Breaking Bourbon's Best Of Bourbon 2025
This release is actually 18 years old.
This rare bourbon ages in oak barrels for nearly two decades and is only available in small quantities once a year, every fall. Sip this polished, well-aged whiskey to appreciate why patience is such a virtue.
The fragrant aroma has almost a wine-like character with hints of almond, cigar boxes and cinnamon. The delicate and dry mid-palate tastes of leather, vanilla and tobacco. This bourbon lingers, finishing with hint of leather and toffee.
Age: 18 years 4 months old at bottling.
Proof: 101 proof (50.5% ABV)
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Opens with dark tobacco and well-worn leather, accented by ripe cherry and a lively peppery edge.
Palate: Caramel’s gentle sweetness woven through with supple leather and bursts of cherry brightness.
Finish: Smooth yet resonant, unfolding with lasting oak, a touch of vanilla, and a gentle echo of sweetness.
Batch Specific Reviews:
"This year's Eagle Rare 17 Year is a beautifully balanced, high-aged bourbon that deftly manages its oak, showcasing lush fruit, aged leather, and a deep, well-controlled complexity without becoming overly dry." - Eric Hasman, Breaking Bourbon (WOW)
"This might be my favorite eagle rare 17 since I've been trying these since 2020." - It's Bourbon Night
"This was the first pour we had and holy shit did it set the tone for this flight. I mean just rich grape, cherry, and oak, viscous, suuuuper long finish, tons going on. Going into this flight I wasn't sure if the ER 17 was going to really separate itself that much compared to the standard Eagle Rare, but man this one is a whole different animal. Tied with WLW for my favorite nose. I would not be surprised at all if some people preferred this over the GTS or even picked it as their favorite, it's an awesome pour." - /r/bourbon (user: DrinkerNotCollector)
"There is a spicy sassafrass root beer element to both the nose and palate, with subtle aromas of sage and bay leaf. Herbal flavors also coat the palate, which has a toasted sesame seed nuttiness adding to notes of caramel and apricot fruit leather. The finish is at once spicy, sweet, and fruity with that underlying root beer note adding further nuance." - Amanda Schuster, Distiller (92 Points)
"It is decadent, fruit-driven, and impeccably balanced. For me, it was the standout of the night, everything I love about Eagle Rare distilled into one expression." - Beth Squires, The Whiskey Wash (10/10)
