If you’re a bourbon lover, you’ve likely heard of Eagle Rare and Blanton’s. These two bourbons are often compared to each other due to their similar mash bills and aging process. Both are produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery, which has a long history of producing high-quality bourbon.

Eagle Rare and Blanton’s are both made from the same mash bill, which consists of corn, rye, and malted barley. The difference between the two is in their aging process. Eagle Rare is aged for 10 years, while Blanton’s is aged for an average of 6-8 years. This difference in aging gives each bourbon a unique flavor profile.

Some bourbon enthusiasts prefer Eagle Rare for its smoothness and complexity, while others prefer Blanton’s for its bold, spicy flavor. Ultimately, the choice between these two bourbons comes down to personal preference. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the similarities and differences between Eagle Rare and Blanton’s, so you can make an informed decision the next time you’re browsing the bourbon aisle.

Eagle Rare Bourbon and Blanton’s Bourbon

When it comes to premium bourbons, Eagle Rare and Blanton’s are two of the most sought-after brands. Both of these bourbons are made by the Buffalo Trace Distillery, which is known for producing some of the best bourbons in the world. In this section, we will take a closer look at the history of Eagle Rare and Blanton’s.

Eagle Rare’s History

photo source: www.buffalotracedistillery.com

Eagle Rare is a premium bourbon that has been around since the 1970s. It is made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and barley, and is aged for a minimum of 10 years. The bourbon is named after the rare eagles that are native to the Kentucky region where the Buffalo Trace Distillery is located.

Eagle Rare has won numerous awards over the years, including a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It is known for its smooth and sweet taste, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. Eagle Rare is a great choice for beginners who are just starting to explore the world of bourbon.

Blanton’s History

photo source: www.buffalotracedistillery.com

Blanton’s is another premium bourbon that is made by the Buffalo Trace Distillery. It was first introduced in 1984 and is named after Colonel Albert B. Blanton, who was a former president of the distillery. Blanton’s is made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley, and is aged for a minimum of 6 years.

Blanton’s is known for its bold and spicy flavor, with notes of honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It is also famous for its unique bottle design, which features a horse and jockey on the stopper. Blanton’s has won numerous awards over the years, including a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Production Process

When it comes to Eagle Rare vs Blanton’s bourbon, understanding the production process is key to appreciating the unique tastes and characteristics of each.

Eagle Rare Bourbon’s Production Process

The production process for Eagle Rare is as follows:

1. Mash Bill: Eagle Rare is made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and barley malt. The exact proportions of each are undisclosed, but it is known that Eagle Rare is a member of Buffalo Trace’s Mash Bill #1, which has been reported to contain approximately 10% rye.
2. Fermentation: The mash is fermented using a proprietary strain of yeast, which is said to impart a unique flavor profile to the bourbon.
3. Distillation: The fermented mash is distilled in copper stills to a proof of 137.
4. Aging: Eagle Rare is aged for a minimum of 10 years in new, charred oak barrels. The barrels are stored in warehouses that are exposed to the elements, which allows for natural fluctuations in temperature and humidity that contribute to the bourbon’s flavor.
5. Blending: Once the bourbon has aged for at least 10 years, it is blended to ensure consistency across batches.

Blanton Bourbon’s Production Process

The production process for Blanton’s is as follows:

1. Mash Bill: Blanton’s is made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and barley malt. The exact proportions of each are undisclosed, but it is known that Blanton’s is a member of Buffalo Trace’s Mash Bill #2, which has been reported to contain approximately 12% rye.
2. Fermentation: The mash is fermented using a proprietary strain of yeast, which is said to impart a unique flavor profile to the bourbon.
3. Distillation: The fermented mash is distilled in copper stills to a proof of 140.
4. Aging: Blanton’s is aged for a minimum of 6 years in new, charred oak barrels. The barrels are stored in warehouses that are exposed to the elements, which allows for natural fluctuations in temperature and humidity that contribute to the bourbon’s flavor.
5. Bottling: Once the bourbon has aged for at least 6 years, it is bottled one barrel at a time, which is said to ensure consistency and quality. Each bottle is hand-labeled with the barrel number, the warehouse location, the date it was bottled, and the proof.

