Stepping into a whiskey show is like walking into a dream for a bourbon enthusiast, and finding a pour of Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old is nothing short of striking gold. Part of the revered Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, this expression embodies the height of craftsmanship in bourbon-making. Aged for 17 long years and bottled in 2019, this rare gem is known for its robust complexity and near-mythical status among collectors and connoisseurs. 

With a reputation built on excellence, Eagle Rare delivers what every bourbon lover craves: a rich, nuanced profile that rewards every sip. Having the chance to taste this legendary bourbon at the show was a privilege I won’t soon forget.

Let’s dive into what makes this one of the most talked-about whiskeys on the floor.

About Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old (2019)

Classification: American Bourbon

Distiller: Buffalo Trace Distillery

Mash: Sour

Recipe: Kentucky Corn, Minnesota Rye, North Dakota Distillers Malted Barley 

Proof: 101 (50.5% ABV)

Age: 17 YO, Distilled in Spring 2002

Released: Fall 2019

Eagle Rare 17 Price: $99 (MSRP) / Price in 2024: $1,959+

Official Website

Tasting Notes

Appearance
In the glass, Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old showcases a deep amber hue with hints of mahogany, signaling its long and careful aging. Swirling the glass reveals slow, elegant legs that speak to its full-bodied viscosity. A luxurious experience is just a sip ahead.

Nose
The nose is a symphony of aromas, opening with rich caramel and toffee, underpinned by toasted oak. As it unfolds, subtler notes of baked cherries, like pie filling with a hint of orange zest, and vanilla emerge, layered with baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Wow, this is rich, and should be full of surprises.

Palate
The first sip is nothing short of mesmerizing. A burst of sweet caramel and dark stone fruits greets the palate, I am picking up on dark chocolate and toasted oak. A whisper of spiced vanilla. The mouthfeel is velvety, with just the right amount of warmth to remind you of its 50.5% ABV. As the sip evolves, a touch of maple syrup and candied pecans mingles with a gentle smokiness, creating a harmonious balance between sweet, spicy, and woody notes.

Finish

The finish is long and lingering, with some earthy musky notes where tobacco leaf fades into leather, leaving a trail of spiced oak, cinnamon, and a subtle smokiness. Wow, there is a refreshing cleansing element like a hit of spearmint left on the tip of the tongue. It’s complex; each sip reveals more hidden fruits and spices. The experience was memorable and one to savor and seek out again!.

Overall Impression

Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old (2019) lives up to its lofty reputation, delivering a masterclass in balance, complexity, and depth. It’s a bourbon that demands your full attention, rewarding you with layer upon layer of flavor as it evolves in the glass. If you’re fortunate enough to find a dram, don’t pass up the opportunity—it’s an experience that captures the very essence of why we love bourbon.

Have you had the chance to taste Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below and share your impressions!