Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 09:16 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between E.H. Taylor Small Batch 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
E.H. Taylor vs Eagle Rare: Comparison
E.H. Taylor Small Batch: A journey of cherry, tobacco, and chocolate aromas leading to a palate of vanilla, caramel, and oak, finishing with charred oak and black pepper. A bottled-in-bond bourbon that marries complexity and depth.
Eagle Rare: This 10-year-old bourbon features toasted oak and orange peel on the nose, with a palate of oak, vanilla, and baking spice, culminating in an oak, tobacco, and leather finish. A testament to the art of aged bourbon.
Key Difference: E.H. Taylor and Eagle Rare, both from Buffalo Trace Distillery with the same low-rye mash bill, differ in aging and proof; Taylor is bottled-in-bond at 100 proof for 7 years, while Eagle Rare ages for 10 years at 90 proof.
Verdict: Both E.H. Taylor Small Batch and Eagle Rare offer great experiences with the first being a bit bolder due to the shorter aging and higher proof. Choose based on your preferences, suggests whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Bourbons under $200
E.H. Taylor Small Batch: Complex, Historical, Elusive
- Similar to: E.H. Taylor Single Barrel
E.H. Taylor Small Batch isn’t just bourbon, it’s a flavor adventure steeped in history. But is it worth the chase?
Aroma: Cherry, chocolate, and tobacco entice, while the unique red hue hints at depth.
Taste: Thick, oily texture with initial heat mellowing into sweet vanilla, fruit, and hints of spice and oak.
Finish: The star – medium-length with charred oak, black pepper, lingering vanilla, and cherry warmth.
Beyond Flavor: Made from 7-year barrels in E.H. Taylor’s historic warehouse, bottled-in-bond for authenticity, and packaged in a vintage-inspired canister.
The Catch: Elusive and often pricey, offering a hotter but complex experience compared to Blanton’s.
Verdict: If history and complexity trump easy availability, E.H. Taylor is a treasure worth seeking. Just be prepared for the hunt!
Bonus: Savor slowly and appreciate the journey in every sip.
E.H. Taylor Facts:
- Aged 7 years in select barrels.
- Bottled-in-bond for quality.
- Vintage-inspired packaging.
- A bourbon pioneer’s legacy in a bottle.
Ready to chase flavor and history? E.H. Taylor awaits!
Eagle Rare: Soaring Into Oak-Kissed Delight
- Similar to: Basil Hayden’s
Eagle Rare, a 10-year-old bourbon bathed in sunshine and oak, isn’t just a name – it’s a promise. Get ready for a complex journey where seasoned oak takes center stage, but shares the spotlight with sweet and spicy companions.
Aroma: Dive into a toasty haven of oak, followed by refreshing hints of orange peel, red fruit, and a touch of maple syrup.
Taste: The rich, creamy texture smooths the way for robust oak, which gradually surrenders to vanilla, dried fruit, caramel, and a sprinkle of spices.
Finish: The oak influence continues, now joined by subtle aged leather and tobacco notes, leaving a long, satisfying impression.
A Bourbon With Altitude:
- Oak Connoisseur’s Dream: Bold oak flavors take center stage, offering a depth not suitable for every palate, but a delight for seasoned bourbon lovers.
- Beyond Oak: Don’t worry, oak isn’t a lone wolf. Vanilla, dried fruit, caramel, and spices keep it company, creating a complex and balanced profile.
- Aged Perfection: 10 years in hand-picked, highly charred barrels under the Kentucky sun imbues this bourbon with unmatched character.
Is it for You?
If you’re new to bourbon, this oak-forward profile might be a bit intense. But for experienced drinkers seeking depth and complexity, Eagle Rare soars. And with its $50-$60 price tag, it justifies its place among top-tier ten-year-olds.
Bonus Tip: Add a drop of water to open up the flavors and make the oak a bit more approachable.
Eagle Rare Facts:
- Aged for at least 10 years in new, charred American oak barrels.
- Hand-selected barrels ensure consistent quality.
- A storied history, launched in 1975, and is now owned by Sazerac.
Ready to take your bourbon journey to new heights? Eagle Rare awaits. Just remember, it’s not for the faint of heart, but for those who appreciate the nuanced power of aged oak.
What do E.H. Taylor and Eagle Rare have in common?
Crafted at the same distillery using the same mash bill
Both Eagle Rare and E.H. Taylor are crafted at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, utilizing the same mash bill that is low in rye.
This mash bill is not exclusive to these expressions but is also used in the production of other bourbons, such as Buffalo Trace, Stagg Jr., and Benchmark.
The shared mash bill contributes to the similar foundation of flavor found in these whiskeys, showcasing the distinct character and quality associated with the Buffalo Trace Distillery.
What makes them different
Aging and proof make them different
- E.H. Taylor is a bottled-in-bond release offered at 100 proof and is aged for around 7 years.
- Eagle Rare is bottled at 90 proof and aged for 10 years.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| E.H. Taylor Small Batch | $80 |
| Eagle Rare 10 Year Straight Bourbon | $50 |