Eagle Rare Aged 10 Years Barrel Select

Eagle Rare Aged 10 Years Barrel Select

Introduction

This is a single barrel select pick version of 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. We’ve already reviewed the Eagle Rare 12 Years Old at 95 proof, which provides a slightly different set of flavors. The standard version and the barrel select version are 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. The standard version is 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. However, this is a single barrel version that was specially selected by the 1631 Bourbon Club. Will the barrel select version provide more aroma and flavor?

Discussion

Let me lay this out there. Eagle Rare is the most underrated Buffalo Trace bourbon on the market. 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. The barrel select version takes these qualities to an even higher level. Cherry and almond notes abound, with chocolate and spice. There’s a creamy mouth feel with a rich and sweet ending. Just skip dessert and have an Eagle Rare instead. The barrel select version yields a significant aroma and flavor boost over the standard version. 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. Different store and club picks are likely to vary, but this one certainly beats the standard version. It’s a sweet delight. Therefore, I recommend pairing it with Pour Some Sugar On Me by Def Leppard.