E.H. Taylor, the iconic Bourbon brand, is currently owned by the Sazerac Company, a renowned spirits company based in New Orleans. The ownership of the brand has gone through several transitions over the years, each contributing to its rich history and legacy.
The story begins with Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr., a prominent figure in the American whiskey industry during the late 19th century. Known for his innovative techniques and unwavering dedication to quality, Taylor played a pivotal role in shaping the Bourbon industry as we know it today.
However, after Taylor's death in 1923, the ownership of the brand changed hands multiple times. The Old Taylor Distillery, where the Bourbon was produced, was eventually sold to National Distillers Products Corporation in 1935. This marked the first shift in ownership for the E.H. Taylor brand.
National Distillers continued to produce E.H. Taylor Bourbon until 1972 when the distillery was closed due to financial difficulties. The brand was then sold to the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, where it remained until 1983.
In 1983, the Stitzel-Weller Distillery was acquired by United Distillers, a predecessor of Diageo, one of the largest spirits companies in the world. Under Diageo's ownership, the E.H. Taylor brand found a new home but was not actively produced.
The next significant change in ownership came in 1987 when the distillery and brand were sold to Jim Beam, another prominent player in the whiskey industry. While under Jim Beam's ownership, the E.H. Taylor brand was still not produced, and the focus was primarily on the distillery itself.
In 2009, the Buffalo Trace Distillery, owned by the Sazerac Company, acquired the Old Taylor Bourbon brand. This marked a significant turning point for the brand, as it found a new home with a company renowned for its commitment to producing high-quality spirits.
Since 2011, Sazerac has been producing Bourbon under the E.H. Taylor brand at the Buffalo Trace Distillery. They have faithfully upheld Colonel Taylor's legacy by utilizing his original recipes and production techniques, ensuring that each bottle of E.H. Taylor Bourbon reflects his vision and dedication to excellence.
As an expert sommelier and brewer, I've had the opportunity to taste and appreciate the craftsmanship behind the E.H. Taylor Bourbons produced by Sazerac. The attention to detail and commitment to quality are evident in each sip, making it a standout among Bourbon enthusiasts.
The ownership journey of the E.H. Taylor brand is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the spirits industry. It is through the passion and dedication of companies like Sazerac that iconic brands like E.H. Taylor continue to thrive and delight whiskey lovers around the world.