Eagle Rare 12 Year Bourbon Review

DadDimes on the Rocks – Episode: "Eagle Rare 12-Year Bourbon: A Majestic New Chapter"

Welcome back, whiskey aficionados! Today, we’re taking a close look at a highly anticipated addition to the Eagle Rare lineup: Eagle Rare 12-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey with our special guest Chris Averett.  Sit tight—this one’s bold, nuanced, and might just become your new staple.

The Eagle Rare Legacy, Elevated

Eagle Rare has long been a respected name in the bourbon world. Originally a 10-year, 90-proof expression, it's made its mark with its consistency and rich character sourced from Buffalo Trace’s Mash Bill No. 

1. As of 2025, a longer-aged, stronger companion has emerged: the Eagle Rare 12-Year, bottled at 95 proof (47.5% ABV), now a permanent part of the lineup. Its launch signifies Buffalo Trace’s renewed commitment to age-stated, quality bourbons.

Tasting Notes & What Makes It Stand Out

According to the distillery, Eagle Rare 12 opens with a sweet, oaky aroma and delicate hints of almond, followed by a palate of vanilla and toasted oak, culminating in a rich, toffee-forward finish.

Expert reviewers describe it as having:

• Nose: Rich layers of dried cherry, leather, dark caramel, vanilla bean, tobacco leaf, and a warm baking-spice note.
• Palate: Full-bodied and smooth, with flavors of brown sugar, charred oak, ripe dark fruit, leading into mid-palate notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and dark chocolate.
• Finish: Long and lingering—oak tannins, sweet vanilla, and a faint, lingering smokiness, with seasonal touches like pepper and honeyed citrus adding intrigue.

How It Compares to Eagle Rare 10

Reddit tastings suggest that Eagle Rare 12 reduces the youthful edge of the 10-year, turning up depth and complexity by “one or two notches.” While differences are subtle, fans note an improved layering of cherry, vanilla, and oak.

One reviewer even likened it favorably to Weller 12 in nose structure, citing flan-like caramel, dark fruit compote, and baking spices. The finish is longer and more refined.

Who Is It For?

• Fans of the classic Eagle Rare profile seeking more maturity, nuance, and proof.
• Perfect for neat sipping, but versatile enough to elevate a cocktail like an Old Fashioned, thanks to its balanced flavor profile.
  

Final Thoughts & Rating

Eagle Rare 12-Year Bourbon builds on a beloved classic with longer aging and subtle proof adjustment, offering a richer, more nuanced experience without losing the elegant balance Eagle Rare fans know and love.

Rating: ⭐ 4.5 / 5

• Strengths: Silky smooth, balanced, deep flavor layering, and an undeniably accessible price point (~$49.99 MSRP).
• Limitations: Depending on availability, snagging it at MSRP may be a challenge.

That’s our pour for today! Eagle Rare 12 is proof that with patience and quality craftsmanship, even a classic can evolve beautifully. Whether you're a long-time fan or looking for a premium bourbon addition, this one deserves a spot in your glass. Cheers!

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