Today, we have a battle between heavy-weight champions of the same breed:
E.H. Taylor Small Batch vs. Single Barrel.
It’s going to be one for the ages, folks.
Because E.H. Taylor is just dang good. It’s one of my all-time favorites, and many agree that its sweet and smooth profile is delicious.
But the question remains…
Is single barrel better than small batch?
That’s what we’ll figure out today.
In just a few minutes, only one bottle will be left standing (because they will fight…not because I’ll drink the whole thing).
E.H. Taylor Small Batch vs Single Barrel: A Complete Comparison
1. Availability
You’re either gonna have to fight someone or get lucky to find either of these bottles.
E.H. Taylor is generally heavily allocated (how much so depends on your region) and coveted by the bourbon community.
This has driven up the price/demand and reduced the supply.
That being said, Small Natch is easier to find than Single Barrel.
The main reason?
Single Barrel is supposed to be the better version.
It was made from one barrel rather than a batch of barrels, so the flavors should be richer and stronger.
Winner = Small Batch
2. Price
Technically, E.H. Taylor Small Batch only costs $40 while Single Barrel is $60.
But these days MSRP means nothing.
Prices for allocated bourbons are soaring, so in reality, you’re looking at $70-$100 for Small Batch and $150-$200 for Single Barrel.
That’s a much bigger price difference.
Simple math says…
Winner = Small Batch
3. Age
Neither bottle has an age statement, but Small Batch is thought to be over 7 years old and Single Barrel is thought to be 7-12 years old.
Winner = Single Barrel (probably)
4. Proof
Both bottles are 100 proof and bottled-in-bond.
Winner = Tie
5. Nose
Both Small Batch and Single Barrel have a great nose. They’re super sweet with heavy notes of vanilla and caramel.
Single Barrel is just a tad better.
In my opinion, it’s a bit richer and has more subtle notes (like cherry).
Winner = Single Barrel
6. Palate
Again, both bottles taste great.
They have heavy notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
When tasting them side-by-side, the main difference was that Single Barrel was a bit spicier, had richer flavors, and had slightly more bite (even though they’re the same proof).
Initially, Small Batch was one of my favorite bourbons of all time.
That changed when I tried Single Barrel.
In comparison, Small Batch tastes a bit sweeter and more muted.
Winner = Single Barrel
7. Finish
Similar to the nose and the palate, Single Barrel’s finish was a bit more robust than that of Small Batch.
Both have notes of leather and oak, but Single Barrel added a welcomed element of spice where Small Batch left a little to be desired.
Winner = Single Barrel
8. Value
If you’re looking at MSRP, I actually think Single Barrel is a better value even if it’s $20 more.
But the allocated bourbon craze has created a $100 gap between the two bottles.
And while Single Barrel is better in almost every way (in my opinion), it’s not $100 better.
Winner = Small Batch
The Verdict
Who wins the E.H. Taylor Small Batch vs Single Barrel battle?
Small Batch by a slim margin.
Small Batch is the better overall value, but Single Barrel tastes better.
Interested in reading a more thorough review on each?
Click here to read the Single Barrel Review and here to read the Small Batch review.
Hunter Branch is the Founder and Director of Editorial for Bourbon Inspector. He has been writing about and professionally reviewing bourbon since 2020 (and has been drinking it for much longer). He’s been able to interview big names in the bourbon industry like Trey Zoeller from Jefferson’s Bourbon and his work has been featured in publications like TastingTable, Mashed, and more.