Eagle Rare – Single Barrel

Eagle Rare – Single Barrel

Aged 10 Years
Proof: 90 (45% Alc/Vol)
North Carolina Price: $28.95
Distilled, Aged, and Bottled by: Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, KY

Buffalo Trace’s Eagle Rare started off with a pleasant caramel and citrus aroma and a hint of orange filling the senses. Always starting with a pour served neat, my first thoughts were of a strong spiciness and a bit of a peppery start. After a few swirls about the pallet, a welcome softening and smoothness was revealed. On the rocks, hints of orange, citrus, and clove flavors warmed the pallet with a smooth buttery feel after the initial peppery/spiciness start. The finish was good, but still a hint of spiciness. Complex flavors of vanilla and caramel were noted during the smooth buttery phase midway through the tasting. The longer I sipped this bourbon on ice; it only became smoother start to finish. Now in this third review, I am finding this to be the case with the bourbons sampled thus far.

This Buffalo Trace Eagle Rare Single Barrel bourbon was enjoyable. For overall value I would rank it a respectable 4.4 out of 5 and a 4.2 for taste.

Blanton’s – “The Original Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey”

January 12, 2013

Blanton’s. When a bourbon aficionado hears the name, it likely provokes such thoughts as silky smooth, refined bouquet, and a craft-mans quality.

Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey showed no signs of weakness as this weeks Bourbon Brief review choice. Bottled by Blanton Distilling Company in Frankfort, Kentucky.

Bottle Specifics:

Blanton’s Registered Bottle No. 216
Bourbon dumped on. 7-24-2012, from Barrel No. 280, Warehouse H, Rick No. 14
Selected and bottled by hand at 93 Proof (46.5%)
North Carolina Price: $47.95* (750ml) – *January special price. Regular $51.95
Served: Neat and then on the rocks.

The bottle presentation for Blanton’s Single-Barrel Bourbon exudes the expected quality one would expect. Each bottled is capped by one of seven unique derby stoppers. Each stopper has a letter inscribed on it. When a complete set has been collected, it spells out Blanton’s.

Upon uncorking the bottle, a subtile and pleasant oaky aroma filled the senses. The first taste was exactly what one would expect. Hints of oak, vanilla, and carmel opening up the taste buds. It was silky smooth and full bodied without an over powering burn. Served neat: the start and the finish of this fine bourbon is one of the best sampled thus far. Adding ice and serving Blanton’s on the rocks only amplified the smoothness. It was identical start to finish, which was something I had not experienced in any other bourbon. Exceptional is the one word that I would use to categorize Blanton’s single-barrel bourbon. It would be my top choice for special occasions and celebrations.

In the 50 dollar range, I would rate this bourbon (on a 1-5 scale) as a 5 for taste and a 4.7 for value. The master distiller at Blanton’s have done an fantastic job producing this great bourbon.

www.blantonsbourbon.com