If you’re a bourbon fan like me, news about label changes and limited releases always grabs your attention. This fall, there’s some pretty exciting movement from Buffalo Trace: for the first time since 2006, the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) will welcome a new member. E.H. Taylor Bottled in Bond Bourbon is joining this exclusive annual lineup, shaking things up in a big way for the 2025 release season.
Expanding the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC)
The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection has had the same core five members since it launched in 2006: George T. Stagg, Eagle Rare 17, Sazerac Rye 18, Thomas H. Handy Rye, and William Larue Weller. This collection is basically a dream lineup for anyone who loves vintage bourbon and rye; each bottle comes out once a year and instantly skyrockets in demand.
Starting in fall 2025, E.H. Taylor Bottled in Bond will officially become the sixth member of this legendary group. That’s a significant switch up for a series that rarely changes, especially when you consider just how far Buffalo Trace’s reputation for collectible, well-aged whiskey has come in the past two decades.
Adding a new label to BTAC isn’t just something extra—it reflects how much the distillery values its history and the role Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr. played in shaping America’s bourbon identity. This new special release draws from a deep tradition and answers a demand from fans who’ve watched the bourbon world inflate with rarities and sneaky limited editions.
Honoring Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. and Heritage
Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr. isn’t just a historic name on a label; he’s a huge reason why bourbon is recognized and protected as a unique American spirit. Taylor founded the distillery that would become Buffalo Trace back in 1869, so his legacy is really connected to the whiskey inside these bottles.
One of the most important things Taylor did was drive the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897. To put it simply, this piece of legislation made bourbon safer and more trustworthy for drinkers by setting legal quality standards. It was the first consumer protection law in the U.S., requiring that whiskeys with the “bottled in bond” label be distilled at one distillery in one season, aged at least four years, and bottled at 100 proof. That Act protected both drinkers and honest distillers from fraudsters and fake “whiskey.”
By adding E.H. Taylor to BTAC, Buffalo Trace is giving a nod to his contributions to bourbon and the standards he stood for. Andrew Duncan, Buffalo Trace’s global brand director, pointed out how this move honors a trailblazer whose sense of quality helped set the bar for American whiskey.
What to Expect from E.H. Taylor Bottled in Bond BTAC Edition
Bottled in Bond releases matter to collectors and sippers for their transparency and classic flavor. For this new BTAC entry, Buffalo Trace sticks to the rules: a single distillation season at Buffalo Trace, at least four years in the barrel (though likely much longer), and always bottled at 100 proof.
While there aren’t official tasting notes out yet, anyone familiar with the brand can make a good guess based on past offerings. E.H. Taylor Small Batch—one of Buffalo Trace’s very popular standard releases—uses Mash Bill No. 1, the same recipe behind other favorites like Buffalo Trace and George T. Stagg. Think caramel corn, classic butterscotch sweetness, and a background of herbs and licorice that sets it apart from sweeter wheated bourbons.
What makes the BTAC edition stand out comes down to age. BTAC bottles are known for high age statements (Eagle Rare 17, for example, clocks in at seventeen years). The new E.H. Taylor release is expected to be older than anything in the regular lineup, letting the bourbon develop even more depth and character with extra barrel time. Fans can look forward to richer oak, deeper caramel, and more developed spice than what they’d find in off-the-shelf E.H. Taylor bottles.
Classic Bottled in Bond Standards
Bottled in Bond might sound old school, but for folks who know bourbon history, it’s a badge of well-earned trust. Here’s what it takes for a whiskey to wear that label:
- Single Distillation Season: The bourbon comes from one distiller at one distillery, all within a single season (January to June, or July to December).
- Minimum Aging: Gets a minimum of four years in a federally bonded warehouse; most BTAC releases have loftier age statements.
- 100 Proof Bottling: No dilution—bottled straight at 100 proof (50% ABV).
These standards were put in place to fend off fake whiskey and protect drinkers, and E.H. Taylor’s BTAC expression will honor that tradition by checking all the right boxes.
Why This Addition Matters for Collectors and Drinkers
Adding E.H. Taylor to BTAC isn’t just about another top-shelf bottle. Buffalo Trace Antique Collection releases get collectors buzzing every fall. With a new label joining the collection, both longtime fans and new enthusiasts will be paying attention to how the bourbon fits in (and how tricky it’ll be to score a bottle).
The reality is, anything Buffalo Trace labels with BTAC gets scooped up quickly, popping up on social media feeds, collectors’ shelves, and yes, a booming secondary market. Beyond the hype, this specific addition gives the wider whiskey world a new wave of excitement and shines a light on Bottled in Bond whiskey for a new generation.
Release Date and What Comes Next
The first E.H. Taylor Bottled in Bond BTAC edition will arrive with the fall 2025 Antique Collection release cycle. Bottles will hit retail shelves (in very small numbers) sometime in October, based on the pattern of other BTAC releases, which usually surface during bourbon hunting season.
If previous Buffalo Trace releases are anything to judge by, most bottles will get snapped up right away. After that, it’ll be a hunt to spot who got one at retail price. The distillery hasn’t dropped specifics about age or the exact mix of barrels yet, but that information typically comes out closer to launch, so stay tuned for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some common questions about this new addition keep popping up among bourbon drinkers, so here’s some quick info:
Question: How will E.H. Taylor’s BTAC edition differ from Small Batch or Single Barrel versions?
Answer: Expect a much older age and a very limited supply. That means richer flavors compared to the core lineup.
Question: What does Bottled in Bond mean for flavor?
Answer: While it sets standards for quality and transparency, the flavors tend to be robust, with signature notes of caramel, spice, and oak kicked up with the 100 proof bottling.
Question: How much will the E.H. Taylor BTAC bottle cost?
Answer: Retail price is usually around $120, but high demand means shelf prices or secondary values may be higher.
Final Thoughts
The BTAC’s E.H. Taylor release is bringing new excitement to a collection that bourbon fans already chase each year. If you chase bourbon history, Bottled in Bond standards, or just the thrill of tracking down rare releases, this one deserves a spot on your radar for 2025.
Have you ever had a bottle of BTAC? Have you ever tasted a BTAC? If yes to either of these please comment below.
About Jim
Jim is the creator of Dram Discoveries, a blog dedicated to exploring and celebrating the world of whiskey. With over six years of experience, he combines a passion for whiskey’s craft and culture with a love for connecting enthusiasts through tastings, stories, and shared discoveries. For Jim, whiskey is more than a drink—it’s a journey of camaraderie, learning, and lifelong appreciation.
There are no affiliate links in this post but feel free to check out Buffalo Trace’s releases and updates for more info.