This is the Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Bourbon, offered at 101 proof and highly allocated. Compared to the standard 10 year Eagle Rare at 90 proof, this one packs a little more punch and depth, due largely in part to the additional 7 years in the barrel. The age statement on this is actually 17 years and 4 months for the 2024 release. We tasted this from a 100 mL sample bottle neat in Glencairn glasses... multiple times. It's amazing how quickly that sample bottle will run out!
On the nose we didn't get the herbal tea that we often experience from Eagle Rare 10 Year. That's more prevalent on single barrel selections we have tasted. Sometimes with bourbon that is aged in the 15-plus timeframe, you get an overly oaky char bomb, but we were pleasantly surprised that while the whiskey showed its age in oak notes, it wasn't over the top and it added to the complexity of the flavors. Biscuit, chewy roasted marshmallow, graham cracker, stewed plum, toasty oats and cinnamon on the nose. On the palate is more of the same but adding in cherry pie filling and cherry cola at mid palate. This has the viscosity of apricot juice and it is absolutely mouth-coating. The finish is memorable and warm.
We generally don't review bourbons that are so allocated, but we are thrilled to have this opportunity. Even if you can't find this bottle to add to your whiskey library, we highly encourage you to find a bar that has it and get yourself a 2 ounce pour. It's an incredible experience!
