The E.H. Taylor line from Buffalo Trace likely needs little introduction to whiskey fans. Representing the distillery's bottled-in-bond bourbons (bottled at 50% abv, aged in a federally bonded warehouse, etc.), each bottling is highly sought after at this point, with some of the more limited versions having become true unicorns. The Small Batch is the introductory bottle to the lineup, but is certainly nothing to dismiss out of hand, delivering a heck of a lot of richness and texture when compared to its (theoretical) competitors. 

 

The nose is candy sweet and inviting, with butterscotch, caramel, raisin, blackberry, freshly baked bread, and cotton candy. The palate follows up with loads of vanilla, grape jolly rancher, candy corn, raisin scones, and charred oak. The finish continues the vanilla story, but introduces some darker flavors of leather, tobacco, and dried fruits. It's not going to change your life, but it sure is hard not to like.