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Blanton’s vs EH Taylor Bourbon Comparison (2024 Updated)

Blanton's vs. EH Taylor

Last Updated on March 1, 2024 by Lydia Martin

Welcome to another battle between two notable single barrel bourbons today— Blanton’s single barrel and EH Taylor single barrel.

Yes, they’re made at the same distillery. But what makes them unique from each other? Do they have similarities? 

Let’s get straight to it and uncover the key differences in this Blantons vs EH Taylor single barrel comparison.      

Bourbon Face-Off: Blanton’s or EH Taylor Single Barrel? 

Blanton's and E.H. Taylor Single Barrel, blantons vs eh taylor

EH Taylor single barrel is crafted using the same mash bill with Buffalo Trace and Eagle Rare– mashbill #1, with 10-12% rye content. 

The aging process of the EH Taylor single barrel took around 12 years before being bottled in bond at 100-proof (50% ABV).

In comparison, Blanton’s single barrel is crafted using mashbill #2, rich in rye (12-15% rye).

It is aged around seven years before being bottled at 93-proof (46.5% ABV). 

How They Differ 

E.H. TaylorBlanton’s Bourbon
Average PriceApprox. $59.99/750ml (MSRP)Approx. $60/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Proof50% ABV46.5% ABV
Age StatementNASNAS
PalateNoticeable flavors of roasted oak, vanilla, sweet pineapple, cinnamon spice, and cherry   Noticeable palate of oak, caramel, buttery honey-vanilla sweetness, baking spice
ColorCopperAmber
NoseSpicy yet fruity nose with cinnamon, butterscotch, charred oak, honey, cherry, vanilla, and apricot notes Aromas of old leather, oak, vanilla, caramel, red apple, ginger, and black pepper
FinishLingering smooth feel with more fruity relishes, plus earthy caraway seed, caramel, clove, and cinnamon hints  Long, spicy, and dry with hints of rich caramel, brown sugar sweetness, and vanilla  
How It’s ServedWith a splash of waterNeat

Blanton’s Bourbon 

Production & Maturation Process

Distillery

Blanton single barrel is produced at the facility of Buffalo Trace using mash #2, aged for around 6 to 8 years in hand-selected barrels [1] (continuing the legacy of Colonel Blanton). 

Availability

Blanton’s Single Barrel, Blanton’s Gold, and Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel nowadays are getting harder to find due to high demand but limited supply. 

Price Point

Blanton’s single-barrel bourbons are priced at around $60. Other Blanton bourbons prices are as follows: 

  • Blanton’s Gold – around $120
  • Straight from the Barrel – around $150 

*the prices of the bottles are based on the suggested retail price per 750ml 

Fun Facts 

  • Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible recognized Blanton’s single barrel as “Liquid Gold.
  • Blanton’s won the Double Gold Medal at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
  • Blanton’s single barrel took home the Chairman’s Trophy, winning as world’s best bourbon, from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2012 and 2013.  

EH Taylor Bourbon 

Production & Maturation Process

Whiskey Barrel

EH Taylor single barrel bourbon whiskey is crafted at warehouse C of the Buffalo Trace’s facility, using the mashbill #1.

All the casks used are hand-selected for the aging process of around 12 years and bonded at 100-proof.   

Availability 

EH Taylor bourbons aren’t that widely available today due to high demand yet limited commodity. But you can find EH Taylor Small Batch in some liquor stores.  

If you want to purchase EH Taylor single barrel, try your luck visiting the BT’s facility or at local bars with wide selections of whiskey expressions.  

