A walk through the bourbon aisle at your neighborhood liquor store introduces you to an array of brands each with its own character and history. There, one might catch a glimpse of one of my favorites, E.H. Taylor Small Batch, a bottled-in-bond bourbon sensation marinated in rich caramel, butterscotch, and cherry notes. A product of Buffalo Trace, E.H. Taylor’s bourbons have asserted a preserve of whiskey enthusiasts. But who was E.H. Taylor, and how did he come to be known as the “founding father of the modern bourbon industry”?
Humble Beginnings and European Inspirations
Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr., a native of Kentucky born in 1830, was nothing short of a Renaissance man. He initially embarked on a career in banking and commodities trading but, following the Civil War, he pinpointed an untapped demand in the burgeoning bourbon industry.
Needing insights into the distillery business, Taylor embarked on a journey across Europe. He marveled at the copper pot stills reigning supreme in distilleries in Ireland, Scotland, and France. His expedition, brimming with the artistry of European whiskey methodology, was the spark that ignited his transformation into a bourbon legend.
The Advent of Modern Bourbon Distillation
Back home, Taylor was eager to revamp the whiskey scene. His first venture, The Hermitage, opened in 1867. Struck with ambition, Taylor brought a neighboring distillery on the banks of the Kentucky River, dismantled it, and reconstructed it according to his enhanced standards, much of it inspired by his European journey.
His innovation was encapsulated in one unique detail — copper. Taylor was steadfast in his belief that the finest whiskey could only be produced through extensive interaction with copper. Hence, he coated even the fermenting vats with copper and installed a copper column still.
His distillery, aptly named the O.F.C. for Old Fashioned Copper or Old Fire Copper, implemented stringent cleanliness standards and marked the inception of the use of steam-heated warehouses in the 1880s, contributing significantly to the standardized bourbon production we know today.
Taylor and Marketing Genius
With the distillery process well-established, Colonel Taylor turned his sights to marketing. Despite his cultured background, Taylor conveyed his product’s Kentucky heritage with aplomb, convincing consumers that his whiskey was reminiscent of a simpler era.
As craftily as Taylor navigated distilling and marketing, the financial aspect of the business was less his forte. His lavish expenditure and quick dealing with the sale of barrels led to controversial practices, to alleged instances of double-selling barrels, which soured his standing among purchasers and certainly added a facet to his legacy.
The Final Sip
Taylor was the spark that lit the fuse for the bourbon-blazing bonanza. His relentless pursuit of bourbon perfection was partially fueled by an unwavering adherence to innovative methods and high standard practices. From his European travels to the advent of O.F.C., his imprint on the industry endures, a testament to the very spirit of Kentucky bourbon.
Through his efforts and despite his financial missteps, Taylor helped shape the modern bourbon industry to what it is today, making us all fortunate beneficiaries of a time-honored tradition.
Colonel E.H. Taylor helps us remember that a bottle of bourbon is not simply a spirit—it’s a dip into a historical era, a tale in a glass, and above all, the legacy of a unique pioneer.
Through all ups and downs, Taylor’s unwavering commitment to quality and to the bourbon industry was truly his enduring legacy. His tale is one of resilience and unrelenting passion for the art of whiskey-making, making it clear why he is regarded as one of the founding fathers of the modern bourbon industry.