Bourbon Review: Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Woody, subtly sweet, and oily. The most impressive aspect is the integration and balance of flavors, such that no single flavor really stands out, for better or worse. Despite the lack of rye spiciness, the sweetness isn’t bright—it’s more of a rummy, molasses flavor. Hints of raisin and toast. Neither ice nor water provide any surprises, so take it neat. Finish: Some would describe the finish as short or weak, but there’s value in a clean, brief finish that tingles every part of the mouth and then vanishes without any lingering off-notes. It feels polite and tidy, like a delightful house guest who knows when to depart and does so without leaving a mess. Conclusion: My first experience with Eagle Rare was love at first sip. It couldn’t be more balanced, more well-integrated, more perfectly engineered to be a go-to bourbon for every palate. My enthusiasm has gently waned, perhaps because it’s a rather subtle dram that can seem mundane over time. Or perhaps the droves of web commenters are correct that the quality is inconsistent or slowly degrading over time. But it’s still fair to say that it’s a nearly flawless all-purpose bourbon that’s easily accessible and always a bargain. Thirty bucks for a lovely bourbon aged for 10 years? Please and thank you. Ultimately, Eagle Rare doesn’t knock my socks off like it once did, but it’s still an excellent choice, especially for the price. It’s a bit like a Honda Accord: it’s not fancy or exclusive or especially stunning, but try finding an unsatisfied owner. FINAL SCORE: 88/100 [ SHOP FOR A BOTTLE OF EAGLE RARE ]