Price Point

old man holding EH Taylor single barrel bourbon

EH Taylor Single Barrel is priced at around $59.99. Other brand’s spirits are priced as follows: 

  • Small Batch and Barrel Proof – around $40 
  • Straight Rye, Sour Mash, Warehouse C Bourbon, Amaranth, Seasoned Wood, Cured Oak, and Four Grain spirits — around $70    
  • Warehouse C Tornado Surviving and 18-Year Marriage — around $70 (now around $1,000 or more) 

*the prices of the bottles are based on the suggested retail price per 750ml

Fun Facts 

  • EH Taylor Single Barrel won the Gold Medal at the 2012 International Wine & Spirits Competition in Los Angeles.
  • EH Taylor Single Barrel out win Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Old (by only two points), scoring 97 points at the 2012 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
  • Col. Edmund Haynes Taylor is considered one of the founding fathers of bourbon, who contributed greatly to the passing of the 1897 Bottled-in-Bond Act. 

Do They Have Something In Common? 

Alcohol Proof & Age Statement

The bourbon collections of Blanton’s and EH Taylor are all high-in-alcohol spirits– ranging from 100 to over 130 proof. Besides, both are NAS [2] bourbon whiskeys. 

Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery Water Tower, Blantons Vs EH Taylor

As mentioned, they are crafted at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfurt, Kentucky.

“It’s more important to judge the liquid, not the label.”

— Emmanuel Dron, Author

It’s the same facility where Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, Elmer T. Lee, and Buffalo Trace bourbons are made. 

Is Blanton’s The Same As EH Taylor? 

No. They’re not the same. 

Although they’re crafted at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, the barrel selection of EH Taylor single barrel and other collections comes from warehouse C, whereas Blanton barrels come from warehouse H. 

They’re produced using different mash bills, aged in varying periods, with distinct alcohol content. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which is more complex, Blanton’s or EH Taylor’s bourbon?

The more complex drink is Blanton’s, particularly Blanton’s Single Barrel whiskey.  

Is EH Taylor bourbon sweeter and smoother than Blanton’s?

EH Taylor single barrel is sweeter, but Blanton is smoother. If Blanton has rich oak tones, EH Taylor has a spicy hint, but it perfectly balances with the sweet tones.    

Do Blanton’s and EH Taylor’s bourbon taste the same?

Blanton’s and EH Taylor taste almost the same in terms of their sweet flavor profile and smooth finish. But Blanton’s has more tropical rye characteristics, while EH Taylor has more oak notes. 

What whiskey is most like Blanton’s?

Blanton’s distinct flavor profile, marked by its high rye content and unique single-barrel aging, sets it apart. While no whiskey is an exact replica, some alternatives with comparable quality and flavor notes include Elmer T. Lee, Rock Hill Farms, and Ancient Age’s 10 Star. These options share similarities in terms of craftsmanship, aging, and the rich, complex characteristics that bourbon enthusiasts often seek.

Is Blanton’s bourbon top shelf?

Yes, Blanton’s is widely considered a top-shelf bourbon. Its reputation for exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and distinctive packaging places it among the coveted selections on the top shelf of whiskey enthusiasts. The limited availability and consistent high demand further contribute to its status as a premium and sought-after bourbon.

Why is E.H. Taylor more expensive than Eagle Rare?

The pricing difference between E.H. Taylor and Eagle Rare can be attributed to various factors, including the production process, aging conditions, and brand positioning. E.H. Taylor undergoes a meticulous and labor-intensive process, often involving single-barrel releases and specific aging conditions. The distinct craftsmanship, along with limited releases, contributes to its higher price point compared to Eagle Rare, which, while also a premium bourbon, may have a different production scale or aging approach.

Is Blanton’s better than Eagle Rare?

The preference between Blanton’s and Eagle Rare is subjective and depends on individual taste preferences. Both bourbons come from Buffalo Trace Distillery, sharing a commitment to quality, but they have distinct characteristics. Blanton’s is known for its high rye content and single-barrel releases, offering a complex flavor profile. Eagle Rare, on the other hand, is praised for its rich and well-balanced taste, with a lower rye content. Ultimately, whether Blanton’s is “better” than Eagle Rare is a matter of personal taste and the specific qualities one seeks in a bourbon.

