Eagle Rare 10 Year, Single Barrel- Ky Straight Bourbon

Bourbon Review #18: Eagle Rare 10 Year, Single Barrel- KY Straight Bourbon

Category: “Go-To”
Price: $32
Availability: Year Round-Everywhere.        
Proof: 90, 45% avb

Age: 10 Years Old.

Mashbill: Buffalo Trace #1 Mashbill      

Distillery: Buffalo Trace- Frankfort, Kentucky

    

     Eagle Rare is a 10 year-old, single barrel, Kentucky straight Bourbon. It’s the first "go to" bourbon that I’ve reviewed utilizing the #1 Buffalo trace mashbill. This mashbill contains a lower percentage of rye when compared to their #2 mashbill. For comparison, I’ll list a few examples of each:

B.T. #1 Mashbill: Buffalo Trace (Standard Label), Eagle Rare, George T Stag, Colonel E.H. Taylor, etcetera. 

B.T. #2 Mashbill: Rock Hill Farms, Elmer T Lee, Blanton’s, Ancient Age, etcetera.

     For the record, B.T. also has straight rye (Sazarac and Thomas Handy) and wheated bourbon (W.L. Weller and Van Winkle) mashbills.

     Eagle Rare 10 year has placed highly at a number of distilled spirit competitions. It received a string of gold and double gold medals from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Between 2005 and 2010, it was given an above-average score of 92 by the Beverage Testing Institute. In 2013, Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon was awarded the inaugural Bourbon Trophy at the International Wine & Spirits Competition in the United Kingdom.

     Buffalo Trace also puts out a 17-year-old version of Eagle Rare for their annual, limited release “Antique Collection”. It’s basically the same expression as the 10-year. It’s also offered at the same (90) proof. The only difference is it’s seven years older than it’s little brother.

     

     Overall: this is a nice, solid bourbon. However, in my opinion, it's not exceptional. For about the same price, I could pick up a bottle of Elmer T Lee or Four Roses Single barrel. I happen to personally prefer both over the Eagle Rare. It lacks luster, particularly in complexity. Again, it’s not a bad bourbon! It’s just not my favorite style of bourbon.

     Forward in the mouth there's a sweet corn roundedness. This is followed by some mid-palate notes of caramel, and a small hint of orange zest. The citrus note flows into the finish mixing with bright, pungent oak, and a trace of vanilla. In my opinion, the biggest note is the oak. This expression is heavy on wood, particularly on the back-end of the pallet. The finish is moderate in length. The viscosity is mid-range. The Colonel’s score is between 6 and 7 out of 10.

   

Willett Family Estate 9 Year Old Single Barrel, Barrel Strength KY Straight Bourbon

Bourbon Review #17: Willett “Family Estate”, 9 Year Old, Single Barrel- Barrel Proof, Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Category: “Boutique”

Price: $85

Availability: Limited (Spring) Release.       

Proof: 119.6, 59.8% avb

Age: Nine Years Old.

Mashbill: Traditional Bourbon      

Distillery: Sourced From Unknown Distillery. Produced by: Willett (KBD)

     After a fortnight aboard the international space station, I touched down in Portland, Oregon. The purpose of my visit was to attend the celebratory wedding of my brother-in-law, and (to be) sister-in-law, Mr. & Mrs. Vincent & Ximena Sliwoski.

     I wanted something special to review for this festive occasion. I also wanted to select something out of my pantry that Vince had not tried. Unfortunately, he had already tried the bourbons that are on the list to be reviewed, while he had not tried the bourbons that I have already reviewed.

     I was hoping to snag a special fall release prior to my trip, but the release did not coincide with my depature. This was going to be trickier than I thought, so I called on my good friend Dr. Joel Kilty.

     Joel came to the rescue with a super-premium bourbon that neither I nor Vince had tried! To add an element of surprise to the show, I asked Joel not to reveal the bourbon that he had chosen.

