Eagle Rare 12

Overview
Eagle Rare 12 Year Bourbon represents Buffalo Trace's expansion of its acclaimed lineup, offering a batched 12-year expression that delivers mature depth and consistency as a bridge between the standard 10-year single barrel and the rarer 17-year version.

Specs at a glance

Good to know
Originally distilled at Four Roses, Old Prentice Distillery, and Heaven Hill before moving to Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare's popularity surged around 2016, creating allocation challenges. This new 12-year release uses a batched format—unlike the 10-year single barrel—to ensure flavor consistency and round out profiles, addressing demands for a more accessible aged option within the lineup that also includes Double Eagle Very Rare and the 25-year.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Sweet oak dominates alongside cedar cigar box notes and hints of vanilla.
• Palate: Expert reviews highlight added depth from extended aging without excess oak influence.
• Finish: Balanced maturation rounds out the profile for a consistent, mature close.

Notable details

• Production: Batched bourbon matured for 12 years; non-single barrel for enhanced consistency.
• Lineage: Part of Buffalo Trace's Eagle Rare family, evolving from historic distilleries to current Sazerac ownership.
• Comparison: Seen as a refined step up from the 10-year, bridging to the premium 17-year BTAC.
• Availability: Production increases at Buffalo Trace may ease scarcity over time.

"Eagle Rare 12 Years is a well-crafted, mature improvement on the 10-year version that adds depth without excess oak, though its scarcity undermines accessibility." – The Bourbon Culture

Closing
A reliable, batch-consistent choice for those seeking Eagle Rare's signature profile with added maturity.

Sources

[1] Thebourbonculture – "Eagle Rare Aged 12 Years Bourbon Review"

[2] Breakingbourbon – "Eagle Rare 12 Year Review | Breaking Bourbon"

[3] Bourbonbanter – "Buffalo Trace Eagle Rare 12 New Release Review"

[4] Breakingbourbon – "Press Release: BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES EAGLE RARE 12 YEAR"

[5] Foodandwine – "Bourbon Fans, Meet Your New Favorite Pour: Eagle Rare 12"

[6] Whiskycritic – "Eagle Rare 12 Year Old Joins Permanent Range For Buffalo Trace"