Taste Comparison

When it comes to comparing Eagle Rare and Blanton’s bourbon, taste is a crucial factor. Both bourbons have their unique flavor profiles, and choosing one over the other is a matter of personal preference. Here’s a breakdown of the taste comparison between the two bourbons.

Eagle Rare

Eagle Rare has a mellow and buttery flavor. The whiskey is rife with vanilla, oak, orange peel, and cherry. The taste is smooth, with a hint of sweetness that lingers on the palate. The finish is long and warming, with a subtle spiciness that complements the sweetness of the whiskey.

Blanton’s

Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon has a slightly more complex flavor profile than Eagle Rare. It has a rich, fruity taste with notes of caramel, honey, and vanilla. The whiskey has a slight spiciness to it, with a long, smooth finish. Blanton’s is a bit stronger than Eagle Rare, with a higher proof and a more robust flavor profile.

Comparison

In terms of taste, Eagle Rare and Blanton’s are both excellent bourbons. Eagle Rare has a smoother, sweeter taste, while Blanton’s has a more complex flavor profile with a hint of spiciness. If you prefer a sweeter, smoother taste, Eagle Rare is the way to go. If you prefer a more complex, robust flavor, Blanton’s is the better choice.

Comparing the two bourbons side by side, it’s clear that they are both high-quality options with their unique taste profiles. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and what flavor profile you enjoy the most.

Price Comparison

When it comes to price, Eagle Rare and Blanton’s are quite different. Eagle Rare 10 Year has an MSRP of about $35-40 for a 750mL bottle at 90-proof. On the other hand, Blanton’s MSRP is about $60 for a 750mL bottle at 93-proof. However, the price can vary depending on the location, and it’s not uncommon to find both bourbons sold above their MSRP.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, Eagle Rare is the way to go. It’s a great value for its price and offers a smooth and flavorful taste. On the other hand, Blanton’s is more expensive, making it a premium bourbon that may not be suitable for everyone’s budget.

It’s worth noting that both Eagle Rare and Blanton’s have become increasingly hard to find in recent years, which has caused some sellers to raise their prices significantly. If you’re lucky enough to find them at their MSRP, it’s recommended to grab a bottle before it’s too late.

In case you’re not able to find Eagle Rare or Blanton’s at a reasonable price, here are some alternatives to consider:

• Buffalo Trace: It’s a great option for those who like Eagle Rare’s smooth and mellow taste. It’s also affordable and widely available.
• Four Roses Single Barrel: It’s a great option for those who like Blanton’s complex and rich taste. It’s also affordable and widely available.
• Weller Special Reserve: It’s a wheated bourbon that’s similar to Blanton’s in taste and aroma. It’s also affordable and widely available.

Conclusion

Both Eagle Rare and Blanton’s bourbons are excellent choices for any whiskey enthusiast. They both have their unique characteristics that set them apart from each other. Here are some key takeaways to help you decide which one to choose:

• Eagle Rare has a mellow and buttery flavor with notes of vanilla, oak, orange peel, and cherry. It is aged for 10 years, providing a dryer and oakier taste.
• Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon is typically matured for six to eight years. It has a rich and complex taste with notes of toasted oak, orange peel, red fruit, and maple syrup.
• Eagle Rare is more affordable with an MSRP of about $35-40 for a 750mL bottle at 90-proof, while Blanton’s MSRP is about $60 for a 750mL bottle at 93-proof.
• Blanton’s is more popular and highly sought after, ranking in the top 100 of Wine-Searcher’s most wanted bourbons, while Eagle Rare is also highly regarded but not as widely known.
• Both bourbons have won numerous awards and accolades, including gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Ultimately, the choice between Eagle Rare and Blanton’s comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a smoother and more buttery taste, Eagle Rare is the way to go. If you prefer a richer and more complex taste with a higher proof, Blanton’s is the way to go. Either way, you can’t go wrong with either of these exceptional bourbons.