Bourbon

Whiskey Review: Eagle Rare 10 Year Old

We review Eagle Rare 10 Year Old to see if it still lives up to its high-status, yet low price tag.

OVERALL RATING

8
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Tasting Notes

About:

A classic expression from the Buffalo Trace Distillery, Eagle Rare bourbon was created in 1975 by Charles L. Beam. Initially distilled at Seagram’s Four Roses Distillery, the expression has been produced at Buffalo Trace since 1992. Apart from the obvious 51% corn, the mash bill is a mystery. However, some estimate less than 10% rye in the mash bill.
Appearance:
Light sherry
Nose:
Buttery corn and super fruity red wine! Think Beaujolais nouveau, grape juice, grape Fanta but with booze! There is a hot honey note running right through the middle of this that I love. Quite a lot of nuttiness, too. Think about cashews and peanuts. Also, some classic birthday notes of chocolate cake covered in rich vanilla icing, maybe even marzipan.
Palate:
Light arrival with more of that peanut oil flavor profile. More of those fruity red wine notes, but getting a little drier and tannic. Perhaps even a smoky note from heavily charred new casks. Some stone fruit notes of peach and apricot, a little more of that hot honey! I’m loving that note in this.
Finish:
The dryness is a little more present now, but not unpleasant. The spice from new casks, sweet corn, chilli spices, a little note of acetone from the distillation process, finishing off with more of these winey notes.
Comments:

I thought I’d put myself off this whiskey by drinking half a bottle and playing Red Dead Redemption 2 until a silly time in the morning, but it’s still a gold standard in American whiskey making.


Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer is a freelance whisky writer and consultant. With a decade of experience in whisky retail and nearly as long running Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, Phil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow whisky lovers. His goal is to make whisky accessible and enjoyable, dispelling the jargon and complexity that can sometimes surround the spirit. In addition to his online presence, Phil managed The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curated an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.

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