Description
Eagle Rare 17 Year Old 2021 ages in oak barrels for nearly two decades and is only available in small quantities once a year, every fall. Sip this polished, well-aged whiskey to appreciate why patience is such a virtue. The fragrant aroma has almost a wine-like character with hints of almond, cigar boxes and cinnamon. The delicate and dry mid-palate tastes of leather, vanilla and tobacco. This bourbon lingers, finishing with hint of leather and toffee.
Key Specs & Background
The 2021 release is part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) from Buffalo Trace Distillery.
Label age: 17 years.
Actual aging: ~18 years and 6 months (in many barrel notes) for the 2021 batch.
Proof: 101 (50.5% ABV)
Release date: Fall 2021.
Tasting Profile & Characteristics
Nose: Reports mention vanilla bean, pudding, candy corn, spearmint, sour cherries.
Palate: Caramel, cinnamon-dusted coffee cake, tart apple, dark fruits, vanilla, crème brûlée.
Finish: Oak and tannins show up strongly, with leather, dry oak, peppercorn. Some say it’s “dry & short” for an 18‑year bourbon.
Balance note: Because it’s long‑aged, there’s a risk in these bourbons of being “over‑oaked,” but many reviewers say this release walks that line well:
“At 18 years and 6 months… there is an obviously large amount of oak influence on this bourbon… Overall, this is a fantastic bourbon and is going to appeal to a drinker that enjoys extra aged bourbon that carry that dominant wood character.”
Why It’s Good / Why It’s Special
It’s rare: The BTAC releases are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. The limited nature adds desirability.
Long aging: Having ~18 years in barrel gives depth, complexity and the “sweet‑oak” matured profile that many bourbons don’t reach.
Brewed from the same base mashbill the Eagle Rare line uses (low rye) so it retains the brand character but elevated by age.
The 101 proof is a nod to the original Eagle Rare branding from 1975 when the label was bottled at 101 proof.
Reviews
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