Eagle Rare vs Blanton's: Which Allocated Bourbon Is Worth Buying in 2026?
- waylonsbourbonshel
- Jul 5
- 9 min read
If you've started getting into bourbon, chances are you've heard two names come up again and again:
Eagle Rare and Blanton's.
Both are iconic bottles from Buffalo Trace Distillery, both are highly sought after, and both are considered must-have bottles by many bourbon enthusiasts.
But if you finally find one sitting on a liquor store shelf, the question becomes:
Which one should you actually buy?
While these two bourbons share the same distillery, they offer two very different experiences.
Eagle Rare focuses on maturity, balance, and value.
Blanton's brings a higher proof, single-barrel experience, and a little more personality.
After trying both, here's our full comparison of Eagle Rare vs Blanton's and which bottle we think deserves a spot on your bourbon shelf.
Eagle Rare vs Blanton's Quick Comparison
Eagle Rare | Blanton's | |
Distillery | Buffalo Trace | Buffalo Trace |
Type | Kentucky Straight Bourbon | Single Barrel Bourbon |
Proof | 90 Proof | 93 Proof |
Age | 10 Years | No Age Statement |
Style | Smooth & balanced | Richer & spicier |
Best For | Everyday sipping | Special pours & collecting |
Availability | Difficult | Difficult |
👉 Looking for more bourbon recommendations? Check out our Ultimate Bourbon Collection Starter Pack to see which bottles every bourbon lover should own.
The Story Behind Eagle Rare and Blanton's
Before comparing the flavours, it's worth understanding why these two bourbons have become so popular.
Both Eagle Rare and Blanton's come from Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, one of the most recognized bourbon producers in the world.
However, they were created with two very different ideas in mind.
The Story Behind Eagle Rare
Eagle Rare was created to showcase what a well-aged bourbon could be.
The biggest reason bourbon fans love Eagle Rare is the 10-year age statement. In today's bourbon market, finding a widely recognized bottle with a guaranteed decade of aging at a reasonable price has become increasingly rare.
The goal of Eagle Rare has always been balance.
It isn't designed to overwhelm you with proof or intense flavours. Instead, it focuses on smoothness, maturity, and the classic bourbon characteristics people love:
Caramel sweetness
Vanilla
Oak
Light fruit
Gentle spice
This makes Eagle Rare a great bottle for both beginners discovering bourbon and experienced drinkers who appreciate a refined pour.
The Story Behind Blanton's
Blanton's has a very different reputation.
Released in 1984, Blanton's became famous as one of the first widely available single barrel bourbons. Instead of blending whiskey from multiple barrels, each bottle comes from one individual barrel.
This means every bottle can have small differences in flavour depending on the barrel it came from.
Blanton's also became one of the most recognizable bourbon bottles ever created thanks to its famous round shape and collectible horse-and-jockey stoppers.
For many bourbon fans, Blanton's represents more than just the whiskey inside the bottle—it represents the experience of owning and opening an iconic bourbon.
While Eagle Rare focuses on maturity and balance, Blanton's focuses on individuality and personality.
What Is Eagle Rare Bourbon?
Eagle Rare Bourbon is one of the most respected bottles in the bourbon world.
The biggest selling point?
The 10-year age statement.
That means every bottle has spent at least 10 years aging in oak barrels, allowing the bourbon to develop deeper flavours and more complexity.
At 90 proof, Eagle Rare is extremely approachable. It's smooth enough for beginners but still interesting enough for experienced bourbon drinkers.
Eagle Rare Tasting Notes:
Caramel
Vanilla
Honey
Orange peel
Oak
Light spice
The overall impression is balanced, elegant, and easy to enjoy.
👉 Want to learn more? Read our full Eagle Rare Bourbon Review for tasting notes, score, and our complete thoughts on the bottle.
What Is Blanton's Bourbon?
Blanton's Original Single Barrel Bourbon is one of the most recognizable bourbon bottles in the world.
The famous round bottle and horse stopper have made Blanton's a collector favourite.
Unlike Eagle Rare, Blanton's is a single barrel bourbon, meaning every bottle comes from one individual barrel.
This means bottles can have slight differences depending on the barrel they came from.
Blanton's also comes in slightly higher at 93 proof, giving it a little more intensity.
Blanton's Tasting Notes:
Caramel
Brown sugar
Vanilla
Cinnamon
Citrus
Baking spice
Compared with Eagle Rare, Blanton's feels a little bolder and more lively.
👉 We also have a complete Blanton's Original Single Barrel Review if you'd like a deeper look at this iconic bourbon.
