Old Taylor from the National Distillers days seems to be one of the more prevalent dusties out there. Back in the 1970s and '80s it was made in at least three versions that I've seen in stores: 80 proof, 86 proof and Bottled in Bond 100 proof. Today I sample an 86 proof.Like Old Crow and Old Overholt, Old Taylor was a National Distillers brand that was sold off to Beam which promptly ruined it. The brand was recently sold by Beam to Buffalo Trace but the standard yellow label Taylor may still be made with Beam bourbon.
Old Taylor 86 proof (43% abv), 6 years old, 500 ml bottle.
The nose is chock full of caramel and toffee notes...candy all the way with just a touch of spice. The palate is rich and syrupy with maple syrup, vanilla extract and just a dash of clove, followed by some citric acid. It's full bodied and full of flavor. The finish is pure vanilla.
I've had a number of these Old Taylors and they all seem to have a lot of flavor going on. Given that they are among the more available dusties, I would definitely recommend picking one up if you see it.
Speaking going to the liquor store to pick up bottles, I need someone to go in on a case of 18 Year Sazerac to get the 10% off the $77 shelf price. I am 2 bottles short and am going tomorrow. I am still looking for a 100 proof vintage Old Taylor 6 Year. The notes on this one sounds very appealing.
ReplyDeleteCan you say butterscotch??? Another terrific expression.
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