A little background
Eagle Rare is the 10yr old 90⁰ expression from Buffalo Trace using their #1 “low rye” mash bill. The brand lost its “single barrel” moniker when Buffalo Trace moved the bottling from a hand bottling line to an automated line so there is a chance of a little leftover bourbon from barrel to be mixed into the next barrel before being bottled. Retail price of around $30.
(Tasted neat from a Glencairn.)
Color in the glass
Light Amber
Nose
Crisp citrus zest, honey, cordial cherry, and cedar. Subtle, clean, and balanced.
Palate
Surprisingly oily given the proof. Sweet…honey drizzled biscuits, maple syrup, and pipe tobacco. Sweetness offset with a dash of white pepper.
Finish
Slightly bitter oak, brown sugar, and (strangely) watermelon rind fade quickly leaving a fresh fizzy sensation on the tongue.
In closing
With Eagle Rare being mostly a single barrel project there is natural going to a little more variation than batches of Buffalo Trace bourbon, but it is worth giving a try considering it still has its 10yr age statement (although a little hidden on the back label) at an affordable price. The little guaranteed extra aging over the standard Buffalo Trace provides some welcome depth and nuance.
Eagle Rare
90 Proof
The Good
- Respectable Age Statement
- Affordable
- Balanced
The Bad
- Spotty Distribution
- Could Use a Few More Proof Points
Complexity
7
Nose
9
Palate
9.5
Finish
9.5
Value
10
Imo this is the most underrated bourbon on the planet. Great taste, 10 yr old, and around $32 MSRP. I like it better than Blanton’s and it’s 1/2 the price.
Complexity
5.5
Nose
6.5
Palate
7.5
Finish
5.5
Value
2.5
Always look at the date of the review as in 2024, $32 a bottle would be quite a find. Also, ER 10 year no longer has a single barrel statement. ER is pleasant and one of the first bourbons I was introduced. At todays prices, more can be had for the bucks.