Nose Comparison
Eagle Rare
The first thing you'll notice with Eagle Rare is the classic bourbon sweetness.
Expect:
Vanilla
Caramel
Oak
Honey
Light fruit
It smells mature and refined without being overpowering.
Blanton's
Blanton's brings a little more energy.
The nose leans toward:
Caramel
Cinnamon
Orange
Brown sugar
Baking spice
The extra proof gives it a slightly stronger presence.
Winner:
Personal preference
If you like smooth and elegant → Eagle Rare
If you like sweeter and spicier → Blanton's
Taste Comparison
This is where the biggest differences show up.
Eagle Rare
Eagle Rare is all about balance.
The flavour develops slowly with:
Sweet caramel
Vanilla
Oak
Orange
Light spice
The 10 years of aging give it a mature character without becoming too woody.
It's a bourbon that almost anyone can enjoy.
Blanton's
Blanton's has a little more personality.
The flavour is more noticeable right away:
Rich caramel
Cinnamon
Sweet oak
Baking spice
Fruit
The higher proof gives it a warmer finish.
Personally, we may slightly prefer Blanton's flavour profile because we enjoy the extra spice and character it brings.
That said, the difference is not massive. Both are excellent bourbons.
Which Bourbon Makes the Better Old Fashioned?
The Old Fashioned is one of the most popular bourbon cocktails in the world, so it's worth asking:
Does Eagle Rare or Blanton's make the better Old Fashioned?
Both can create an excellent cocktail, but they bring different things to the glass.
👉 Looking for more bourbons that make a fantastic Old Fashioned? Check out our guide to the Best Bourbons for an Old Fashioned.
Eagle Rare Old Fashioned
Eagle Rare works extremely well in an Old Fashioned because of its balance.
The combination of:
Caramel
Orange notes
Vanilla
Oak
pairs beautifully with sugar and bitters.
Because it is slightly lower proof, it blends smoothly into a cocktail without overpowering the other ingredients.
For many bourbon drinkers, Eagle Rare may actually be the better choice because it allows the cocktail to highlight the bourbon's character.
Blanton's Old Fashioned
Blanton's also makes a fantastic Old Fashioned, especially if you enjoy a little more spice.
The higher proof and single barrel character bring out:
Cinnamon
Baking spice
Rich caramel
Warm oak
However, because Blanton's is harder to find and often more expensive, many bourbon enthusiasts prefer saving it for sipping neat.
Old Fashioned Winner:
🥃 Eagle Rare
Not because it is necessarily a better bourbon, but because it offers incredible cocktail value while still maintaining a premium drinking experience.
Proof Difference: Does It Matter?
The difference is only 3 proof points:
Eagle Rare — 90 Proof
Blanton's — 93 Proof
On paper, that doesn't seem like much.
But in the glass, Blanton's does feel slightly fuller and more expressive. The higher proof helps bring out more spice and intensity.
For beginners, Eagle Rare may feel smoother.
For experienced bourbon drinkers, Blanton's may feel more exciting.
Which Bourbon Is Better Value?
This is where Eagle Rare becomes extremely difficult to beat.
At retail price, Eagle Rare offers:
10-year age statement
Excellent balance
Premium bourbon flavour
Great consistency
Blanton's offers:
Single barrel experience
Iconic bottle
More spice and personality
Collector appeal
The problem?
The price difference.
While we may slightly prefer Blanton's taste, the jump in price from Eagle Rare to Blanton's can sometimes be difficult to justify.
Eagle Rare gives you an incredible bourbon experience without needing to pay the extra premium.
Availability in Canada
This is where bourbon gets interesting.
Both bottles are allocated and can be difficult to find in Canada. Many bourbon fans assume Eagle Rare is easier to find than Blanton's. However, our personal experience has actually been the opposite.
We have been fortunate enough to purchase multiple bottles of Blanton's in Canada, but we have never personally purchased a bottle of Eagle Rare from a Canadian retailer.
This shows how unpredictable bourbon availability can be.
👉 If you're trying to build a collection north of the border, don't miss our guide to the Best Canadian Bourbon-Style Whiskies.
Finding either bottle usually comes down to:
Watching retailer releases
Checking provincial liquor stores
Being patient
Getting lucky
👉 If you're wondering where to find bottles like Eagle Rare, Blanton's, and other allocated bourbons, check out our Where to Buy Bourbon in Canada guide. We cover the best online retailers and tips for improving your chances of finding hard-to-get bottles.
Which One Should Beginners Buy?
If you're newer to bourbon:
Choose Eagle Rare
Why?
