The News
Buffalo Trace Distillery announced the return of two bourbons from its Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. collection: Four Grain and Cured Oak. The Four Grain bourbon was first introduced in 2017 and is a 100-proof, small-batch whiskey made from four grains—corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley. It was distilled in 2015 and aged for 10 years. Cured Oak returns as a rare, limited release. The announcement was made on May 21, 2026, in Frankfort, KY.
After a decade in the bottle, Buffalo Trace quietly re‑issued two of its most storied Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. bourbons—Four Grain and Cured Oak—to reinforce its focus on heritage products that can command premium prices within the expanding super‑premium segment.
Both releases are priced at $79.99 per 750 ml, roughly ten percent above the average retail price of $72.40 for super‑premium bourbons in Q1 2026. The premium aligns with the 5.2% compound annual growth rate projected for the bourbon market and the 38% share of volume growth attributed to the super‑premium tier, per IBISWorld.
Four Grain is marketed as a permanent expression, yet background data show it returns only once a year—a detail that matters when operators plan inventory cycles. Cured Oak is described as a one‑time limited release; its white oak staves were air‑dried for 13 months—double the industry norm—an attribute that could justify a higher proof or specialized cocktail use.
Four Grain is sold exclusively at Buffalo Trace’s distillery gift shops and a handful of retailers in Kentucky and Louisiana, while Cured Oak travels via Sazerac’s network to selected U.S. retailers, bars, and restaurants. In 2025, only 17% of retailers carried Buffalo Trace’s limited releases—a reminder of the channel bottleneck operators face.
Distributors should treat Four Grain as an annual limited SKU and allocate carefully to avoid excess inventory while preserving its scarcity. On‑premise operators might use Cured Oak’s tobacco‑and‑vanilla profile in specialty cocktails and set prices about ten percent above the category average.
Buffalo Trace is positioning these releases as high‑margin, low‑volume products that lean on heritage storytelling and a unique barrel‑curing process. Distributors who recognize Four Grain’s annual limited status and Cured Oak’s 13‑month curing advantage will be best positioned to capitalize on the brand’s premium strategy.
Original Press Release
Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain and Cured Oak Make a Celebrated Return, Reintroducing Two of the Brand’s Most Sought-After Expressions
FRANKFORT, KY (May 21, 2026) – Buffalo Trace Distillery is proud to announce the return of two highly coveted bourbons from the Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. collection: Four Grain and Cured Oak. Establishing its place as an annual limited release, Four Grain joins the Distillery’s ongoing lineup, while Cured Oak returns as a rare, limited offering. Together, these highly anticipated bourbons honor Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr.’s enduring legacy of innovation, quality, and craftsmanship.
First introduced in 2017, E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon Whiskey is a 100-proof, small-batch bourbon crafted from a distinctive recipe featuring high-quality corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley—grains that would have been accessible to Taylor in the 1800s. Distilled in 2015 and aged for 10 years, this expression stands apart within the E.H. Taylor, Jr. lineup of whiskeys for its unique balance of flavors. The combination of four grains creates a layered and complex profile: corn delivers foundational sweetness, rye adds spice and structure, wheat softens the palate with subtle sweetness, and malted barley contributes depth with a gentle toasted character. The result is a bourbon that is both rich and balanced, offering notes of caramel, vanilla, and chocolate with a lightly spiced, lingering finish.
“What makes Four Grain so special is how unconventional it is,” said Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “It’s also a clear example of what we call a ‘graduated experiment’—one that began as a deliberate exploration and evolved into a release worthy of returning as a permanent expression. Rye and wheat are often used separately, but combining them creates a completely different flavor experience. Alongside corn and malted barley, we’re able to build layers of flavor that balance sweetness, spice, and depth in a way you don’t typically see in bourbon.”
Originally released in 2015, E.H. Taylor, Jr. Cured Oak Bourbon Whiskey is a 100-proof, Bottled-in-Bond bourbon aged 10 years in barrels constructed from white oak staves that were air-dried for 13 months—more than twice the standard curing time. This extended curing process allows the whiskey to extract deeper, more complex flavors from the oak during maturation. This bourbon delivers a rich and inviting profile with notes of tobacco, dried fruit, vanilla, and toffee, complemented by undertones of seasoned oak and a long, dry finish. The expression highlights the profound impact that barrel craftsmanship can have on the final character of a whiskey.
“What you notice with Cured Oak is the added depth and complexity that comes from the extended curing process,” said Wheatley. “Most of our barrels are cured for six months, but with this release the extended curing brings forward richer notes that create a longer, more layered finish.”
Highly regarded as the “Father of the Modern Bourbon Industry,” Colonel Taylor purchased O.F.C. Distillery, now known as Buffalo Trace Distillery, in 1869. He is credited with implementing many of the innovative techniques still used today, including advanced grain handling, copper fermentation tanks, and steam-heated warehouses. Taylor also played a pivotal role in the passage of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, which established quality standards that continue to shape the industry.
“Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. was a true pioneer whose commitment to craftsmanship helped redefine what bourbon could be,” said Charley Costa, Brand Manager, Whiskey, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Four Grain and Cured Oak reflect that legacy in distinct ways: one through an unconventional grain composition, the other through the influence of barrel aging. Together, they demonstrate how intentional innovation and a dedication to quality can produce truly distinctive whiskeys.”
Both expressions will be available beginning in May 2026 at the suggested retail price of $79.99 per 750ml bottle (local taxes and fees apply). Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain will be available for purchase at the Buffalo Trace Distillery and Sazerac House Gift Shops, as well as select retailers in Kentucky and Louisiana. Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Cured Oak will be released via Sazerac’s distribution network to select retailers, bars, and restaurants across the United States.
Sources consulted (web research):
- Buffalo Trace Announces Return Pair 194743839
- Buffalo Trace Distillery Reintroduces Two Iconic Colonel E H Taylor J…
- Buffalo Trace Eh Taylor Four Grain And Eh Taylor Cured Oak 2026 11980110
- E H Taylor Four Grain And Cured Oak Are Back The Buffalo Trace Bottle…
- Buffalo Trace Re Launches E H Taylor Four Grain Cured Oak
- The Week In Bourbon New Releases Industry News Trends May 16 22
Source: BevNET