EH Taylor vs Eagle Rare: Which is the Better Bourbon? (2023)
Last Updated on August 22, 2023 by Lydia Martin
EH Taylor and Eagle Rare both use the Buffalo Trace mash bill no. 1. Like many of you, we are curious if there is a difference in their tasting notes or if they are somewhat the same.
With this, we have here an EH Taylor vs Eagle Rare comparison to see which is the better bourbon. Keep scrolling.
Eagle Rare & EH Taylor Bourbon In-Depth Comparison
Eagle Rare and EH Taylor are both Kentucky bourbon whiskeys made using BT Mash Bill #1. However, E.H. Taylor boasts higher alcohol proof.
Eagle Rare is aged longer than E.H Taylor and is cheaper than the latter.
E.H. Taylor is a Bottled-In-Bond bourbon, following the BiB Act of 1897.
On the contrary, Eagle Rare was previously a single barrel bourbon, but in 2012 the label was removed because of their automated bottling line.
How They Differ
| Differences | E.H. Taylor Small Batch | Eagle Rare 10 |
| Alcohol Proof | 100 | 90 |
| Age Statement | NAS | 10 years |
| Mash Bills | BT Mash Bill No. 1 (less than 10% rye) | BT Mash Bill No. 1 (less than 10% rye) |
| Rackhouse | Built by Col E.H Taylor | Normal Rackhouse |
| Average Price | $87.99 | $50 |
E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon
| Palate | Caramel, corn, butterscotch, licorice, vanilla, and oak |
| Color | Copper |
| Nose | Rich cinnamon, caramel, cherry, tobacco, and chocolate |
| Finish | Soft mouthfeel with subtle spices of tobacco, oak, and pepper |
| How It’s Served | Neat and with splash of water |
| Comparable To | Buffalo Trace and Four Roses Single Barrel |
E.H Taylor Small Batch bourbon is a Bottled-In-Bond bourbon that ensures the quality of American whiskey.
The fermented BT Mashbill #1 [1] is distilled in the same distilling season (fall or spring) by Buffalo Trace in Buffalo Trace Distillery as stipulated by the BiB Act of 1897 [2].
After the bourbon is distilled, E.H. Taylor should be aged for at least four years in a bonded warehouse under government supervision.
It is cut and bottled at exactly 100 proof (50%).
The result will not disappoint you because it has a rich aroma and warmth with notes of fruits, vanilla, spice, and oak.
It features a great medium-length finish but can be underwhelming for others, given that it is Bottled-In-Bond bourbon.
Fun Facts
- Col. E.H. Taylor Jr. is one of the founding fathers of bourbon whiskey.
- Col. E.H. Taylor Jr. constructed Warehouse C (where E.H. Taylor’s barrels were stored) in 1881.
- Pure water is the only thing the distillery can add to E.H Taylor whiskey to lower the proof.
Eagle Rare 10-Year Straight Bourbon
| Palate | Bold and delicate, with notes of rich cocoa, oak, leather, candied almonds, and orange |
| Color | Medium rusty orange |
| Nose | Complex with notes of herbs, honey, toffee, oak, caramel, and leather |
| Finish | Lingering, with rich notes of oak, tobacco, and leather |
| How It’s Served | Neat and on the rocks |
| Comparable To | Buffalo Trace and Weller Special Reserve |
Eagle Rare is a 10-year-old bourbon whiskey made from BT Mashbill #1, and every barrel is handpicked to ensure quality and consistency.
After fermentation and distillation, it undergoes maturation in newly charred oak barrels for at least ten years.
“The lower proof works slower, but you’ll get a better whiskey after seven or eight years.”
– Ronnie Eddins, Buffalo Trace Warehouse Manager.
The result is full-bodied, aromatic, complex, pleasantly warm, and tasty. The bourbon shows a great texture and good balance.
It has a nice bite, more oak, and an old leather finish.
Fun Facts
- Eagle Rare was initially released with 101 proof, but in 2005 it was lowered to 90 proof.
- It was launched by Seagrams in 1975 and then purchased by Old Prentice Distillery before ending up with Buffalo Trace in 1989.
- Every barrel of Eagle Rare is carefully handpicked to provide a distinctive drinking experience.
E.H. Taylor vs Eagle Rare: Price Comparison
| E.H. Taylor Small Batch | Eagle Rare 10 | |
| Average Price | Roughly $87.99 | Roughly $50 |
*Average prices are based on Drizly. Prices may vary in local liquor shops.
Do Eagle Rare & E.H. Taylor Have Something In Common?
Yes, Eagle Rare and E.H Taylor have something in common.
They use a similar mash bill from Buffalo Trace, but their aging and alcohol proof makes them different.
In addition, Buffalo Trace Distillery produces both bourbons, and Sazerac Company owns the two brands.
FAQs
Which is harder to find, Eagle Rare or E.H. Taylor bourbon?
Both bourbons are hard to find, but Eagle Rare is more difficult.
It is an allocated bourbon and can be challenging to find in some locations, especially for its competitive price.
Is E.H. Taylor worth the hype, hunt, and cost?
Yes, E.H. Taylor is worth the hype and hunt, but not with the cost.
There are other bourbons priced similarly to E.H. Taylor that tastes more solid and better.
Which is smoother, Eagle Rare or E.H. Taylor bourbon?
Eagle Rare is smoother than E.H. Taylor. Eagle Rare is more complex, tastier, and easier to drink than E.H. Taylor.
Final Verdict
It was a close fight between E.H. Taylor and Eagle Rare, but after the team’s careful deliberation, Eagle Rare gets the upper hand for being the better bourbon.
E.H. Taylor can be underwhelming, given that it is a BiB bourbon but don’t get us wrong because it has a great aroma and tasting notes.
However, it lacks the body and kick for a 100-proof bourbon.
Eagle Rare is well-aged, which results in a richer, tastier, and well-balanced pour.
It has lower proof which gives less heat, and since it is cheaper, it can be your everyday pour.
References:
- https://www.pastemagazine.com/drink/whiskey/buffalo-trace-bourbon-rye-buying-guide-prices-brands-value/#eagle-rare
- https://www.gearpatrol.com/food/drinks/a36466533/what-is-bottled-in-bond/
