Description
Eagle Rare 25 Year Old Bourbon: A Testament to Time and Mastery Dive into the world of ultra-aged bourbon with Eagle Rare 25 Year Old Bourbon. This exceptional expression, hailing from the iconic Buffalo Trace Distillery, stands as the oldest release from the esteemed Eagle–Rare portfolio. Aged for a quarter of a century, this bourbon defies the typical perception of ultra-aged spirits, delivering a smooth and complex flavor profile that’s both profound and memorable. Crafted as part of the distillery’s multi-decade and over $20-million-dollar experimental program, this bourbon is a remarkable result of dedication, passion, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re a bourbon connoisseur or simply someone who appreciates the nuances of a well-aged spirit, Eagle-Rare 25 Year Old-Bourbon promises a tasting journey that’s unparalleled in depth and character.
What It Is / Key Specs
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Distillery / Brand | Buffalo Trace Distillery (part of the Eagle Rare line) |
| Age Statement | 25 years — the oldest expression yet released in the Eagle Rare portfolio |
| Proof / ABV | ~101 proof (≈ 50.5% ABV) |
| Warehouse / Maturation | Aged in Warehouse P, a new experimental warehouse built by Buffalo Trace meant to push the limits (and improve conditions) of very long bourbon aging. |
| Release / Rarity | Extremely limited: about 200 bottles released globally starting November 2023. |
| Presentation | Comes in a hand‑blown crystal decanter, encased with a sterling silver “wing” ornament, plus a glass eagle inside the bottle. Very premium packaging. |
Tasting Notes / Flavor Profile
Here’s what people (including reviewers & Buffalo Trace’s own notes) are saying in terms of aroma, palate, and finish:
| Stage | Notes / Highlights |
|---|---|
| Nose / Aroma | Dark cherry, oak, rich dark chocolate, vanilla, icing drizzle, with subtle leather / tobacco / earthy undertones emerging on deeper nosing. Some describe hints of butterscotch, black cherry jam. |
| Palate / Taste | Sweet front: vanilla fudge / cream, caramel, dark fruit (fig, cherry), balanced oak, some baking spices, gentle pepper. The oak influence is present but reportedly handled in a way that’s less drying than many ultra-aged bourbons. |
| Finish | Very long, with oak tannins, baking spice, black pepper warmth, rickhouse (warehouse) floor notes, maybe a touch of dust/leather. Gentle but firm. The finish tends to evolve with characterization from the wood. |
Strengths — What Makes It Special / Worthy
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Extraordinary age: 25 years is rare for bourbon; many bourbons don’t age that long without becoming over‑oaked or overly tannic. This one seems positioned as proof that careful warehouse design (Warehouse P) plus good barrel selection can make very old bourbon still balanced.
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Collectibility & prestige: With only ~200 bottles, silver ornamentation, premium decanter, etc., this is a trophy bourbon. For collectors or special displays, it’s a “statement piece.”
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Flavor + Proof balance: 101 proof is high enough to deliver intensity, but tasting notes suggest it doesn’t feel unbalanced or harsh — the age doesn’t overwhelmingly swamp all the nuance. Some reviewers comment explicitly that it’s not “drying” as some ultra-aged bourbons are.
Weaknesses / Things to Be Aware Of / Possible Drawbacks
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High price / extreme rarity: MSRP (suggested retail) is US$10,000 per bottle. In secondary or specialty retailer markets, prices are much higher. This makes it only accessible to a small number of people.
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Risk of over‑oak / tannin: Despite positive reports, ultra‑aged bourbons often risk wood dominance. Even well‑made ones sometimes feel a bit heavy on tannins or dry in finish. If your palate is sensitive to heavy oak, this might be challenging. Taster notes suggest some oak dominates in the finish, though not excessively by many reports.
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Not for everyday sipping: Given its rarity, deep age, and high price, this is unlikely to be something you open often. It might be more of a “sip for special occasion” or collect.
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Subjective return on investment (taste vs cost): For some, the incremental flavour you get from 25 years may not justify the massively higher cost compared to, say, 10‑ or 17‑year expressions. If you primarily drink whisky for flavour rather than prestige or collector value, the marginal utility might drop.
What is the MSRP of the Eagle-Rare 25 Year Old Bourbons?
Reviews
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