Blanton’s Single Barrel vs Eagle Rare 10 Year

Last Updated on: 11th April 2024, 03:19 pm

Discover the differences between Blanton’s Single Barrel vs Eagle Rare 10 Year in this in-depth comparison and decide which Bourbon is better for You!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Blanton’s vs Eagle Rare: Comparison

Blanton’s: Renowned for its exceptional smoothness, Blanton’s bourbon combines creamy vanilla and honeyed sweetness with a backdrop of oak and leather. Its creamy texture and rich flavor profile, accentuated by a higher rye content, make it stand out. Celebrated for its single-barrel uniqueness, it’s a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts.

Eagle Rare: Offers a mature, oak-forward profile with notes of toasted oak, dried fruit, and vanilla, thanks to its 10-year aging process. The extended time in charred oak barrels imparts a deeper, more complex character, appealing to those who appreciate a bourbon with a robust, mature essence.

Key Difference: Eagle Rare ages 10 years, uses a lower-rye mash, while Blanton’s, a single barrel bourbon aged 6-8 years, is bottled at a higher proof (93 vs 90).

Verdict: While both bourbons hail from Buffalo Trace Distillery, they offer distinct experiences. Blanton’s is celebrated for its velvety smoothness and nuanced flavor, ideal for those seeking a refined easy sip. Eagle Rare, with its decade of aging, caters to fans of a drier, more pronounced oak character, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Best Blanton’s Bourbon Alternatives

Blanton’s: Smoothness Personified

• Alcohol content: 93 proof (46.5% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Caribou Crossing

Blanton’s, from the renowned Buffalo Trace distillery, stands out for its exceptional smoothness and unique identity. Here’s why:

Signature smoothness:

• Aged in barrels hand-selected from Colonel Blanton’s preferred warehouse, resulting in a creamy, velvety mouthfeel that sets it apart from other bourbons.

Intriguing flavors:

• Honey, caramel, and old leather on the nose, followed by rich butterscotch, vanilla, and a hint of rye spice on the palate.
• Long, satisfying finish with delightful sweetness and warmth, although a subtle medicinal-like note emerges later for some.

Uniquely Blanton’s:

• Slightly higher rye content compared to other Buffalo Trace offerings adds a touch of complexity.
• Single Barrel: Each bottle is unique, offering a slightly different flavor experience.

Highly regarded:

• Double Gold Medal winner, praised as “liquid gold” and named the world’s best bourbon in competitions.

Enjoyment tips:

• Best neat: Savor the intricate flavors without dilution.
• Reasonably priced and accessible: Enjoy the quality without breaking the bank.

Remember: The NyQuil note is subjective and may not be noticeable to everyone.

Ready for an undeniably smooth bourbon experience with a touch of mystery? Try Blanton’s.

Eagle Rare: A Mature Expression of Buffalo Trace

• Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Bulleit 10

Eagle Rare, aged 10 years in charred oak barrels, offers a distinct experience compared to its younger Buffalo Trace sibling.

What’s the difference?

• Extra aging: 10 years vs. 6 years, resulting in a drier, more oaky character.
• Mature profile: Think rich oak, vanilla, dried fruit, and baking spice, balanced and harmonious.
• Long finish: Expect assertive oak, old leather, and tobacco notes.

Good for you?

• New to bourbon? This might be too oak-forward.
• Seasoned whiskey lover? You’ll likely find it complex and enjoyable.
• Great value at MSRP: $50-$60 makes it a worthy addition to your collection.
• Beware inflated prices: It’s not worth going overboard.

Eagle Rare facts:

• 10+ years in new, charred oak barrels.
• Hand-selected barrels for quality and consistency.
• Launched in 1975, now owned by Sazerac.

Ready for a mature bourbon experience? Try Eagle Rare, but be mindful of pricing.

What do Blanton’s and Eagle Rare have in common?

Both are crafted at the Buffalo Trace distillery along with other whiskeys such as the Buffalo Trace, Pappy van Winkle, George T. Stagg, Sazerac Rye, and Weller among others.

How do Blanton’s and Eagle Rare differ?

Four things make these bourbons different

• Eagle Rare is aged 10 years while Blanton’s from 6 to 8.

• Eagle Rare uses a mash lower in the rye.

• Blanton’s is drawn from a single barrel.

• Blanton’s is bottled at a higher proof (93 vs 90).

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whiskey	Price
Blanton’s Original Single Barrel	$120
Eagle Rare 10 Year	$50