmark based in Frankfort, Kentucky, traces its roots to 1775. As an American family-owned company, it upholds a legacy shaped by bourbon legends like E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. With over 40 distillery titles since 2000 and more than 1,000 awards, Buffalo Trace continues to produce exceptional bourbon, rye, and vodka. Its 2024 accolades include Best of Show for William Larue Weller and Stagg at the Denver International Spirits Competition and the Most Awarded Super Premium Whiskey for Traveller Whiskey.Buffalo Trace is committed to charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations can learn more about the Distillery’s efforts by registering their charity at www.buffalotracedistillery.com. For more details on the Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Collection, visit https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/our-brands/e-h-taylor-jr.
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