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Bourbon Knowledge

Everything You Need to Know About Eagle Rare 25

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Bourbon collectors love a good chase. And with the release of Eagle Rare 25, Buffalo Trace may have just created the most coveted bottle in American whiskey.

This isn’t your standard Eagle Rare 10, 12, 17-year from the Antique Collection, Double Eagle Very Rare. This is a 25-year-old, single-barrel bourbon—aged longer than most distillers would dare, then bottled in a crystal decanter with sterling silver accents. It’s limited, it’s expensive, and it’s already creating a stir in the bourbon world.

Let’s walk through what makes this bottle such a standout, where you might find one, and whether it lives up to the $10,000 price tag, which by the way, lands it right at the number 3 most expensive bourbon in the world.

What Is Eagle Rare 25?

Eagle Rare 25 is exactly what it sounds like: a quarter-century-old Kentucky straight bourbon from Buffalo Trace. It was released in late 2023 in extremely limited quantities—just 200 bottles globally. The whiskey comes from barrels that spent over two decades aging in traditional rickhouses before being moved to Warehouse P, a custom-built facility designed to help ultra-aged bourbon retain balance without turning into a tannic oak bomb.

The final product is bottled at 101 proof and comes in a heavy, hand-blown decanter topped with a silver eagle wing. It’s clearly positioned as a statement piece—more in line with something you’d see from The Last Drop or Pappy 25 than anything in the mainline Buffalo Trace portfolio.

Tasting Notes & Flavor Profile

When you hear “25-year-old bourbon,” you might expect something over-oaked and borderline undrinkable. But reviewers say Eagle Rare 25 doesn’t fall into that trap.

According to early tasters, the nose leads with dark cherry, cocoa powder, and a sweet vanilla glaze. The palate brings in soft oak, dried fruit, and butterscotch, with a surprisingly creamy mouthfeel for the proof. The finish is long and spice-forward—think clove, pepper, and old leather—with just enough tannin to remind you this sat in wood for two and a half decades.

Warehouse P’s climate control seems to have paid off: this is a mature bourbon that still manages to feel alive.

How Much Does Eagle Rare 25 Cost?

  • Retail price: $10,000 (if you can even find it at retail)
  • Secondary market: Rumors of bottles changing hands for $18K to $25K
  • Bar pours: Select accounts may offer half-ounce pours ranging from $500 to over $1,000

To put it in perspective, Buffalo Trace’s “Double Eagle Very Rare” 20-year-old release carried a $2,000 MSRP. Eagle Rare 25 is five years older, far rarer, and more than five times the price.

Is Eagle Rare 25 Worth It?

The Case For:
You’re buying a piece of bourbon history—Buffalo Trace has never released anything like this before.

The presentation is top-tier. It’s the kind of bottle that turns heads even among seasoned collectors.

From a flavor standpoint, it’s apparently far more elegant than many other ultra-aged bourbons.

The Case Against:
At $10K, this isn’t an everyday drinker. It’s priced more like art than whiskey.

The secondary market is flooded with fakes—especially when bottles get into five-figure territory.

If you’re looking for the best bang-for-your-buck pour, you can get phenomenal bottles at 1/100th the price.

As a fellow enthusiast told me, “If your 401(k) smells like oak and vanilla, you’re doing it wrong.”

How to Find Eagle Rare 25

The 200 bottles were allocated to top-tier accounts and high-end retailers. Your best bet is to check with luxury spirits shops in major cities, or look for it on the bar list at upscale hotels and steakhouses—Vegas, New York, and LA are your best shot.

Buffalo Trace has also hinted that some bars will be pouring it by the ounce. Expect to pay heavily for the privilege—think $500+ per pour.

If you’re trying to score a bottle on the secondary market, do your homework. Counterfeits are always a risk at this level. Stick with trusted sources or buy from well-vetted collectors.

How It Compares to Other Eagle Rare Releases

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you understand how ER25 stacks up:

BottleAgeProofMSRPNotes
Eagle Rare 1010 yrs90~$50Widely available, classic value
Eagle Rare 17 (BTAC)17 yrs101~$130 MSRP / ~$1,500 marketAnnual limited release
Double Eagle Very Rare20 yrs90~$2,000Luxe packaging, <2,000 bottles
Eagle Rare 2525 yrs101$10,000+One-time release, 200 bottles

The 25-year isn’t just older—it’s on another planet when it comes to exclusivity and presentation. But for most drinkers, the 10 or 17 will provide plenty of enjoyment without the sticker shock.

Final Thoughts

Eagle Rare 25 is the kind of bottle that gets remembered. Whether you view it as a drink, a flex, or an investment, there’s no denying its impact. Buffalo Trace went all-in on age, packaging, and scarcity—and based on early reviews, they managed to deliver a bourbon that’s not just old, but genuinely exceptional.

If you’re one of the lucky few to try it, savor it. If not, well, there’s always next year’s unicorn.

Bourbon Knowledge

What Is Eagle Rare 12 Year? Everything You Need To Know

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What is Eagle Rare 12?

Eagle Rare 12 is the exciting newest age‑stated bourbon from Buffalo Trace, officially launched in June 2025. It joins the Eagle Rare family as a permanent staple, following their iconic 10‑year, 17‑year, and even 25‑year offerings. This expression takes Buffalo Trace’s revered Mashbill #1 and ages it for a minimum of 12 years, offering a bolder profile thanks to its extra aging and elevated proof.

Crafted with the same low‑rye mashbill as Eagle Rare 10 (corn‑forward with ~10% rye), this 12‑year version is bottled at 95 proof (47.5 % ABV), boosting both depth and complexity beyond the 10‑year’s 90 proof. The result is a richer palate: think toasted oak, vanilla, warm toffee, and delicate almond on the nose.

