Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof is a Kentucky straight bourbon bottled uncut and unfiltered, straight from the barrel. Buffalo Trace draws it from Mash Bill #1, the low-rye recipe, and every batch lands over 125 proof, so strength shifts bottle to bottle by design. The aroma opens on cooked berries and caramel with a floral edge; the palate turns bold and spicy, all toasty vanilla, dried oak, and black pepper. A long, rye-driven finish carries lingering fruit. This is a benchmark barrel-proof pour and an allocation staple that moves quickly when it hits shelves. Cut it with a few drops of water to open the fruit, or drink it neat and let the proof do the talking.