Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon has always caught my attention, not only for its reputation in the bourbon world, but also because of its affordability and age statement. As a fan of whiskeys, I’ve heard a lot about this unique bourbon and the complexity of its flavor profile. Today, I’ll be sharing my personal experience and impressions of Eagle Rare 10 Year.
When I first uncorked the bottle, I was greeted by a surprisingly enchanting aroma. Hints of orange peels, citrus, and aged oak emerged, along with an underlying sweetness of toasted marshmallow and honey. This delightful nose was a promising introduction to the bourbon, and I couldn’t wait to take my first sip.
Tasting the Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon, I was struck by the harmonious balance of sweet and spicy notes. The strong vanilla-caramel taste hit my tongue first, mellowing into a woody smoothness that lingered on my palate. Although there was a slight roughness in the texture, it didn’t detract from the overall experience, adding a bit of character to this classic bourbon. As a bourbon enthusiast, I found the flavors of Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon to be not only substantial but also intriguing, making it a must-try whiskey for those interested in exploring this elegant spirit.
Table of Contents
Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon Overview
Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon is a delightful whiskey that has caught my attention for its rich history and exceptional taste profile. In this section, I’ll share some insights about its product history and the price range of this remarkable bourbon.
Product History
In 1975, Eagle Rare was launched as an homage to Wild Turkey, another Kentucky whiskey brand. Both brands share bird-themed names and were initially bottled at 101-proof. Eagle Rare was introduced with a 10-year age statement as a way to compete with and surpass the more established Wild Turkey brand.
Despite the decline in bourbon sales through the 1970s and into the ’80s, Eagle Rare managed to survive and continue its legacy. Today, the brand is owned by the Sazerac Company Inc. and distilled at Buffalo Trace. With its deep roots in Kentucky and an impressive age statement, Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon has a well-established fan base who appreciate its complex taste and unique flavor profile.
Price Range
Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon is known not only for its sweet, oaky, and complex taste but also for its affordability. I’ve seen it priced around $29 MSRP for a 750ml bottle, making it an attractively priced offering for bourbon enthusiasts.
However, the price may vary slightly depending on where it’s purchased. For example, at Liquorama, I found Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Barrel #141 Bourbon Whiskey 750ml for $69.99 while it was available at Drizly.com for a different price. Keep in mind that some online stores may charge shipping fees or offer deals and discounts.
Considering its distinctive taste and 10-year age statement, Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon offers an impressive quality-to-price ratio for those looking to explore the world of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey without breaking the bank.
Tasting Notes
Aroma
Upon nosing the Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon, I was immediately greeted by a pleasant blend of orange peels and citrus, intertwined with the scent of aged oak. As I spent more time with the aroma, it evolved into notes of toasted marshmallow drizzled with honey. Although not the most complex, it was quite easy to discern the individual scents.
Flavor
The first sip of this bourbon welcomed my taste buds with a strong vanilla-caramel profile. As the liquid coated my palate, the flavors shifted to the quintessential woody bourbon taste we all know and love. Alongside this, I experienced hints of dark fruits, nuts, and a touch of caramel sweetness.
Finish
The Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon presented a dry, moderate finish. I detected a light, woody heat accompanied by a whisper of cinnamon and fruit. The finish left me with an overall satisfaction and an eagerness for the next sip.
Rating
Given the well-balanced nature, smoothness, and accessible price of the Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon, I would rate it a solid 8/10. While I believe the flavors could be even more pronounced, the lower proof does create a slight barrier. Nonetheless, it remains a delightful experience for both newcomers and seasoned bourbon enthusiasts alike.
Mixing and Pairing
Best Mixers
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In my experience, Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon pairs well with a variety of mixers. Some of my personal favorites include:
- Club soda, for a refreshing and simple sparkling drink
- Ginger ale or ginger beer, to add a spicy kick to the bourbon’s flavors
- Coca-Cola or Pepsi, for a classic bourbon and cola combination
- Freshly squeezed lemon or orange juice, for a bright citrus twist
Cocktail Suggestions
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When it comes to mixing cocktails, Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon shines in several classic recipes. Here are a few suggestions to try:
| Cocktail | Ingredients |
| Old Fashioned | Bourbon, sugar, Angostura bitters, orange peel, and ice |
| Mint Julep | Bourbon, fresh mint leaves, sugar, and crushed ice |
| Whiskey Sour | Bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (optional) |
| Manhattan | Bourbon, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters, and a maraschino cherry |
Food Pairings
When it comes to pairing Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon with food, I recommend trying it with dishes that have bold and intense flavors. Some of my personal recommendations are:
- Dark chocolate or rich chocolate desserts, as the bourbon’s notes of vanilla and caramel complement chocolate beautifully
- Grilled or smoked meats like pork, steak, or ribs, which bring out the oak and char notes in the bourbon
- Strong cheeses such as blue cheese, aged cheddar, or Gruyère, since the bourbon can cut through the richness and intensity of these cheeses
- Spicy dishes, like buffalo wings or chili, which pair well with the bourbon’s sweetness and warmth
Conclusion
After tasting and analyzing the Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon, I found it to be a very enjoyable whiskey. The aroma is inviting, with scents of orange peels, citrus, aged oak, and toasted marshmallow drizzled with honey. The flavor profile of this bourbon is well-balanced, featuring strong notes of vanilla-caramel, oak, and a hint of spice.
Despite the lower proof holding back some of the robust flavors, Eagle Rare 10 Year still manages to provide a satisfying, complex experience for my taste buds. The sweet, fruity richness is complemented by subtle earthy oak elements, making it an easy-to-drink bourbon with a long maturation period that adds to its depth.
One concern, however, is the fluctuating price point and availability of this whiskey, which may put it out of reach or not worth it for some enthusiasts. Nonetheless, if you get the chance to try it, I believe you’ll find Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon to be a great example of a high-quality, aged bourbon that offers value for your money.
