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Historical Background

Origins and Legacy

Eagle Rare was introduced in 1975 by the Seagram Company, originally as a 101-proof, 10-year-aged bourbon. Named to evoke the bold spirit of American pioneers, its iconic eagle emblem symbolizes freedom and resilience. Eagle Rare Bourbon for sale.

The Buffalo Trace Era

In 1989, the brand was acquired by the Sazerac Company, which moved production to Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Under Buffalo Trace’s stewardship, Eagle Rare retained its age statement but transitioned to 90 proof (45% ABV) in the early 2000s to broaden its appeal.

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Production Process: Craftsmanship in Every Bottle

Mash Bill

Eagle Rare uses Buffalo Trace’s Mash Bill #1, shared with its sibling Buffalo Trace Bourbon. This recipe features:

• Corn: ~75% (sweetness and body)

• Rye: ~10% (spice and balance)

• Malted Barley: ~15% (enzymatic support for fermentation).

Aging

Aged for a minimum of 10 years in new, charred American oak barrels, Eagle Rare matures in Buffalo Trace’s rickhouses. The climate-controlled warehouses allow gradual interaction between the whiskey and wood, imparting deep caramel, vanilla, and oak notes.

Bottling

Non-chill-filtered to preserve flavor complexity, Eagle Rare is batched from select barrels to ensure consistency. While not a single-barrel product, small-batch blending highlights its refined character.

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Tasting Notes: A Decade of Complexity

• Nose: Toasted oak, honey, dried cherries, and a hint of leather.

• Palate: Caramel and vanilla dominate, followed by dark chocolate, apricot, and baking spices.

• Finish: Long and warm, with lingering oak and a touch of black pepper.

Comparisons:

• Buffalo Trace: Less oaky, lighter, and fruitier.

• Russell’s Reserve 10-Year: Similar age but higher rye content adds more spice.

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Awards and Recognition

Eagle Rare’s quality has earned numerous accolades:

• Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (multiple years).

• 94/100 from Ultimate Spirits Challenge (2021).

• Ranked among Whisky Advocate’s “Top 20 Whiskies of the Year” (2019).

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Price and Availability

• Price: $35–$60 (750ml), depending on region.

• Availability: Allocated in many markets due to high demand; easier to find in Kentucky and online retailers.

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People Also Ask: Top Questions Answered

1. What’s the age statement of Eagle Rare?

Eagle Rare is aged for 10 years, a rarity in its price range.

2. Who makes Eagle Rare Bourbon?

Produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery, renowned for brands like Pappy Van Winkle and Blanton’s.

3. How does Eagle Rare compare to Buffalo Trace?

Both share the same mash bill, but Eagle Rare’s extended aging adds deeper oak and vanilla notes. Buffalo Trace is lighter and fruitier.

4. Why is Eagle Rare hard to find?

High demand and limited allocations make it scarce in some regions. Secondary markets often inflate prices.

5. What’s the best way to drink Eagle Rare?

Enjoy neat or with a splash of water to unlock subtle flavors. Also shines in Old Fashioneds.

6. Is Eagle Rare worth the price?

Yes—its age and complexity offer exceptional value compared to pricier 10-year bourbons.

7. What awards has Eagle Rare won?

Numerous gold medals and top scores from international spirits competitions (see Awards section).

8. What’s the mash bill for Eagle Rare?

Buffalo Trace’s Mash Bill #1: 75% corn, 10% rye, 15% malted barley.

9. Can you visit the distillery?

Yes! Buffalo Trace offers tours in Frankfort, KY, including tastings of Eagle Rare.

10. Is Eagle Rare a single-barrel bourbon?

No—it’s batched from select barrels, but some stores offer single-barrel picks through the Antique Collection.

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Conclusion

Eagle Rare Bourbon embodies the soul of American whiskey-making: patience, tradition, and accessibility. Its decade-long aging process delivers a symphony of flavors that belies its modest price tag, making it a staple for both novices and connoisseurs. While its scarcity can frustrate seekers, the hunt only deepens the appreciation for this liquid gold. As Buffalo Trace continues to champion quality, Eagle Rare remains a soaring testament to the art of bourbon. Whether sipped slowly or shared among friends, it invites drinkers to savor a piece of Kentucky history—one rich, oak-kissed drop at a time.