Eagle Rare

Producer: Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, KY

Distiller: Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, KY

Age: 10 years

Bottled: 2021

Proof: 90

Finish: None

This is the standard version of Eagle Rare, the well aged bourbon from mash bill #1 at Buffalo Trace. This is the entry level Eagle Rare, and it's already aged for 10 years. That's right. There's no such thing as a young Eagle Rare. Other versions are even older. We've already reviewed the Eagle Rare 17 Years Old from the BTAC, an extraordinary whiskey which clocks in at 101 proof. The standard version is bottled at 90 proof. In a day where age stated bourbons are becoming a rare breed, Eagle Rare is one of the best examples of the breed. Plus, it's relatively easy to find. Sure, it disappears quickly from the liquor store shelves, as do all Buffalo Trace products, but chances are, it'll be back next week.

Color: Reddish brown

Body: Medium to full

Nose: Apples, raisins, cherry cola, minty spice, Dr. Pepper

Palate: Creamy, rich mouth feel, cream donut, raspberry, chocolate malt balls, Whoppers, mild allspice, berry jam, simple syrup

Finish: Medium, sweet like a glazed donut

Score: Queen

Song: Eagle Flies Alone - Axe

Let me lay this out there. Eagle Rare is the most underrated Buffalo Trace bourbon on the market. Remind me I said that when we review the original Blanton's. To get a 10 year Kentucky bourbon at a reasonable price with reasonable availability is a major score. Eagle Rare beats Taylor Single Barrel, despite being 10 proof points lower. It leaves the younger Taylor Small Batch in the dust. What I love about Eagle Rare is its amazing fruitiness and its dessert like quality. Ripe berries abound with sugary donuts, jam and spice. There's a creamy mouth feel with a distinct chocolate malt undertone. Just skip dessert and have an Eagle Rare instead. If you ever tire of this bourbon, then splurge for the Eagle Rare 17 Years Old from the BTAC and take the dessert experience into the stratosphere. I know all the Buffalo Trace products are overhyped, but Eagle Rare deserves every bit of the praise. I dare say it's the best value on the shelf. There are certainly better bourbons out there, but you will pay a whole lot more to drink them. Eagle Rare is a daily drinker par excellence. Therefore, I recommend pairing it with Eagle Flies Alone by Axe.