EH Taylor Jr brings back Four Grain and Cured Oak
Buffalo Trace Distillery has reintroduced two Bourbon expressions to its Colonel EH Taylor Jr collection: Four Grain and Cured Oak.
With the relaunch, Four Grain will become an annual limited release in the brand’s portfolio, while Cured Oak will be released occasionally as a limited offering.
First introduced in 2017, EH Taylor Jr Four Grain Bourbon is a small-batch whiskey bottled at 50% ABV. Its mashbill features corn, rye, wheat and malted barley – grains that would have been accessible to the brand’s founder, Colonel EH Taylor, in the 1800s.
The new edition was distilled in 2015 and aged for 10 years.
The Bourbon’s four grains are said to contribute distinctive characteristics to the expression. Corn provides a foundational sweetness, while rye adds spice and structure. Wheat softens the palate with subtle sweetness, and malted barley contributes depth with a gentle toasted character.
The result is a Bourbon that offers notes of caramel, vanilla, and chocolate, culminating in a lightly spiced finish.
Harlen Wheatley, master distiller at Buffalo Trace Distillery, explained: “What makes Four Grain so special is how unconventional it is. 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 flavour experience. Alongside corn and malted barley, we’re able to build layers of flavour that balance sweetness, spice and depth in a way you don’t typically see in Bourbon.”
EH Taylor Jr Cured Oak Bourbon Whiskey, meanwhile, first appeared in the range in 2015.
Offered at 50% ABV, the bottled-in-bold Bourbon is aged for 10 years in barrels made from white oak staves that have been air-dried for 13 months – more than double the standard curing time. This extended drying process is said to allow the whiskey to extract deeper and more complex flavours from the oak during maturation.
It offers notes of tobacco, dried fruit, vanilla, and toffee, complemented by undertones of seasoned oak and a dry finish.
“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.”
Tribute to legacy
Referred to as ‘the father of modern Bourbon industry’ by Buffalo Trace, Colonel Taylor purchased OFC Distillery (now known as Buffalo Trace Distillery) in 1869. He is credited with introducing many innovative techniques that are still in use today. He is also believed to have played a key role in the passage of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897.
Charley Costa, whiskey brand manager at Buffalo Trace Distillery, commented: “Colonel EH Taylor Jr was a true pioneer whose commitment to craftsmanship helped redefine what Bourbon could be.
“Four Grain and Cured Oak reflect that legacy in distinct ways: one through an unconventional grain composition, the other through the influence of barrel ageing. Together, they demonstrate how intentional innovation and a dedication to quality can produce truly distinctive whiskeys.”
Both expressions will be available starting in May 2026, with a suggested retail price of US$79.99 per 750ml bottle.
More specifically, Four Grain can be purchased at the Buffalo Trace Distillery and the Sazerac House Gift Shops, as well as at select retailers in Kentucky and Louisiana.
Cured Oak will be distributed through Sazerac’s network to select retailers, bars, and restaurants across the US.
Last year, Buffalo Trace welcomed EH Taylor to its Antique Collection lineup as a Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon.
Four Oak and Cured Oak are the latest new expressions from Buffalo Trace this year. New releases in 2026 have included Traveller Whiskey Full Proof, Daniel Weller Spelt Wheat, and Eagle Rare 30, to name a few.
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