Looking for a top-shelf bourbon to add to your collection? Eagle Rare Bourbon is a Kentucky classic that’s worth considering. In this in-depth review, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this award-winning spirit. From its unique flavor profile to its production method, we’ll cover it all to help you decide if Eagle Rare Bourbon deserves a spot in your home bar.
Contents
- Introduction to Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon
- Tasting Notes of Eagle Rare Bourbon
- The Single Barrel Experience
- The Distillery and Production
- The Age Statement and Mash Bill
- Notable Features and Distinctive Flavors
- Eagle Rare Bourbon Review and Ratings
- Conclusion
- FAQ
- What is Eagle Rare Bourbon?
- What is the age statement of Eagle Rare Bourbon?
- What are the tasting notes of Eagle Rare Bourbon?
- What makes Eagle Rare Bourbon unique?
- Where is Eagle Rare Bourbon produced?
- What is the mash bill of Eagle Rare Bourbon?
- How is Eagle Rare Bourbon rated by experts?
- Is Eagle Rare Bourbon a good choice for whiskey enthusiasts?
Key Takeaways
- Eagle Rare Bourbon is a top-shelf Kentucky classic.
- In this article, we’ll provide an in-depth review of this award-winning spirit.
- You’ll learn about Eagle Rare’s history, production process, tasting notes, and unique features.
- Discover what sets Eagle Rare’s single barrel expressions apart from the rest.
- We’ll also provide an overview of expert reviews and ratings to give you an idea of its reputation in the whiskey community.
Introduction to Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon
Eagle Rare Bourbon is a Kentucky classic known for its rich and velvety smooth taste. Established in 1975 at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, this bourbon is created from the largest collection of aging bourbon barrels in the world.
Eagle Rare 10 Year is the signature expression of the brand, matured for ten years and made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley. This aging process contributes to its distinctive flavor profile, making it a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts.
The production process of Eagle Rare Bourbon is steeped in tradition and craftsmanship. Buffalo Trace Distillery uses only the finest ingredients and implements strict aging requirements to ensure consistency and quality.
Notable characteristics of Eagle Rare Bourbon include flavors of toffee, butterscotch, and orange peel, along with hints of vanilla and toasted oak. Its smooth and mellow finish make it a well-rounded and highly sought-after bourbon.
The History of Eagle Rare Bourbon
Eagle Rare Bourbon was first introduced in 1975 by master distiller Charles L. Beam, a descendant of the legendary Beam family of distillers. The brand was initially known as “Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon,” a reference to its production method of being bottled from one single barrel.
In 1989, the name was changed to “Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon” to reflect the state in which it is produced and to adhere to labeling regulations set forth by the U.S. government. Today, Eagle Rare Bourbon is enjoyed worldwide and continues to be a beloved staple of the bourbon industry.
“Eagle Rare Bourbon is a true one-of-a-kind spirit. From its aging process to its complex flavor profile, every bottle is a labor of love and a testament to the art of bourbon-making.”
Tasting Notes of Eagle Rare Bourbon
Unleash the complex flavors and fragrances of Eagle Rare Bourbon with our extensive tasting notes. The Eagle Rare Bourbon has a golden amber color and it is aged for at least 10 years. The aroma is captivating, with a balanced combination of vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch, alongside subtle notes of citrus and cinnamon.
On the palate, the first sip hits you with a gentle warmth that gradually spreads to every corner of your mouth. It has a rich sweetness with flavors of honey, toffee, and vanilla perfectly balanced with a hint of toasted oak and nutmeg. The finish lingers on, with notes of leather and tobacco that leaves a pleasant sensation.
The taste of Eagle Rare Bourbon is a result of the carefully crafted combination of corn, rye, and barley, creating a mash bill that is 75% corn, 10% rye, and 15% barley. This unique composition adds complexity and depth to the flavor profile, making it a whiskey to savor and enjoy.
When it comes to pairing, Eagle Rare Bourbon goes well with grilled meats and vegetables, brown sugar-glazed ham, and dark chocolate. The spices and flavors in the whiskey provide an excellent complement to these dishes, creating a harmony of tastes and sensations.
The Single Barrel Experience
If you’re looking for a truly unique bourbon experience, look no further than Eagle Rare’s single barrel expressions. Each barrel is hand-selected, ensuring that no two bottles are exactly alike.
