Eagle Rare Unveils a 25-Year-Old Bourbon: A Rare Gem for Whiskey Connoisseurs
Eagle Rare, the esteemed bourbon brand produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, has just released its oldest expression to date – a 25-year-old, ultra-expensive, limited-edition bourbon. This exceptional whiskey has been aged in one of the distillery’s experimental warehouses, carefully monitored throughout its maturation.
Aged to perfection
In Scotland, whisky can age for two or three decades without becoming overly tannic or overpowered by oak, thanks to the cool, temperate climate. However, in Kentucky, the hot and humid summers, combined with cold winters, make it challenging to age bourbon for extended periods. Most bourbon is aged for less than 10 years, as the interaction between whiskey and wood can result in an over-oaked flavor profile.
“When crafting whiskey in conditions like those we experience in Kentucky, two reactions happen over time,” said master distiller Harlen Wheatley. “More liquid is lost due to evaporation – also known as angel’s share – and extraction of flavors from the barrel becomes more intense, often leading older whiskeys to taste over-oaked, astringent, and dry.”
The new Eagle Rare 25 was not just left in a warehouse for a quarter century; it spent more than five years aging in Warehouse P, one of Buffalo Trace’s experimental warehouses, where humidity and temperature are carefully controlled. This whiskey comes from some of the first barrels to be moved there in 2018, and this is the first release from Warehouse P.
We had the privilege of trying a sample of this 101-proof whiskey, and it’s indeed a complex and intriguing spirit. The nose presents notes of dusty oak, leather, and sour cherry. The palate opens up with wet tobacco and grassy notes, followed by menthol, pepper, dried wood, peanut butter crunch, and a touch of tannic bitterness that is present without overpowering.
Experimental aging at its finest
This bourbon is not for the faint of heart; it’s a whiskey that demands attention and appreciation. With a price tag of $10,000 and only 200 bottles available, it’s a true luxury item for the most discerning whiskey connoisseurs.
A true collector’s item
If you’re a fan of ultra-aged bourbon, this is an opportunity to experience something truly unique. But be prepared for a whiskey that’s not for the average Tuesday night sipper.
