Colonel E.H. Taylor Bourbon Barrel-Aged Bigfoot Barleywin... vs Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years: Budget vs Premium Bourbon arrives with the quiet confidence of a spirit that knows its own worth.
Is the premium price tag really worth it? We compare Colonel E.H. Taylor Bourbon Barrel-Aged Bigfoot Barleywin... ($25.00) against Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years ($510.00) 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... | Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | N/A | N/A |
| Type | Bourbon | Bourbon |
| Age | N/A | 18 years; mash bill of 84% corn |
| ABV | 30 proof | 90 proof |
| Price | $25.00 | $510.00 |
| Rating | N/A/10 | 9/10 |
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.
Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years: Bourbon perfume vanilla, some oak, apricot, a touch of orange and dark chocolate.
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.
Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years: Simply gorgeous and well balanced. Creme brulee, butterscotch, apricot, vanilla, orange and a hint of chocolate. Oak is just barely there. Finish is short and a bit sharp, but has a pleasant, slightly sweet note as it fades.
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
Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years: Comments: Tennessee bourbon aged 18 years; mash bill of 84% corn, 8% rye and 8% malted barley; bottled at 90 proof; priced at $510/700 ml bottle. Very lovely orange-amber color in glass with this one
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 Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years 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.
