Colonel E.H. Taylor Bourbon Barrel-Aged Bigfoot Barleywin... vs Mile High Spirits Fireside Bourbon: Head-to-Head Bourbon Comparison arrives with the quiet confidence of a spirit that knows its own worth.
Choosing between Colonel E.H. Taylor Bourbon Barrel-Aged Bigfoot Barleywin... and Mile High Spirits Fireside Bourbon can be tough, especially when they compete in the same space. In this head-to-head comparison, we taste them side by side and score every dimension so you don't have to guess.
Whether you're stocking your home bar or picking a gift, this breakdown will point you to the right bottle.
Specifications at a Glance
| Colonel E.H. Taylor Bourbon Barrel-Aged Bigfoot Barleywin... | Mile High Spirits Fireside Bourbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | N/A | N/A |
| Type | Bourbon | Bourbon |
| Age | N/A | N/A |
| ABV | 30 proof | 40% ABV |
| Price | $25.00 | $30.00 |
| Rating | N/A/10 | 8/10 |
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.
Mile High Spirits Fireside Bourbon: The nose carries some classic bourbon notes of vanilla, cherry, and orange. I was intrigued to also get notes of pine, which I think is appropriate given a name like Fireside.
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.
Mile High Spirits Fireside Bourbon: Vanilla and orange is present on the palate too, which is joined by baking spices, brown sugar, and coffee. The initial sip seemed a bit watery but then exploded with flavor and a strong alcohol punch. I get some light smokiness, but not as much as I was anticipating from what I read. But that could be because Im comparing smokiness against Islay scotch. The finish is warm and smooth.
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
Mile High Spirits Fireside Bourbon: Comments: 40% ABV. $30
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.
With both bottles in a comparable price range, the decision comes down to flavour preference rather than wallet size.
The Verdict
This is a genuinely close call. Both Colonel E.H. Taylor Bourbon Barrel-Aged Bigfoot Barleywin... and Mile High Spirits Fireside Bourbon 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.
