A Comprehensive Guide to Buffalo Trace Eagle Rare Bourbon: Legacy, Tasting Notes, and Collection

Buffalo Trace Distillery has long been a name synonymous with quality and innovation in the world of bourbon, and at the forefront of its exceptional offerings is Eagle Rare Bourbon. Known for its smooth flavor, complexity, and rich history, Eagle Rare has earned a dedicated following of whiskey enthusiasts and collectors alike. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of whiskey, understanding the legacy and nuances of Buffalo Trace Eagle Rare Bourbon is an essential part of appreciating its place in the bourbon world.

In this comprehensive blog, we will explore the history, production process, different expressions in the Eagle Rare Bourbon collection, tasting notes, and where to find the best deals on Eagle Rare, including how to shop on Bourbon Haven.

The Legacy of Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Frankfort, Kentucky, has a storied history dating back to 1773. Over the years, the distillery has earned a reputation for producing some of the finest bourbons in the world, and its products are highly sought after by collectors. The distillery’s rich heritage is a key factor in the success of its bourbons, including Eagle Rare.

The distillery’s name, “Buffalo Trace,” is a nod to the historic buffalo migration routes that passed through the area. As the distillery’s operations grew over the centuries, its commitment to producing high-quality spirits remained unwavering. Today, Buffalo Trace Distillery is considered one of the leading bourbon producers in the world, producing a range of well-known and beloved brands such as Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Blanton’s, Pappy Van Winkle, and, of course, Eagle Rare.

Eagle Rare Bourbon, which was first introduced in 1975, quickly gained recognition for its exceptional quality and distinctive flavor. It is produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery, but its legacy is its own — rooted in both the craftsmanship of the distillery and the passion of bourbon lovers who have come to embrace its refined character.

What is Eagle Rare Bourbon?

Eagle Rare Bourbon is a premium Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that is carefully crafted by Buffalo Trace Distillery. It is aged in oak barrels to perfection, resulting in a smooth, complex flavor profile with hints of caramel, vanilla, and oak. One of the defining characteristics of Eagle Rare is its balanced blend of sweetness and spice, creating an elegant bourbon that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail.

The name “Eagle Rare” was inspired by the American bald eagle, a symbol of strength and freedom. The bold, majestic bird represents the whiskey’s character, which is both refined and powerful. The eagle emblem on the bottle’s label is a signature feature of the brand, making Eagle Rare instantly recognizable to whiskey lovers.

Buffalo Trace Eagle Rare Bourbon: The Collection

Eagle Rare Bourbon is part of the broader portfolio of whiskies produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery. Within the Eagle Rare line, several distinct expressions have been released over the years, each offering a unique tasting experience. Whether you’re drawn to the classic 10-Year-Old Bourbon or you’re seeking something rarer and more complex, Eagle Rare has something for every type of bourbon drinker.

Eagle Rare 10-Year-Old Bourbon

The Eagle Rare 10-Year-Old Bourbon is the flagship expression of the Eagle Rare brand. As the name suggests, it is aged for a full decade, which gives it its signature smoothness and complexity. The bourbon boasts a rich amber color and a flavor profile that includes notes of toffee, orange peel, honey, leather, and oak. The taste is both sweet and spicy, with hints of vanilla, caramel, and a subtle, warm spice that lingers on the palate.

Eagle Rare 10-Year-Old Bourbon is widely praised for its balance of flavors. It offers a depth of character that makes it enjoyable to sip neat, but it also works wonderfully in classic bourbon cocktails, such as the Old Fashioned or the Manhattan. Due to its relatively affordable price point compared to other premium bourbons, it has become a favorite among bourbon aficionados.

Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon

The Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon is part of the prestigious Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, a series of limited-edition bourbons that showcase exceptional aging and flavor profiles. As the name indicates, this bourbon is aged for 17 years, resulting in a more complex and refined spirit. It is bottled at 101 proof, which adds to its bold flavor.

The Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon offers a deeper, darker flavor profile with notes of dark fruits like blackberries and cherries, as well as hints of cinnamon, tobacco, and leather. The finish is dry and tannic, with lingering oak and spice flavors. This expression is highly coveted by collectors due to its rarity, and finding a bottle can be challenging. If you do manage to get your hands on a bottle, consider savoring it slowly to appreciate the full depth of its flavor.

Eagle Rare 25-Year-Old Bourbon

For those looking for an ultra-aged, rare bourbon, the Eagle Rare 25-Year-Old Bourbon is a true gem. Aged for 25 years, this bourbon is among the oldest expressions available from Buffalo Trace Distillery. The extended aging process results in a rich, full-bodied bourbon with flavors of deep caramel, dark chocolate, leather, and oak. The bourbon has a smooth, velvety texture and a long, luxurious finish.

