When it comes to expressive bourbons, it doesn't get much better than Eagle Rare. With its deep roots within American whiskey culture and rigorous testing process, you can rely on Eagle Rare to deliver a distinctive taste experience.
This top-shelf bourbon is aged for a minimum of 10 years in premium oak barrels under the hot Kentucky sun. Over the past two decades, it has won numerous awards and received rave reviews from whiskey enthusiasts across the country.
In this guide, we'll take a closer look at Eagle Rare Bourbon so you can learn more about this incredible brand and what makes it so special.
What is Eagle Rare Bourbon?
Often listed as one of the best bourbons on the market, Eagle Rare is known for its well-balanced flavor and exceptional aging process. With hints of caramel, toffee, and vanilla, the notes are easy on both the nose and tongue.
Who owns the brand?
The Sazerac Company, a respected family-owned business based in New Orleans, acquired Eagle Rare from Seagram in 1989. Since then, Sazerac has elevated the brand to new heights, preserving its legacy while enhancing its reputation.
Where is Eagle Rare Bourbon distilled?
Eagle Rare is distilled at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, which also produces Buffalo Trace whiskey. Owned by the Sazerac Company, this distillery has been known by many different names in the past, including the Old Fire Copper Distillery and the George T. Stagg Distillery.
How long is it aged?
Eagle Rare Bourbon Whiskey is carefully aged for a minimum of 10 years in oak barrels. However, there are other variants within the collection that are aged for much longer, with the oldest whiskey offered by the brand being 25 years old.
What are the main ingredients in Eagle Rare Bourbon?
Made from high-quality grains including malted barley, rye, and corn, Eagle Rare is known for its complex flavor profile. After fermentation with yeast, the mash is aged in oak barrels, where it absorbs rich, woody notes that enhance its character.
What is the History of Eagle Rare Bourbon?
If you look into the history of Eagle Rare, you'll find a fascinating and deep-rooted story. It all started with master distiller Charles L. Beam, who first introduced the whiskey in 1975. Initially, it was a 101-proof straight Kentucky bourbon, marketed as a premium product when whiskey’s popularity was declining in the U.S.
Despite many market challenges, Eagle Rare stood out for its bold flavor and lengthy aging process, which soon gained the brand a loyal following.
In 1989, Eagle Rare was taken over by the well-established Sazerac Company and production moved to the iconic Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky. Since then, the brand has undergone multiple changes but has maintained its incredible quality and excellent reputation.
Today, Eagle Rare regularly receives prestigious awards and continues to be celebrated for its classic craftsmanship and distinctive character.
Eagle Rare Bourbon Collection
Let's take a closer look at the four variants of the Eagle Rare collection to determine which of these high-quality bourbons may be the best choice for you.
Eagle Rare 10 Year
Eagle Rare Bourbon Whiskey is the original expression, known for its notes of leather, toffee, orange peel, and oak. This Kentucky straight bourbon is aged for an entire decade in brand-new barrels before it's bottled and ready to sell. It’s widely regarded as having the best value since it offers premium taste at an accessible price.
Eagle Rare 17 Year
Forming part of the prestigious Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC), Eagle Rare 17 Year is a highly sought-after spirit. It offers a deeper flavor profile, with rich layers of dark chocolate, toasted oak, and dried fruits, making it the perfect after-dinner drink. Allocated in limited quantities each year, this bourbon is a favorite among whiskey collectors and is often sold at high secondary market prices.
Double Eagle Very Rare
This ultra-premium expression is aged for two decades and presented in a hand-blown crystal decanter. This beautiful decanter comes in a luxury silver box with a built-in spotlight. Bottled at 90 proof, Double Eagle Very Rare boasts an eye-catching presentation without ever compromising on the quality. Only a few hundred bottles are released each year, so you need to act fast if you want to get your hands on one.
Eagle Rare 25 Year
Released in 2023 as the oldest Eagle Rare expression to date, this 25-year-old bourbon is an exceptionally limited product. This is somewhat of a trophy for whiskey lovers, as the bourbon comes in a crystal decanter, nestled within a customized glass box. It's praised for its deep oaky taste that's balanced with surprising smoothness.
What Does Eagle Rare Taste Like?
Eagle Rare is often celebrated for its smooth, well-rounded flavor profile.
Depending on its age, this bourbon is usually amber or copper in color with a slight sheen that reflects its smoothness. The vibrant hues result from the many years spent in new oak barrels.
On the nose, you'll typically get aromas of toffee, vanilla, toasted oak, and a touch of leather or tobacco. This inviting mix is the first sign of the bourbon's age and depth. As you take a sip, rich flavors of vanilla, candied almonds, dried fruit, and caramel unfold, followed by oak and a subtle spiciness.
The finish is long, dry, and satisfying, with tasting notes of cocoa, cinnamon, charred oak, and a faint citrus brightness that keeps it from feeling too heavy. The 10-year aging process gives Eagle Rare a maturity and balance that’s often missing from younger bourbons in its price range, making it approachable for newcomers yet complex enough for seasoned drinkers.
Which is the Best Eagle Rare Bourbon?
Due to its complexity, age, and limited availability, most people would say that Eagle Rare 25 Year is the top tier of Eagle Rare expressions. However, it's very difficult to get your hands on this gorgeous glass bottle, and the retail price tag of around $34,999.99 may send a shock through your system.
