E.H. Taylor Cured Oak Bottled In Bond Bourbon

E.H. Taylor Cured Oak Bottled In Bond Bourbon is an exceptionally rare limited-edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery, created to explore the influence of extended oak seasoning on mature whiskey. Originally released in 2015, this highly collectible expression was aged for 17 years in historic Warehouse C and bottled according to Bottled-in-Bond standards at 100 proof (50% ABV). Its defining character comes from barrels constructed with American white oak staves that were air-seasoned outdoors for 13 months, more than twice Buffalo Trace’s typical seasoning period at the time.

Process & Profile

The story of Cured Oak begins years before the whiskey was bottled. Buffalo Trace collaborated with Independent Stave Company to experiment with American white oak staves that were allowed to naturally season outdoors for 13 months, compared with approximately six months for the distillery’s standard barrel staves at that time. The extended curing process was intended to alter the wood’s character and allow the bourbon to draw deeper, richer flavors from the oak during maturation.

Once the barrels were constructed and filled, the bourbon matured for 17 years in Warehouse C at Buffalo Trace Distillery. Built by Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. in 1885, Warehouse C is one of the distillery’s most historically significant aging warehouses and has played a central role in several limited E.H. Taylor releases.

The whiskey is produced from Buffalo Trace’s Mash Bill #1, the distillery’s traditional low-rye bourbon recipe. After its extended maturation, it was bottled at the required 100 proof / 50% ABV under the Bottled-in-Bond designation, preserving both concentration and structure while honoring Colonel Taylor’s historic connection to the Bottled-in-Bond Act.

On the nose, Cured Oak opens with rich vanilla, toffee, and ripe fig, followed by increasingly mature notes of seasoned wood and dry oak. The extended barrel seasoning adds pronounced oak complexity without completely obscuring the bourbon’s sweeter fruit and caramelized character.

The palate is deep and mature, layering vanilla, caramelized sugar, toffee, dried fruit, fig, baking spice, and seasoned oak. Seventeen years of maturation bring substantial wood influence, but the 100-proof structure helps preserve richness and concentration through the center of the palate.

The finish is long, dry, and oak-driven, with lingering toffee, vanilla, dried fruit, spice, and mature wood tannin. It is a contemplative bourbon built around age and barrel influence rather than youthful sweetness.

What makes E.H. Taylor Cured Oak Bottled In Bond Bourbon especially compelling is the combination of 17 years of aging, experimental 13-month oak-stave seasoning, historic Warehouse C maturation, Mash Bill #1, and 100-proof Bottled-in-Bond presentation. Produced as a highly limited one-time 2015 release, it has become one of the more sought-after bottles in the E.H. Taylor collection.

Enjoy it neat to fully appreciate the mature oak, fig, vanilla, and toffee character. Buffalo Trace also recommends the expression on the rocks, though collectors may prefer a neat pour or just a few drops of water to open the deeper fruit and spice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is E.H. Taylor Cured Oak Bottled In Bond Bourbon?
It is a limited-edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Buffalo Trace Distillery, released in 2015 and aged for 17 years in barrels made from specially seasoned oak staves.

What are the key specs of E.H. Taylor Cured Oak?
The bourbon is 17 years old, bottled at 100 proof / 50% ABV, made from Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1, and matured in historic Warehouse C. The barrel staves were seasoned outdoors for 13 months before cooperage.

What flavors characterize E.H. Taylor Cured Oak?
The official profile highlights vanilla, toffee, fig, and dry oak, with additional mature notes of caramelized sweetness, dried fruit, baking spice, and seasoned wood.

How should you enjoy E.H. Taylor Cured Oak?
Enjoy it neat to experience its full mature character, with a few drops of water if desired. Buffalo Trace also lists serving it on the rocks as an option.

What makes E.H. Taylor Cured Oak special?
Its distinction comes from the combination of 17-year maturation, 13-month air-seasoned oak staves, Warehouse C aging, Bottled-in-Bond standards, and limited one-time production. The extended stave curing was specifically designed to explore how longer oak seasoning could influence the depth and complexity of mature bourbon.