Due to its limited availability, the Eagle Rare 25-Year-Old Bourbon is often sold at auction or through private sales. Its rarity, along with its exceptional aging, makes it a prized possession for collectors. If you are fortunate enough to find a bottle, it’s an excellent addition to any whiskey collection.

Double Eagle Very Rare Bourbon

Another highly coveted release from Buffalo Trace Distillery is the Double Eagle Very Rare Bourbon. Aged for over 20 years, this bourbon has gained a reputation for its extraordinary smoothness and complexity. The Double Eagle Very Rare Bourbon is presented in a custom-made, hand-blown decanter with gold accents, making it a unique collector’s item. The flavor profile of this bourbon is rich, with notes of honey, brown sugar, and oak, along with a silky mouthfeel that coats the palate.

Only a small number of bottles of Double Eagle Very Rare Bourbon are released each year, and the limited availability further increases its desirability among collectors. The combination of its age, complexity, and elegant presentation make it one of the finest expressions in the Eagle Rare lineup.

Tasting Notes for Eagle Rare Bourbon

Eagle Rare Bourbon is celebrated for its complex and well-balanced flavor profiles, which vary depending on the expression. However, all of the bourbons in the Eagle Rare collection share a smoothness and depth of flavor that makes them stand out in the bourbon world. Below are the tasting notes for each of the expressions in the Eagle Rare line:

Eagle Rare 10-Year-Old Bourbon Tasting Notes

Nose: A rich aroma of toffee, vanilla, and orange peel, with a subtle hint of leather and oak.
Palate: Sweet and spicy with flavors of caramel, vanilla, honey, and a touch of baking spice.
Finish: Smooth and dry, with lingering notes of oak and caramel.

Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon Tasting Notes

Nose: Dark fruits like blackberries and cherries, along with tobacco, leather, and cinnamon.
Palate: Rich and full-bodied, with flavors of dark chocolate, oak, and spice.
Finish: Dry and tannic, with a long, lingering oak and spice finish.

Eagle Rare 25-Year-Old Bourbon Tasting Notes

Nose: Deep caramel, dark chocolate, leather, and oak, with hints of vanilla and tobacco.
Palate: Full-bodied and velvety, with flavors of honey, brown sugar, and rich oak.
Finish: Smooth and luxurious, with lingering notes of vanilla and chocolate.

Double Eagle Very Rare Bourbon Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich honey, brown sugar, and oak aromas with a touch of vanilla and spice.
Palate: Silky smooth with flavors of honey, caramel, and toasted oak.
Finish: Long and warm, with a subtle spice and oak finish.

Where to Buy Buffalo Trace Eagle Rare Bourbon

If you’re looking to purchase Buffalo Trace Eagle Rare Bourbon, there are several options available. Given its popularity and limited availability, some of the rarer expressions, such as the 17-Year-Old and 25-Year-Old bourbons, can be hard to find. However, many liquor stores and online retailers carry the 10-Year-Old expression, and it is often available at a more accessible price point.

For those searching for hard-to-find bottles, one of the best options is to visit specialty liquor stores or online platforms such as Bourbon Haven, which offers a selection of rare and hard-to-find bourbons. Whether you’re looking for the classic Eagle Rare 10-Year-Old or the rare Double Eagle Very Rare, Bourbon Haven is a great resource to help you track down your next bottle.

Shopping on Bourbon Haven

At Bourbon Haven, you can explore a wide selection of Buffalo Trace Bourbon products, including Eagle Rare. The website provides detailed information about each product and its tasting notes, ensuring that you make an informed decision when purchasing your next bottle of bourbon. Bourbon Haven is dedicated to offering top-notch customer service and delivering premium spirits directly to your door.

Conclusion: Why Eagle Rare Bourbon Should Be in Your Collection

Eagle Rare Bourbon is a standout in the world of bourbon, offering exceptional quality and a flavor profile that appeals to both novice and experienced whiskey drinkers. With its rich history, smooth character, and refined expressions, it’s no wonder that Eagle Rare has become a favorite among whiskey lovers and collectors worldwide.

Whether you’re drawn to the classic 10-Year-Old Bourbon or the rare 25-Year-Old expression, the Buffalo Trace Eagle Rare collection has something for everyone. For those seeking a truly special bottle, the Double Eagle Very Rare and Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old bourbons offer unmatched complexity and rarity.