The Eagle Rare 10 Year is a far more accessible option, also recognized for its complex flavor profiles, elegant bottle, and rich aromas. This expression is the perfect starting point to explore the brand’s bold yet refined character.
Has Eagle Rare Won Any Awards?
When it comes to American whiskey, Eagle Rare truly stands out as one of the finest options available. Over the years, the brand has stacked up dozens of awards, including:
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2024 Silver Medal: International Wine & Spirits Competition
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2023 Silver Medal: Luxury Masters Asia
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2023 Gold Medal: Denver International Spirits Competition
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2023 Double Gold Medal: Singapore World Spirits competition
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2023 Gold Medal: ASCOT Awards
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2023 Gold Medal: Ascot Awards
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2021 Gold Medal: North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition
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2021 Silver Medal: New York World Wine & Spirits Competition
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2019 Gold Medal: San Francisco World Spirits Competition
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2019 Silver Medal: International Spirits Challenge
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2018 Gold Medal: World Whiskies Awards - Whisky Magazine
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2018 Gold Medal: Denver International Spirits Competition
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017 Gold Medal: New York World Wine & Spirits Competition
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2017 Gold Medal: American Whiskey Masters
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2010 Silver Medal: International Wine & Spirits Competition
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2009 Best of Class: New York Spirits Awards
How Much Does Eagle Rare Bourbon Cost?
While the flagship expression is relatively affordable, Eagle Rare's other varieties are known for their rather hefty price tags. Here's how much a bottle will set you back:
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Eagle Rare 10 Year: $109.99
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Eagle Rare 17 Year: $2,999.99
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Double Eagle Very Rare: $9,999.99
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Eagle Rare 25 Year: $34,999.99
Keep in mind that these are average retail prices. You can expect to pay a lot more if you're purchasing on the second-hand market, which thrives due to the limited availability of these products.
Where to Buy Eagle Rare Bourbon
While you can purchase Eagle Rare Bourbon directly from the Buffalo Trace Facility, shopping online at The Liquor Bros is a convenient alternative. On our site, you'll find a diverse range of wines, beers, and spirits, including Eagle Rare, making it easy to find your favorite expression.
How to Store and Serve Eagle Rare Bourbon
To preserve the rich character of Eagle Rare, proper storage is essential. Like all quality bourbons, it should be kept in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Store the bottle upright to prevent the cork from degrading due to contact with alcohol.
While Eagle Rare doesn't spoil, once opened, it’s best enjoyed within two years to maintain its full flavor profile.
When it comes to serving, Eagle Rare is quite versatile. Most whiskey enthusiasts recommend enjoying it neat, in a proper whiskey glass, to fully appreciate its complexity. Alternatively, you could add a few drops of water if you want to open up the flavors and enjoy a softer taste.
Can you use Eagle Rare Bourbon in cocktails?
Eagle Rare also holds its own in classic bourbon cocktails. Try it in an Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or even a Whiskey Sour if you're in the mood for a twist on tradition. Just keep in mind that the spirit's smooth, nuanced flavor deserves to be the star of the show.
Gifting Eagle Rare Bourbon
Whether they’re a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning to explore the world of bourbon, Eagle Rare makes an incredible gift for the whiskey-lover in your life. With its refined flavor profile and elegant bottle design, it stands out as a thoughtful present for birthdays, holidays, promotions, or milestones like weddings and retirements.
Unlike flashier or overly trendy bourbons, Eagle Rare carries a sense of heritage and classic craftsmanship that appeals to true whiskey appreciators.
If you want to go the extra mile, you can get the Eagle Rare Dram Bullet Gift Set, which comes with a cigar, whiskey glass, whiskey bullet holder, and a 750ml bottle of Eagle Rare. Alternatively, you could go with the Eagle Rare Whiskey Bullet Bundle, which is fairly similar but with a slightly cheaper price tag.
FAQs
Why is it so difficult to find Eagle Rare Bourbon?
This bourbon is known as an "allocated whiskey", which means it has limited availability. Even those who visit the Buffalo Trace Distillery are limited to buying only one bottle every 90 days.
Why is Eagle Rare Bourbon so expensive?
Eagle Rare's price tag is reflective of its high-quality grains, lengthy aging process, scarcity, and high demand. Considering these factors, you may conclude that Eagle Rare offers great value for your money.
What is the difference between Buffalo Trace and Eagle Rare?
The major difference between Buffalo Trace and Eagle Rare is the age statement. Buffalo Trace doesn't have an age statement, but batches are typically at least 8 years old. Eagle Rare is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 10 years, with some of the older variants spending as many as 25 years in a cask.
What is the difference between bourbon and whiskey?
Whiskey is a general term used to describe a spirit that has been made with fermented grain, including rye, malted barley, and corn. Bourbon is a special type of American whiskey produced in the United States that has at least 51% corn in its mash.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking to enjoy one of the finest bourbons in America, you cannot go wrong with Eagle Rare. This masterfully crafted drink offers a smooth, lingering taste that appeals to both beginners and experienced whiskey drinkers.
While the price tag may be slightly heftier than other bourbons on the market, it's well worth it for the premium whiskey experience. Whether it's a gift for a friend or a "treat yourself" moment, Eagle Rare and its bold aromas never disappoint.
