Every now and then, I indulge in a departure from Irish whiskey, setting sail to Europe and Scandinavia, seeking their offerings. On rarer occasions, I venture into the intriguing world of American spirits, delighting in the unique flavours of bourbon, Tennessee whiskey, and their take on a single malt. To my shock, I have realised that this will only be the second review of a ‘true’ bourbon on The Water of Life, making it all the more special.

In all honesty, we’re not venturing too far from our first bourbon review, as Eagle Rare hails from the same distillery. Its journey since its inception in 1975 has been nothing short of incredible. Initially crafted by master distiller Charles L. Beam (Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee), it emerged as a 101-proof ten-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey under the Seagram brand. However, as time passed, Seagram was acquired by the Sazerac company, and their distillery, known as the George T. Stagg Distillery, underwent a transformation. Today, it stands tall as the renowned Buffalo Trace distillery, well-known for crafting exceptional bourbons such as Van Winkle, Blanton’s, W.L. Weller, and, of course, Eagle Rare, which we will delve into shortly.

Admittedly, my understanding of what constitutes a good bourbon and the intricacies of the bourbon world may have some gaps. As I found myself standing in front of the array of options on a Tesco shelf (likely my first mistake), my fortune took a turn for the better when I reached out to @whiskeygraeme, a true bourbon aficionado. His wisdom guided me, assuring me that the £36 price tag on the Eagle Rare bottle was indeed a worthwhile investment. Interestingly, he also mentioned that this particular bottle, like its namesake, is remarkably hard to come by in the United States and how ironic it is to find it in the UK’s common supermarket. In the rare instances when it is found in the US, the prices tend to be significantly inflated. But why is this the case? Well, it appears that Eagle Rare falls under the category of “allocated bourbons,” which refers to specific brands or batches of bourbon whiskey that are in high demand but limited supply. This scarcity and high demand contribute to the elevated prices and the challenge of obtaining this bourbon.

Eagle Rare is a bourbon that has garnered significant acclaim and hype. A quick visit to the Eagle Rare website immediately immerses you in an extensive list of awards bestowed upon this bourbon, a testament to its popularity. There are several reasons behind its reputation. Firstly, it proudly boasts a 10-year age statement, indicating a maturation period that contributes to its depth and complexity and itself is quite rare. Secondly, it also manages to offer this level of maturity at a relatively affordable price point, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a quality 10-year-old bourbon without breaking the bank. Lastly, being produced by Buffalo Trace, a distillery with an iconic status in the bourbon world, adds to the allure of Eagle Rare. Whether you’re a bourbon novice or a seasoned enthusiast, Buffalo Trace’s reputation resonates strongly, making Eagle Rare an enticing option for all.

In accordance with the law, all Kentucky bourbons must contain a minimum of 51% corn in their mash bill, with the remaining 49% consisting of a blend of grains chosen by the distillery. Buffalo Trace, the distillery behind Eagle Rare, employs two distinct mash bills—one with a higher rye content and another with a lower rye content. In the case of Eagle Rare, the mash bill leans towards a lower rye content, less than 10%. This lower rye proportion is likely responsible for the prominent sweetness derived from the corn, as described in the tasting notes below.

Eagle Rare 10-Year-Old Bourbon

ABV: 45%

Price: £34 (available from Amazon)

Nose: an infusion of vintage leather, accompanied by nuances of boot polish. A beautiful sweetness unfolds, reminiscent of burnt caramel, a drizzle of butterscotch sauce, and a whisper of spiced vanilla. As the palate unfolds, a subtle note of menthol emerges which harmonises beautifully with the nutmeg, elevating the overall profile and complexity.

Palate: this is a proper bourbon. There’s abundant honey and caramel, combined with the allure of burnt toffee crisp. There’s an undeniable presence of an aged leather wallet which emerges, lending a touch of nostalgia to the experience. It tastes like an oak-forward palate, where boldness intertwines with the unmistakable typical bourbon characteristics. Velvety creme brûlée, accompanied by the familiarity of Werther’s Originals and the irresistibleness of butterscotch pudding. There’s warmth with a hint of cinnamon and a fiery flourish of ginger.

Finish: lovely heat that constantly persists. Toffee crisp and penny toffee chews to just enjoy whilst the finish lasts for a medium length.

Conclusion

One noteworthy thing that @whiskeygraeme shared with me is that this bottle is consistently kept open on his shelf, and it’s not hard to see why. In my personal opinion, this bourbon stands out as a high-quality option, especially considering its price point. Now, I must admit that I haven’t had the chance to try numerous bourbons, but this particular one strikes a fantastic balance between depth, complexity, ABV, and a wide range of flavours, all while remaining reasonably priced.

The question arises: does it live up to all the hype it’s generating in the USA? It’s quite possible. I do understand that I don’t reside there and cannot explore the full array of options available, but based on what’s accessible to us here, this bourbon appears to be a wise purchase.

Additionally, I’d like to mention that Water of Life contributor Jonathon recently organised a mystery dram tasting, in which Eagle Rare was one of the undisclosed selections. During that event, I rated it slightly lower with a score of 6.5 out of 10. However, whether it’s due to my evolving taste buds or the fact that I now have a bottle of my own and can fully appreciate its nuances, I must say that this bourbon has become truly enjoyable for me. I have developed a genuine appreciation for its qualities, and I am certain that I will be purchasing another bottle in the future.

Score: 7.5/10

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