Lower proof
Smooth profile
Easy to enjoy
Great introduction to premium bourbon
It gives you a chance to understand what makes aged bourbon special.\
👉 New to bourbon? We also recommend reading our A Beginner's Guide to Bourbon: What to Buy First, where we cover everything from bourbon basics to the best bottles for new bourbon drinkers.
Which One Should Collectors Buy?
Choose Blanton's
Blanton's has:
Iconic packaging
Single barrel uniqueness
Collector appeal
It is one of those bottles many bourbon fans want to experience at least once.
👉 Looking for another collectible bottle? Read our review of E.H. Taylor Small Batch, another Buffalo Trace favourite.
Pros & Cons of Each Bottle
Eagle Rare
Pros
✔ 10-year age statement
✔ Excellent value at retail
✔ Smooth and beginner-friendly
✔ Balanced flavour profile
✔ Easy-drinking premium bourbon
✔ Great neat or in cocktails
Cons
✘ Very Difficult to find
✘ Lower proof may feel less exciting for experienced bourbon drinkers
✘ Less collectible than Blanton's
Blanton's Original Single Barrel
Pros
✔ Unique single barrel experience
✔ More spice and flavour intensity
✔ Iconic bottle design
✔ Highly collectible
✔ Great special occasion bourbon
Cons
✘ Higher price
✘ No age statement
✘ Very difficult to find
✘ Barrel variation means every bottle can be slightly different
Final Verdict: Eagle Rare vs Blanton's
So which bourbon wins?
The answer depends on what you're looking for.
Buy Eagle Rare if you want:
Better value
A 10-year bourbon
Smooth and balanced flavours
A bottle you'll enjoy anytime
Buy Blanton's if you want:
More spice and personality
A unique single barrel experience
A collectible bottle
A special pour
At Waylon's Bourbon Shelf, we slightly prefer Blanton's flavour because we enjoy the extra spice and character. However, Eagle Rare makes the decision much harder because the value is incredible.
If both bottles are sitting in front of you at retail:
Eagle Rare is probably the smarter purchase.
Blanton's is probably the more exciting purchase.
The best answer?
Add both to the shelf if you get the chance.
🚨 New to Bourbon or Looking for Your Next Bottle?
Explore our complete Best Bourbon in Canada (2026 Guide) — a dedicated resource featuring the top bourbons Canadians can actually find, buy, and enjoy.
🥃 Recommended Bottles to Try
Based on this guide, here are some great REAL Bourbon options currently available in Canada:
Weller Antique 107 Bourbon - Rich wheated flavour profile that is bold yet approachable
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon - Highly complex bourbon profile that is extremely smooth and easy-drinking
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon – Excellent value, Smooth & refined
🔗 Keep Exploring Bourbon
If you enjoyed this guide, check out more of our top posts:
Best Bourbon in Canada (2026 Guide): Top Bottles You Can Actually Find – Discover top bottles like Blanton’s, Weller, and Buffalo Trace—plus where to buy bourbon online in Ontario right now
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Bourbon Accessories in Canada (Amazon Finds) - Discover top whiskey glasses, smoker kits, ice molds, and more—plus Amazon Canada buying links.
Where to Buy Bourbon in Canada (2026 Guide for Ontario Bourbon Lovers) - If you're trying to figure out where to buy bourbon in Canada right now, this guide will help.
❓ Bourbon & Whiskey FAQs
Is Eagle Rare better than Blanton's?
It depends on what you value. Eagle Rare offers better value with its 10-year age statement, while Blanton's delivers a slightly spicier, single-barrel experience. We slightly prefer Blanton's flavour, but Eagle Rare is the better value.
What is the difference between Eagle Rare and Blanton's?
Eagle Rare is a 10-year-old small batch bourbon with a smooth, balanced profile. Blanton's is a single barrel bourbon with a slightly higher proof and a bolder, spicier flavour.
Is Blanton's worth the extra money?
At MSRP, yes. Blanton's offers a unique single-barrel experience, but Eagle Rare provides outstanding quality at a lower price, making it the better value for most buyers.
Which bourbon is harder to find in Canada?
Both are allocated, but availability varies by province. We've personally found Blanton's multiple times in Canada but have never purchased a bottle of Eagle Rare from a Canadian retailer.
Should I buy Eagle Rare or Blanton's?
Choose Eagle Rare for value and a smooth, age-stated bourbon. Choose Blanton's if you prefer a spicier, single-barrel bourbon and don't mind paying a little more. If you find either at retail, they're both excellent buys.
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