Eagle Rare 12 Year Bourbon

This is a relatively new 12 year expression with limited release in June. I haven’t had the opportunity yet to enjoy the popular 10 year Eagle Rare, so i am using Weller 12 as my benchmark. To be fare, the Weller has been my go-to for years so i have an ingrained bias. That said, on balance, i have to say this Eagle Rare gets the edge. It is only approximately 5 proof points higher than the Weller but the Eagle Rare delivers an extra layer of depth and complexity lacking from the Weller. The tasting highlights include a sweat, oaky aroma with almond highlights. It offers a long, rich, lingering finish with warm toffee notes. More please!

NEAT NOSE - Rich nose! Lots of Caramel, Honey, Cherry, and Grape Jolly Rancher PALATE - The nose transfers over to the palate. This is honestly one of the most balanced 12 YR bourbons I’ve had the pleasure to try. There is absolutely no burn, spice, or tannic notes from the oak. This is very smooth and sweet, seemingly moreso than the 10 YR which is pretty wild. Buffalo Trace is highly sought after for a reason. FINISH - Sweet oak, caramel, and cherry. Medium length finish. BUY? - Absolutely. This shines at MSRP. I think the most I’d pay is $70 if I couldn’t get it for MSRP. BUY AGAIN? - Without question, at MSRP.

Nose- cherry, oak, a bit muted as compared to ER10. There is also a pie crust note in the background Palate- Oak is front and center. Vanilla and ethanol bit. Mouthfeel seems thin as compared to ER10 Palate- This brings the heat and the oak! Way more as compared to ER17. Overall- 2 more years and upping the proof was not a big help. This became a bit unbalanced, hot, and oaky. I drank it side by side with ER10 and I will say I prefer ER10 for less$ and less fuss

Nose is sweet and candy like (classic BT profile). Palate is sweet red fruits with nice oak to round it out. Mouthfeel & finish are better than expected. Pretty oily/ medium length for finish I had a regular ER to compare to and this won pretty decisively. Don’t pay secondary for this bottle; it’s solid but it doesn’t move mountains.

Everything you like about 10 but a tad bit refined and elegant...and if you like it grapey, it amps that up too! 10 year has a funk to me, but this seems to solve that problem.

Just like regular Eagle Rare 10 incredibly smooth and delicious. Extra 2 years get more of the oak and caramel taste. Great pour!