Buffalo Trace Distillery continues its homage to former Distillery owner Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. with a special release bourbon whiskey using Amaranth as the flavoring grain instead of rye.  This 100 proof Bottled-In-Bond small batch bourbon was aged over a decade and is a special one-time-only release.  Other grains used in this recipe are corn (Buffalo Trace Mashbill #1) and malted barley.    

            Amaranth was originally cultivated by the Aztecs and is called “the Grain of the Gods.” It is similar to wheat, but offers a complex taste with subtle flavors ranging from a nose of butterscotch and spearmint, to a finish of pecans and dark berries.                  

Tasting notes describe this bourbon as having a fresh spearmint on the nose, followed by honey, with a hint of cherry.  On the palate, coffee and vanilla come through.  The finish is long, with oats and honey.

This Amaranth Bourbon Whiskey is the tenth and latest release in the collection of  E. H. Taylor, Jr. whiskeys, which includes favorites such as Single Barrel Bourbon, Barrel Proof Bourbon, Straight Rye Whiskey, and Small Batch Bourbon. 

The Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. collection was first released in early 2011 and several subsequent releases have followed.  Like some of the previous releases, this one-time-only bottling is very limited.   Also consistent with past releases, the Amaranth Bourbon displays a vintage label and is offered inside a distinct canister reminiscent of Taylor’s whiskey package from over one hundred years ago. These six bottle cases will again be shipped in an impressive wooden box first used for the Cured Oak release.  The boxes are modeled after the wooden crates used by Taylor to transport goods during the days before Prohibition. 

            Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr.  is widely considered one of the founding fathers of the bourbon industry, fighting for the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, nearly three decades after he purchased the distillery that is known today as the Buffalo Trace Distillery. During his time, Taylor implemented several innovative methods still used today by Buffalo Trace, such as climate controlled aging warehouses. In addition to his bourbon interests, Taylor had political ties. He was the great-nephew of President Zachary Taylor and elected the mayor of Frankfort, state representative to the Kentucky General Assembly and a member of the State Senate.

            This special bottling of Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Amaranth Bourbon Whiskey will be available starting in late July in limited supply.  The suggested retail price is $69.99 per 750ml bottle.