Buffalo Trace Introduces Taylor's Distiller’s Council

Buffalo Trace Distillery introduces Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Distiller’s Council. Crafted using equipment and based on techniques originally invented by Taylor, this 100-proof bottling stands as the closest modern interpretation of the bourbons produced under his leadership at O.F.C Distillery (now Buffalo Trace) during the 19th century.The inspiration for this modern recreation traces back to 1996, when a group of bourbon experts and retired George T. Stagg Distillery distillers convened at Buffalo Trace in their pursuit to create the world’s best whiskey. As they sampled more than 30 whiskeys across a range of ages, mash bills and proofs, one voice cut through the room with a thought: “Well, we don’t make whiskey the way we used to.” This led to the Distiller's Council unpacking the way that whiskey was made when they first started their careers. That meeting, until now known by bourbon insiders as the “Distiller’s Council”, resulted in a re-discovery of E.H. Taylor’s pioneering techniques.This led to the revival of Taylor’s sour mashing process – patent pending by Buffalo Trace – and, combined with the modern methods of Buffalo Trace’s distillation team. The production process remains nearly identical to that of the 1880s using both grains in his mashbill and his fermentation process.“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.”Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. purchased the O.F.C. Distillery in 1869 and ushered in a new era of innovation. From state-of-the-art grain equipment to copper fermentation tanks and the first steam-heated barrel warehouses – still in use at Buffalo Trace today – Taylor’s vision revolutionized bourbon production. His advocacy also led to the landmark Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, cementing his legacy as a champion of quality and integrity. His visionary spirit continues to guide Buffalo Trace more than a century later.“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. In that spirit, we are proud to revive this faithful interpretation of his original recipe, crafted with the same standards of quality and spirit of innovation he so fiercely advocated.”Bottled in a vintage-style, Grecian glass decanter modeled after one featured in an 1950s-era Old Taylor “Original Recipe” Bourbon advertisement, this special bottling is the 14th release to join the portfolio alongside expressions including Small Batch, Single Barrel, Rye, Barrel Proof Rye, Warehouse C Tornado Surviving Bourbon and Four Grain, among others.Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Distiller’s Council is available in limited quantities for $1,499.99.