For the past few years, whiskey fans have wondered when Buffalo Trace would finally capitalize on all that aging stock from its massive $1.2 billion expansion, and we’re just now starting to get an answer. Perhaps its biggest Eagle Rare play in decades, the Kentucky powerhouse has just announced Eagle Rare 12 for its permanent lineup. In an industry starting to see a slight decline after years of growth, this kind of non-limited release is refreshing to say the least.
The Expansion Payoff
Buffalo Trace’s decade-long construction project didn’t just add more warehouses but created capacity for expressions like this. The distillery can now age larger volumes of whiskey for extended periods without compromising existing production lines. Eagle Rare 12 represents the first major fruit of that investment, using the same low-rye Mashbill #1 that defines the 10-year bourbon but with two additional years in meticulously monitored warehouses.
Older and Hotter
The proof bump from 90 to 95 might seem modest but it serves a purpose of differentiating between the 10-year Eagle Rare and Buffalo Trace’s 100-proof E.H. Taylor Small Batch, both of which share the same mashbill. The increased ABV is also indicative in the evolving palates of the modern whiskey consumer who appreciates that extra bite.
For the Eagle Rare 12, the distillery describes the aroma as sweet and oaky with almond notes, transitioning to vanilla and toasted oak on the palate before a rich toffee finish.
Historical Context
Eagle Rare’s journey from Seagram’s luxury offering (their Four Roses alternative) in 1975 to today’s allocation darling reflects the journey American whiskey has been taking over the past 50 years. Created by Charles L. Beam at 101 proof, Eagle Rare has been repositioned multiple times. First when Sazerac acquired it in 1989, then when production moved from Heaven Hill to Buffalo Trace in the early ’90s, and again in 2005 when the proof dropped to 90 and it turned into a single-barrel expression that’s now become a cult favorite, in part thanks to its accessible pricing point.
Spec Sheet
Expression: Eagle Rare 12 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Type: Single-barrel straight bourbon
Age Statement: 12 years
ABV: 47.5%
Mashbill: Buffalo Trace Mashbill #1 (low-rye)
Aroma: Sweet oak, almond
Palate: Vanilla, toasted oak, toffee notes
Finish: Rich, lingering with warm toffee
Limited Edition?: No
Pricing & Availability
According to Buffalo Trace, the Eagle Rare 12 will have a $50 MSRP (750mL) when it lands later this month, but you can expect that price to go up at retailers and bottle shops. The Eagle Rare 10 regularly sells for upwards of $60 when you can find it despite the $40 suggested retail. Nevertheless, the presence of the 12-year might actually ease pressure on its younger brother to make it less expensive and more available. One can at least hope.
Recap
Eagle Rare 12 Year Bourbon
Buffalo Trace has just announced the first fruits of its massive distillery expansion. The cult-favorite Eagle Rare will now be available in a 12-year expression, and with only a $50 MSRP.
