Eagle Rare 17yr Bourbon

Description

Eagle Rare 17 Year serves as the ultra-aged counterpart to the standard, 10-year-old Eagle Rare. While they share the same lineage and Buffalo Trace’s low-rye “Mash Bill #1,” the 17-year expression is a different experience entirely, crafted to showcase the effects of long-term aging in the unique microclimate of the distillery’s warehouses.

Production & Maturation:

As a staple of the annual Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, this bourbon is released in very limited quantities each fall. Because the target age can vary slightly based on the development of the barrels, the actual age often exceeds 17 years—recent releases have featured whiskey aged over 18 years. It is bottled at a consistent 101 proof (50.5% ABV), a strength chosen to balance the intense oak influence with the whiskey’s inherent sweetness.

Flavor Profile:

Due to its significant time in the barrel, Eagle Rare 17 is defined by “hyper-aged” characteristics that differentiate it from younger bourbons.

• Nose: Complex and often fragrant, with prominent aromas of cigar box, toasted oak, leather, and tobacco, layered with nuances of cinnamon and dark candied fruits.

• Palate: The experience is typically dry and sophisticated rather than syrupy. Enthusiasts often note flavors of vanilla, caramel, and dark cocoa, underscored by a robust presence of barrel spice, black pepper, and clove.

• Finish: Long, leathery, and dry, with a lingering warmth that emphasizes the oak and gentle baking spices.

Collectibility:

Eagle Rare 17 Year is highly sought after by collectors and remains one of the most difficult bottles to acquire at retail pricing. It is frequently compared to other BTAC heavyweights like George T. Stagg; while Stagg is prized for its high-proof power, Eagle Rare 17 is favored by those who appreciate the elegance and mellowing effect of extended aging.