Why do people like Blanton’s so much?

People appreciate Blanton’s for several reasons. Its rich and complex flavor profile, marked by high rye content and single-barrel aging, sets it apart. The iconic bottle design, featuring a horse and jockey stopper, adds to its allure. Additionally, its limited availability and reputation for excellence contribute to the desirability of Blanton’s among bourbon enthusiasts, making it a sought-after and collectible spirit.

Does John Wick drink Blanton’s?

Yes, in the John Wick film series, the titular character, played by Keanu Reeves, is often depicted enjoying Blanton’s bourbon. The distinct bottle design and the use of Blanton’s in the movies have contributed to its popularity among fans. The association with a beloved and iconic character like John Wick has further elevated the status of Blanton’s in popular culture, making it even more sought after by whiskey enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Why is Blanton’s so rare now?

Blanton’s is considered rare due to its limited production and distribution. The bourbon is meticulously crafted with a single-barrel aging process, and each bottle is hand-bottled from a specific barrel. This artisanal approach, combined with high demand and the desire to maintain quality over quantity, contributes to its scarcity in the market. Additionally, the iconic bottle design and association with premium quality make Blanton’s a sought-after collector’s item, further reducing its availability.

Why is Blanton’s bourbon so rare?

Blanton’s bourbon is rare primarily due to its meticulous production process. Each bottle is sourced from a single barrel, and the barrels are selected based on specific criteria for flavor and quality. This approach limits the quantity of bottles that can be produced from each barrel. Coupled with the growing popularity of Blanton’s, the combination of limited production and high demand has led to scarcity on the shelves, making it a prized and hard-to-find bourbon.

What is the smoothest bourbon?

Determining the smoothest bourbon is subjective and depends on individual taste preferences. However, bourbons known for their smooth profiles include Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, and Blanton’s. Smoothness in bourbon often results from factors like the mash bill, aging process, and the distillery’s craftsmanship, providing a well-balanced and easy-drinking experience.

Is E.H. Taylor the same as Buffalo Trace?

E.H. Taylor and Buffalo Trace are related in that both fall under the Buffalo Trace Distillery’s portfolio, sharing the same distillery but representing different brands and expressions. Colonel E.H. Taylor bourbons are a tribute to Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr., a historical figure in bourbon history. While both brands share the Buffalo Trace heritage, they have distinct product lines, with E.H. Taylor offering its own range of premium bourbons.

What type of bourbon is E.H. Taylor?

E.H. Taylor bourbons fall into the category of premium and small-batch bourbons. Named after Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr., a key figure in the early days of the bourbon industry, E.H. Taylor bourbons are crafted with a focus on traditional methods and quality. The product line includes various expressions, such as Single Barrel, Small Batch, and Barrel Proof, showcasing a range of flavor profiles and intensities.

Who owns E.H. Taylor?

E.H. Taylor is owned by the Buffalo Trace Distillery, which is part of the larger Sazerac Company. The Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Frankfort, Kentucky, is renowned for producing a diverse range of high-quality bourbons, including the E.H. Taylor brand. As part of the Sazerac Company’s portfolio, E.H. Taylor enjoys the heritage, craftsmanship, and expertise associated with one of the leading names in the American whiskey industry.

Final Verdict: Blantons Vs EH Taylor

They surely have similarities, but their differences make or break any drinker’s decision. 

Despite the differences, each bottle is an excellent dram: on the sweeter side, a smooth finish, is sufficiently aged, and barreled over the standard alcohol content. The best option boils down to your preferences. 

Opt for EH Taylor Single Barrel if you want a higher-proof bottle with bold oak and caramel flavors and a smooth finish.

Choose Blanton’s Single Barrel or Blanton’s Gold if you’re into complex drinks with more rye content and a smooth finish. 

References:

  1. barrel container
  2. Whiskies with no age statements – are they of lower quality?
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