There is a story behind every bottle of whiskey, and Colonel E.H. Taylor Bourbon Barrel-Aged Bigfoot Barleywin... vs Blue Run Trifecta Kentucky Straight Bourbon: Budget vs Premium Bourbon carries one worth telling.
Is the premium price tag really worth it? We compare Colonel E.H. Taylor Bourbon Barrel-Aged Bigfoot Barleywin... ($25.00) against Blue Run Trifecta Kentucky Straight Bourbon ($179.99) to find out whether spending more actually means drinking better.
This is a matchup every whiskey enthusiast faces at the store shelf. We'll break down nose, palate, finish, and value so you can make an informed choice.
Specifications at a Glance
| Colonel E.H. Taylor Bourbon Barrel-Aged Bigfoot Barleywin... | Blue Run Trifecta Kentucky Straight Bourbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | N/A | N/A |
| Type | Bourbon | Bourbon |
| Age | N/A | N/A |
| ABV | 30 proof | 117.1 proof |
| Price | $25.00 | $179.99 |
| Rating | N/A/10 | 8/10 |
Nose
Colonel E.H. Taylor Bourbon Barrel-Aged Bigfoot Barleywin...: Pungent is the word that comes to mind. This is not like most beers youve had before, which is clear from the first pour. Seven years in wood comes through strongly, and I smell leather, coffee, and charred oak.
Blue Run Trifecta Kentucky Straight Bourbon: Warm vanilla and rock candy notes come from the glass, accompanied by orange, cardamom, and molasses. It is inviting.
Both whiskeys present distinct aromatic profiles. The differences on the nose already hint at the divergent tasting experiences to come.
Palate
Colonel E.H. Taylor Bourbon Barrel-Aged Bigfoot Barleywin...: Theres a coffee-like quality in the mouth, too. But thats not all. Candy sweetness comes through and lingers, as well. A friend trying it with me thought it brought fruitcake to mind not the fruitcake we joke about, but good, lush fruitcake. I cant say I disagree. There are certainly elements of walnuts and pecans, dates, and candied cherries in this barleywine. Final Thoughts: This is a serious beer, full of big flavors that whiskey drinkers are likely to enjoy. I certainly did. I immediately decided to search out more barleywines to see if they hold up to this one because I would happily bring this out to drink with friends on pretty much any occasion.
Blue Run Trifecta Kentucky Straight Bourbon: Heat on this is moderate, easily carrying forth vanilla, brown sugar, black spice, cotton candy and caramel. Only some slight hints of oak. Finish is rather unique, rotating between sweet and spicy in a nice tandem as it slowly fades away. This is one to savor.
On the palate, the character of each whiskey really comes to life. This is where personal preference plays the biggest role.
Finish
Colonel E.H. Taylor Bourbon Barrel-Aged Bigfoot Barleywin...: Comments: Sierra Nevada barleywine aged six years before finishing for a seventh in E.H
Blue Run Trifecta Kentucky Straight Bourbon: Comments: Triple Kentucky bourbon blend (9-year 32%, 8-year 22%, 6-year 46%); bottled at 117.1 proof; priced at $179
The finish can make or break a whiskey. A long, satisfying finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
Value for Money
Pricing varies by market, so check your local retailer for current rates on both bottles.
The significant price gap between these two makes value an especially important factor in this comparison.
The Verdict
This is a genuinely close call. Both Colonel E.H. Taylor Bourbon Barrel-Aged Bigfoot Barleywin... and Blue Run Trifecta Kentucky Straight Bourbon have their strengths, and picking a clear winner depends entirely on what you value most in a whiskey.
We'd recommend trying both if you can. Each has qualities that make it worth a pour.