The aging process for single barrel bourbon can vary, with some barrels aged for up to 14 years. Eagle Rare 10 Year Single Barrel is particularly noteworthy due to its longer aging, which contributes to a richer, more complex flavor profile.
| Eagle Rare 10 Year Single Barrel Tasting Notes | |
|---|---|
| Color: | Deep, copper |
| Nose: | Caramel, vanilla, oak |
| Taste: | Toffee, ripe fruit, toasted oak |
| Finish: | Long, smooth, with notes of honey and cinnamon |
What sets Eagle Rare’s single barrel expressions apart from their classic bourbon is the variety of flavors that emerge from barrel to barrel. You’ll find that each bottle has its unique characteristics and taste, making for a truly distinctive drinking experience that can’t be replicated.
Next time you’re looking for a top-shelf bourbon option, consider Eagle Rare’s Single Barrel expressions for a one-of-a-kind experience.
The Distillery and Production
Eagle Rare Bourbon is produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in the town of Frankfort, Kentucky. The distillery is known for its long-standing history and impressive range of award-winning bourbon and American whiskey brands.
Buffalo Trace Distillery is home to several notable bourbon brands, including Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Single Barrel Bourbon, alongside Eagle Rare. The distillery boasts an impressive portfolio, thanks to its dedication to producing high-quality whiskey with traditional techniques and excellent ingredients.
History of Buffalo Trace
Buffalo Trace Distillery is the oldest continuously-operating distillery in the United States. The distillery has over 200 years of history, having been founded in 1775, 10 years before Kentucky became a state.
Throughout its history, Buffalo Trace has remained a leader in the whiskey industry, with a reputation for crafting high-quality products and innovative aging techniques.
Production Techniques
The production of Eagle Rare Bourbon at Buffalo Trace Distillery is characterized by a commitment to quality and tradition. The distillery uses a proprietary mash bill that is said to be the same as that used for Blanton’s and Elmer T. Lee bourbons.
The distilling process sees a combination of old and new techniques being applied. For instance, Buffalo Trace still uses a combination of column and pot stills, a technique that dates back to the 1800s.
Single Barrel Bourbon
Buffalo Trace’s Single Barrel Bourbon is a product of the distillery’s commitment to quality. These bottles are aged for ten years, with each barrel being emblazoned with the specific barrel number and other details. The barrels are aged in the optimal conditions for aging bourbon, and each is bottled individually, giving every bottle a unique flavor profile.
| Product | Age Statement | Mash Bill | ABV% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle Rare 10 Year Single Barrel | 10 years | 75% Corn, 18% Rye, 7% Malted Barley | 45% |
| Buffalo Trace Bourbon Single Barrel | N/A | 75% Corn, 10% Rye, 5% Malted Barley | 45% |
Buffalo Trace’s single barrel bourbon experience is not to be missed, offering a unique and unforgettable drinking experience. The exceptional quality of Buffalo Trace whiskey, including Eagle Rare, is due to the way the company conducts its distilling, aging, and blending processes, combined with the exceptional ingredients that go into each and every bottle.
The Age Statement and Mash Bill
One of the most significant features of Eagle Rare Bourbon is its age statement. Every bottle of Eagle Rare 10 Year old bourbon has been aged for a minimum of 10 years, resulting in a balanced and complex flavor profile. The age statement assures you of the quality of the bourbon in your bottle, as it reflects the time, care, and expertise that went into its production.
The mash bill of Eagle Rare Bourbon is composed of 75% corn, 10% malted barley, and 15% rye. This precise combination results in a sweet, smooth, and spicy flavor profile, with distinct notes of butterscotch, toffee, and pepper. The mash bill recipe is a key factor that sets Eagle Rare Bourbon apart, as it’s different from Buffalo Trace Distillery’s flagship bourbon mash bill, which is composed of 10% rye.
The age statement and mash bill composition work harmoniously together to produce Eagle Rare Bourbon’s unique taste and aroma.
Notable Features and Distinctive Flavors
What sets Eagle Rare Bourbon apart from the competition? Let’s explore its unique features and flavors in detail.
Distinctive Flavors
Eagle Rare Bourbon boasts a complex flavor profile with notes of toffee, butterscotch, vanilla, and caramel. These flavors are complemented by undertones of orange peel, leather, and toasted oak. The result is a rich, full-bodied bourbon that lingers on the palate long after the sip.
Age Statement and Mash Bill
Eagle Rare Bourbon has an age statement of 10 years, meaning that each bottle is aged for at least a decade before it is released. This aging process results in a smoother, more refined drinking experience. The mash bill for Eagle Rare Bourbon consists of 75% corn, 10% rye, and 15% barley malt, which contributes to its unique flavor profile.
