Eagle Rare Aged 12 Years

Details

AKA: Eagle Rare 12

Producer: Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, KY

Distiller: Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, KY

Age: 12 years

Bottled: 2025

Proof: 95

Finish: None

Introduction

This is the 12 year version of Eagle Rare, the well aged bourbon from mash bill #1 at Buffalo Trace. This is a new product, released for the first time last year. It’s expected to be an annual release, but with Buffalo Trace’s growing stockpile of bourbon, it could easily become a more frequent release. It’s 2 years older than the standard version of Eagle Rare, but it’s also 5 proof points higher. So, what do 2 extra years in the barrel and 5 proof points more alcohol contribute to the bourbon? Is there a noticeable difference? Before we answer that question, let’s remember that Eagle Rare 10 is already one of the best everyday bourbons available. To find an age stated bourbon of that quality for a reasonable price is rare indeed. It doesn’t last long on the shelves. Eagle Rare 12 will have to clear that high bar, and provide something extra to stand out.

Tasting

Color: Ruddy brown

Body: Medium to full

Nose: Ripe tobacco, raisins, vanilla, brown sugar, sweet orange, faint baking spice, toasted rye

Palate: Raisins, black pepper meets brown sugar, cherry comes in late, dried fruit, rich mouth feel, white chocolate, vanilla, oak, quite spicy for a low rye mash bill

Finish: Long, hot, peppery, raisin remains

Score: Queen

Song: Eagleheart – Stratovarius

Tag: Eagle Rare 12

Discussion

As I’ve stated before, Eagle Rare is the most underrated Buffalo Trace bourbon on the market. To get an exceptional age stated Kentucky bourbon at a reasonable price is a major score. The 10 year version is top notch, but what does the slightly stronger 12 year version bring to the table? With 2 extra years of aging and 5 extra proof points, one would expect Eagle Rare 12 to offer something different to justify its existence and its higher price. Does it deliver? Indeed, it does. The nose and the palate lean more toward raisins and less toward cherry and berry notes. This version is definitely spicier. The black pepper notes are prominent. The sweetness comes in the way of brown sugar. There’s a curious sweet orange aroma on the nose and a pleasant white chocolate flavor on the palate. Overall, Eagle Rare 12 is a raisin bomb, tempered by a combination of black pepper and brown sugar. It’s slightly different from its younger brother, but I can’t say it’s any better. Both versions are exceptional. I’ll keep Eagle Rare 10 as my everyday bourbon, due to its price and availability, but I’ll keep Eagle Rare 12 for a wonderful change of pace. I recommend pairing the 12 year version with Eagleheart by Stratovarius.