Welcome to Day 8 of The 12 Days of Bourbon Christmas! Today’s featured bottle is Eagle Rare—a bourbon that delivers incredible quality, complexity, and value. It shares similarities with Blanton’s, but here’s the best part: it’s half the price, twice as easy to find, and—dare I say it?—even better.
This is one of my absolute favorite bourbons, and it deserves to be savored neat or over a single large rock.
The Story Behind Eagle Rare
Eagle Rare is produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery, home to some of the most legendary names in bourbon. First released in 1975, this 10-year-old bourbon was designed to stand out as a premium offering without the premium price tag.
While its stablemate Blanton’s tends to steal the spotlight, Eagle Rare quietly offers a comparable experience that bourbon lovers can actually find and afford.
What makes Eagle Rare truly special is its 10-year age statement—a rarity in today’s bourbon market. Time spent aging in oak barrels gives this bourbon its exceptional smoothness and depth, making every sip feel like a reward.
Tasting Notes
Pour yourself a glass of Eagle Rare, and you’ll immediately understand why it’s one of my favorites.
The nose greets you with a welcoming blend of toffee, rich vanilla, and toasted oak. It’s soft and inviting, like the faint scent of caramelized sugar in a warm kitchen.
The first sip is a study in balance. Notes of honey, dark fruit, and toasted almonds dance together on the palate. The oak influence comes through, adding structure and subtle tannins, but never overpowering the sweetness.
The finish is long, smooth, and warm, leaving lingering flavors of caramel, cocoa, and a hint of orange zest. It’s elegant, understated, and deeply satisfying—everything a classic bourbon should be.
Why Eagle Rare Stands Out
Eagle Rare is proof that great bourbon doesn’t have to be overpriced or impossible to find. At half the cost of Blanton’s, it offers a 10-year-old bourbon experience that rivals or surpasses its more elusive counterpart.
This is a bourbon meant to be enjoyed slowly. Whether you prefer it neat or with a single large rock, it shines best when given time to open up. The flavors evolve with every sip, making it a perfect companion for quiet evenings or holiday moments worth savoring.
A Holiday Toast
Eagle Rare is one of those bourbons that quietly wins your heart. It delivers exceptional quality, unbeatable value, and a flavor profile that feels both familiar and exciting.
As we raise our glasses to Day 8 of The 12 Days of Bourbon Christmas, let’s toast to great bourbon that doesn’t break the bank. Join me tomorrow as we explore another holiday favorite. Cheers to Eagle Rare and the joy of sharing a truly remarkable pour!