     On the one hand, this is not my preferred method for reviewing bourbons. Prior to each review, I like to become familiar with a given expression. This involves sampling it multiple times (at least three) over a given period of time. I do this because on more than one occasion, my thoughts have changed from a first encounter compared with future samplings.

     Regardless, I knew that opening the package on the show would add an element of excitement and surprise. I couldn’t help but feel like a kid at Christmas, as I tore into the packaging!

     If you are curious about the Willett/KBD Company, I would invite you to read my previous reviews on their other products. To keep from repeating information, I won’t focus on that topic during this review.

     Vincent is a long over-due special guest on the show. He enjoys good bourbons more than many of my other family members. His lovely bride Ximena was a pleasure to have aboard as well! She is such a kind, warm person, and a marvelous addition to our growing family! I wish them both all the best regarding their future together as husband and wife!

     
     Overall: This is an incredibly balanced bourbon with a drop-kick to the Adam’s-apple! It offers the same level of elegance as the 2013 Parker’s Heritage. It is perhaps a tad-bit sweeter. The major difference is the proof. 2013 Parker’s is 96 proof, while this expression comes in at 119.6. During the episode, I failed to mention the color. It’s basically a bright, golden-amber.

     After returning home, I finished off the last of the sample. I tried it both neat and with a splash of water. The water softened the alcohol, while increasing some liquorish notes, akin to Indian mukhwas. However, I prefer this expression neat. If you plan on adding water, I would recommend a very conservative amount. The Colonel’s score is 9 out of 10!

      

Four Roses Single Barrel

Bourbon Review #16: Four Roses Single Barrel

Category: “Go-To”

Price: $35

Availability: Everywhere, year-round.       

Proof: 100, 50% avb

Age: No Age Statement.

Mashbill: OBSV   

Distillery: Four Roses- Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.

     In my opinion, the Four Roses company produces some of the nicest bourbons on the market today! From their entry level “Yellow Label”, to their super premium “Limited Release” and “Private Selections”, Four Roses is top-to-bottom excellent bourbon! F.R. Single Barrel is the most popular single barrel bourbon in the state of Kentucky. I think that says a lot about this product, and the company!

     Several months ago, I reviewed the F. R. 2013, Limited Release- Small Batch.  In the written portion of that review I extensively covered the history of the F.R. Company. If you’re interested why F.R. is so special, I would recommend reading that entry. The subject for this review is the F.R. “regular” single barrel.

     I say “regular”, so that there won’t be any confusion. Each year in the spring, F.R. releases a limited edition single barrel. They also have a private selection single barrel. What makes the regular juice different from the limited release stuff? Well, to over-simplify it, price, allocation, mashbill, warehouse aging location, and proof, among other factors.

     By contrast, the “regular” single barrel can be found most anywhere at a reasonable price-point of $38. In fact, I found it in my town for $33. In my opinion, that’s a tremendous value when considering the quality of this juice!

      For a long time now, Elmer T. Lee has held the #1 spot of my favorite “go-to” bourbons. Up until now, everything that I’ve put up against it has fallen short.  Well folks, that’s about to change! Yes, the Four Roses Single Barrel has finely dethroned Mr. T. Lee, and is therefore the new heavyweight champion of the “go-to” bourbons! Subsequently, Elmer T Lee has moved down to the #2 spot.

     
     Overall: The F.R. Single Barrel is an incredibly unique and balanced bourbon. However, if you’re not a fan of rye forward bourbons, I would point you in other directions. I love it because it’s heavy in the mouth, the alcohol is very nicely integrated, and the finish is long and luxurious. Mid palate notes included: sweet maraschino cherries, bright oak and creamy vanilla. Finish notes included: Baking spices, (clove and cinnamon) soft wood and rye pepper. This expression strikes an interesting balance between big bold flavors mixed with soft creamy notes. In short, nothing taste like a Four Roses bourbon! Its just all-around great stuff!! The Colonel’s score is a very high 8 out of 10.