Distilled at the famous Buffalo Trace distillery in Kentucky, Eagle Rare 10-Year-Old Bourbon is a prime example of a spirit that straddles the line between accessible and exceptional.

First released in 1975 by master distiller Charles L. Beam, Eagle Rare began life as a 101-proof bourbon under the Seagram brand. Today, under the careful stewardship of Buffalo Trace, it has matured — both literally and figuratively — into one of the most sought-after bourbons on the market. It’s somewhat ironic to spot bottles freely available on the shelves of Tesco online at Amazon when American drinkers often find themselves paying inflated prices for the same bottle due to its “allocated” status.

At a UK retail price of around £35, Eagle Rare punches well above its weight. The 10-year age statement alone sets it apart at this price point, promising a depth and complexity that’s increasingly rare as younger, hastily bottled bourbons flood the market. So let’s try it…

Eagle Rare tasted

From the first pour, Eagle Rare shows its pedigree. A swirl of the glass releases rich notes of vintage leather, butterscotch, and spiced vanilla. There’s a charming candied apple sweetness that drifts into darker red fruits — think cherries, cranberries, and a hint of raisin. Underneath it all, a mature oak note carries through, complemented by subtle flashes of mint, tobacco, and even a trace of dark chocolate.

It’s the kind of nose that benefits from patience. Give it a bit of time, and it opens up beautifully, offering layer after layer to explore.

The first sip confirms what the nose promises: this is a bourbon of real character. It opens sweet and syrupy, with honey, caramel, and burnt toffee leading the charge, alongside the more obvious warming embrace of nutmeg and cinnamon spice.

Despite being bottled at a moderate 45% ABV, Eagle Rare carries a notable presence on the palate. A silky mouthfeel evolves into rich flavours of molasses, brown sugar, and aged oak. There’s a hint of citrus in the mix, moving from bright orange to a jammy berry compote as it lingers. The underlying corn sweetness remains constant, though, anchoring the more adventurous flavours.

Fans of low-rye bourbons will appreciate the balance here. While Buffalo Trace’s mash bill uses less than 10% rye, there’s still a delicate spicy backbone that keeps things lively without overpowering the sweeter elements.

The finish is medium to long, carrying a gentle heat that showcases toffee chews, penny sweets, and cinnamon red-hots. There’s a final nod to the oak influence, too, leaving a pleasantly dry, earthy echo that obviously invites another sip.

How does Eagle Rare stack up?

Comparisons to its sibling, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, will always happen. Both use the same mash bill and sit at the same ABV, but the extra ageing time is clear. Eagle Rare presents a deeper, more mature profile with darker fruits, richer wood influence, and a smoother, more cohesive experience overall. While Buffalo Trace remains a fantastic pour, especially at its lower price point, Eagle Rare justifies the extra spend for those seeking added complexity.

Eagle Rare 10-Year-Old isn’t a flashy bourbon. It doesn’t rely on novelty finishes or experimental mash bills to win over drinkers. Instead, it excels at the fundamentals: great ingredients, thoughtful barrel selection, and the luxury of time. In a world increasingly dominated by young, rushed spirits, that patience shows in every glass.

Is it worth the hype? For around £35, absolutely. Whether you’re an experienced bourbon drinker or just starting your journey, Eagle Rare offers an authentic slice of Kentucky craft at a fair price.

Tasted: Eagle Rare 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Price: Around £35 at Amazon
Average Joes rating: ★★★★☆

Phil Huff