Eagle Rare is a brand of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that is well-respected among whiskey aficionados for its rich flavour and complex character. It is produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery, which is located in Frankfort, Kentucky, and is known for making a variety of high-quality spirits.
Eagle Rare Bourbon was first introduced by the Seagram Company in the 1970s and has since gone through a number of ownership changes before it became part of the Buffalo Trace family of brands. Despite these changes, the quality and reputation of Eagle Rare have remained consistent, with the brand receiving numerous awards and accolades over the years.
The standard Eagle Rare offering is aged for 10 years, which is longer than many other bourbons on the market. This extended ageing process occurs in charred American oak barrels, which impart deep, woody flavours and a rich amber colour to the whiskey. The ageing also helps to develop a complex array of tasting notes that might include hints of toffee, orange peel, herbs, honey, leather, and oak. The finish is typically long, smooth, and slightly sweet.
Eagle Rare is often noted for its balance between sweetness and oaky dryness, making it a bourbon that can be sipped and savoured neat, on the rocks, or as a base in more sophisticated cocktails that call for a high-quality bourbon.
One of the more exclusive releases from the Eagle Rare line is the Eagle Rare 17 Year Old, which is part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. This particular expression is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, as it is released in limited quantities and is known for its exceptional smoothness and depth of flavour.
Eagle Rare should not be confused with "Double Eagle Very Rare," which is an even more premium and aged version of the whiskey, presented in a crystal decanter and box and released in extremely limited quantities. It represents the pinnacle of the Eagle Rare brand in terms of age, packaging, and price.
The branding of Eagle Rare, featuring the bald eagle, taps into the American spirit, symbolising both the freedom and the bold character that the bourbon embodies. It is a brand that has come to be synonymous with American craftsmanship and quality in the world of bourbon whiskey.