Buffalo Trace Bourbon
Eagle Rare Bourbon is part of the Buffalo Trace family of bourbons, which includes other well-known brands such as Blanton’s and George T. Stagg. The distillery is located in Frankfort, Kentucky and is known for its commitment to quality and tradition.
Flavors
| Flavors | Undertones |
|---|---|
| Toffee | Orange peel |
| Butterscotch | Leather |
| Vanilla | Toasted oak |
| Caramel |
Eagle Rare Bourbon is a must-try for any bourbon enthusiast. Its distinctive flavors and age statement make it a standout choice for sipping on its own or in a classic cocktail. Try it for yourself and discover why this Kentucky classic has become a fan favorite.
Eagle Rare Bourbon Review and Ratings
Eagle Rare Bourbon has gained a prominent reputation in the whiskey community for its refined taste and distinctive flavors. Experts and enthusiasts alike have shared their thoughts on this Kentucky classic, providing valuable insights into its quality and overall drinking experience.
| Review Source | Rating | Quote |
|---|---|---|
| The Whiskey Jug | 89/100 | “Eagle Rare is a solid buy and something any whiskey drinker can appreciate.” |
| Whisky Advocate | 90/100 | “It’s easy to drink and has a smooth flavor profile that will appeal to just about anyone.” |
| Breaking Bourbon | 4/5 | “Eagle Rare 10 Year Single Barrel is an affordable and easily accessible single barrel bourbon.” |
With consistent ratings in the high 80s and 90s, Eagle Rare Bourbon has proven to be a reliable option for whiskey enthusiasts who appreciate quality and value. Its unique characteristics, including notes of toffee, butterscotch, and toasted oak, have made it a standout among other single barrel bourbons in its price range.
If you’re looking to add a new bourbon to your collection, Eagle Rare Bourbon is definitely worth considering. With its rich taste and impressive ratings, it’s no surprise that it has become a staple in many whiskey lovers’ collections.
Conclusion
After exploring the history, production, tasting notes, and notable features of Eagle Rare Bourbon, it’s clear that this Kentucky classic is a must-try for any whiskey enthusiast. With its distinctive flavors of toffee, butterscotch, and orange peel, as well as its commitment to quality through the aging process and mash bill composition, Eagle Rare stands out from other bourbons on the market.
Expert and enthusiast reviews also confirm that Eagle Rare Bourbon is a top-notch whiskey, with high ratings across the board. If you’re looking to add a new bottle to your collection, we highly recommend giving Eagle Rare a try.
Overall, Eagle Rare Bourbon offers a rich and unique drinking experience that is not to be missed. From its single barrel expressions to its age statement and mash bill, every aspect of this bourbon is carefully crafted to deliver exceptional flavor and quality. So why not treat yourself to a bottle of Eagle Rare and savor the taste of this Kentucky classic?
FAQ
What is Eagle Rare Bourbon?
Eagle Rare Bourbon is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. It is known for its distinct flavors, age statement, and single barrel expressions.
What is the age statement of Eagle Rare Bourbon?
Eagle Rare Bourbon has a 10-year age statement, meaning it is aged in charred oak barrels for a minimum of 10 years to develop its rich flavor profile.
What are the tasting notes of Eagle Rare Bourbon?
Eagle Rare Bourbon offers a complex flavor profile that includes notes of toffee, butterscotch, toasted oak, and orange peel. It has a smooth palate with a hint of caramel and a long, satisfying finish.
What makes Eagle Rare Bourbon unique?
One of the unique features of Eagle Rare Bourbon is its single barrel expressions. Each bottle is drawn from a single barrel, resulting in small variations in flavor from barrel to barrel. This allows enthusiasts to experience the depth and complexity of the bourbon.
Where is Eagle Rare Bourbon produced?
Eagle Rare Bourbon is produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Frankfort, Kentucky. The distillery has a rich history and is known for producing high-quality bourbon and whiskey products.
What is the mash bill of Eagle Rare Bourbon?
The mash bill of Eagle Rare Bourbon is undisclosed, but it is known to be a low-rye bourbon. This means that the proportion of rye grain in the mash is relatively low compared to other bourbon styles.
How is Eagle Rare Bourbon rated by experts?
Eagle Rare Bourbon has received positive reviews and high ratings from whiskey experts and enthusiasts. Its rich flavors, smooth palate, and affordable price point make it a popular choice among bourbon lovers.
Is Eagle Rare Bourbon a good choice for whiskey enthusiasts?
Yes, Eagle Rare Bourbon is considered an excellent choice for whiskey enthusiasts. Its combination of flavor, age statement, and affordable price make it a standout option for those who appreciate quality bourbon.
