Review: Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Bourbon (Single Barrel No. 124 Bottled for The Original Wine Club)

As a 10 year old age-stated bourbon produced by Buffalo Trace that is fairly readily available for approximately $30, Eagle Rare is one of the affordable staples of the American whiskey market whose continued availability with that age statement and at that price seems "too good to be true" in today's era of disappearing age statements, availability shortages and rising prices.

It will be interesting to see how this brand develops as the bourbon boom soldiers on, as one could easily imagine that age statement disappearing (similar to the fates of Elijah Craig's 12 year age statement and Knob Creek's 9 year age statement) or availability becoming more scarce (along the lines of the Weller line from Buffalo Trace, although, fortunately for fans of this product, Eagle Rare lacks the Van Winkle connection that has put additional strain on Weller availability).  Indeed, there has been news in recent days that Buffalo Trace will not make any private barrels of Eagle Rare available in 2018.

So, keeping all of that in mind, the news of the Eagle Rare private barrels being (temporarily?) suspended provides a good reminder to enjoy products like this as they remain available and affordable.  Today, I am reviewing a private barrel of 10 year old Eagle Rare (Barrel No. 124) that was bottled for The Original Wine Club.

Bottle: 45% ABV, 10 years old, ~$30, "Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey", Barrel No. 124 Bottled for The Original Wine Club in Santa Ana, California

Nose: The age shines through on the nose with sweet oak, vanilla and furniture polish.  There is a distinct cherry note that I often find in the Buffalo Trace #1 rye mashbill, along with subtle baking spices and a hint of anise.

Taste: The age and proof (or lack thereof) come through on the palate with a medium thin-mouthfeel and prominent oak notes that provide a pleasant if somewhat mundane drinking experience, almost like drinking an oak-infused tea.  Vanilla and subtle cherry appear again, along with baking spices that linger on the finish.

Thoughts: This is a classic exemplar of the bourbon category that is both approachable and affordable and has a place in any home bar.  It is not the most exciting bourbon and its relatively low proof will limit the "wow" factor for serious whiskey geeks, but this the perfect type of bourbon that one should recommend to a new drinker that wants to gain a basic understanding of the category.   

Rating: B-

Regarding the grading scale, my grades loosely track the LAWS Scale, and the threshold for what constitutes a "good" or "recommended" spirit will be set in the C+ to B- range. Price is not considered in assigning a rating.