Buffalo Trace introduced Eagle Rare 12 to commemorate the completion of a 10‑year, $1.2 billion expansion, a project designed to increase production and aging capacity. This new release leverages that expansion, enabling them to meet demand for age‑stated bourbons without disrupting their premium lineup.

Who Makes Eagle Rare 12 Year?

Eagle Rare 12 is crafted by Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Frankfort, Kentucky. Buffalo Trace has produced Eagle Rare since the brand joined the Sazerac family in 1989; production shifted there by 1992. As the world’s most-awarded distillery, Buffalo Trace continues evolving its Eagle Rare line under the guidance of Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley and Global Brand Director Andrew Duncan.

Is Eagle Rare, Single Barrel?

Eagle Rare 12, like its 10‑year sibling, is not technically labeled “single barrel”. While historically Eagle Rare 10 was marketed as single barrel until circa 2005–2017, modern bottling mingles barrels during packaging and drops the designation, but the quality remains consistently high.

Is Eagle Rare a Wheated Bourbon?

No, Eagle Rare uses Mashbill #1, a low‑rye (not wheated) mash recipe, typically around 10% rye. That gives it a classic bourbon backbone with a touch of spiciness, rather than the sweeter, softer profile of wheated bourbons.

Where to Buy Eagle Rare?

Eagle Rare 12 began shipping to select U.S. retailers, bars, and restaurants in June 2025, with international markets receiving it in Fall 2025.

Availability is rolling, so check your favorites or ask to be notified. Supply is initially limited, but Buffalo Trace plans to maintain steady release thanks to their expanded aging capacity.

You can bet, however, that once Eagle Rare 12 gets released, it will be impossible to find (like many other Buffalo Trace Bourbons).

How Much Does Eagle Rare Cost?

Surprising many in the whiskey community, the suggested retail price (MSRP) is $49.99 per 750 ml bottle. That’s remarkably affordable for a 12‑year bourbon.

Be prepared, though, secondary market prices will almost definitely climb beyond MSRP initially, based on local scarcity and demand. Likely, it will end up running in the $150 – $350 range once it hits shelves.

Eagle Rare 12 marks an exciting evolution for Buffalo Trace and the Eagle Rare lineup, a bourbon that adds age, proof, and complexity, yet remains approachable and well‑priced. It’s a testament to Buffalo Trace’s growth and commitment to crafting more age‑stated expressions. Whether you’re a longtime Eagle Rare fan or new to the brand, this 12‑year cousin delivers depth, heritage, and value in every glass.

Bourbon Knowledge

The Best Bourbons for Beginners in 2025

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So you got a bottle of nice bourbon for Christmas, your birthday, or Father’s Day. What’s next? Here’s our top 10 best bourbons for beginners and aspiring bourbon lovers. Each of these bottles is very different, and provides a very different flavor profile in the tree of bourbon types.

If you’re on of the many beginners in the bourbon world, there is definitely something for you on this list. We compiled this list to focus on value, flavor, and diversity.

  1. Bulleit Bourbon: Made from a unique blend of rye, corn, and barley malt, along with special strains of yeast and pure Kentucky limestone-filtered water. It has a high-rye content and a peppery, spicy flavor. This makes it a great choice for those who enjoy a bit of a kick in their bourbon. The high-rye content gives it a bold, spicy character with a distinctively smooth, clean finish. The subtlety and complexity of Bulleit Bourbon come from its unique blend of rye, corn, and barley malt, along with special strains of yeast and pure Kentucky limestone-filtered water.
  2. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon: This is a personal favorite, and an easy entry point into a more “elite” tier of consumer-level bourbon. Woodford Reserve is a classic and every bourbon drinker – from seasoned pros to beginners – loves Woodford Reserve. Known for its smooth and long finish, Woodford provides the perfect entrance to anyone knocking on the Bourbon Trail’s front door. It has a rich, chewy, rounded and smooth taste, with complex citrus, cinnamon and cocoa. Woodford Reserve is a super-premium “small batch” bourbon with roots at the Labrot & Graham Distillery, a National Historic Landmark in Woodford County, Kentucky.
  3. Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon: High proof and low price? Perfect. Wild Turkey 101 is an excellent budget entry into the bourbon category. It offers tastes of sweet vanilla, pear, and hints of spice. This bourbon is a marriage of primarily 6, 7, and 8-year-old bourbons. Wild Turkey 101 has a high rye content in the mash bill and is known for its robust and full-bodied flavor.
  4. Eagle Rare 10 Year Old: This is easily the hardest-to-find bourbon on this list. But it is also a perfect entry point into the world of highly-sought-after Buffalo Trace bourbons. Eagle Rare has an age statement of 10 years, and is a refined, smoother version of Buffalo Trace. It has a taste that is bold, dry and delicate with notes of candied almonds and very rich cocoa. Eagle Rare is a bourbon that lives up to its name with its lofty, distinctive taste experience.
  5. Knob Creek: An omnipresent fixture on many bars, Knob Creek 9 Year is probably the most versatile and affordable bourbon on the market. It is part of Jim Beam’s Small Batch Collection. It has a taste of rich, sweet, woody, full-bodied, almost fruity.
  6. Four Roses Bourbon: The Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon is one of the best bourbons out there. It has premium-quality tasting notes that you can drink neat or on the rocks. It has a taste of mellow spice, rich fruit, hints of sweet oak and caramel.
  7. Maker’s Mark Bourbon: For beginners, it is often best to start with a lower-proof bourbon to get used to the taste. Maker’s Mark is made with wheat instead of rye, which gives it a softer flavor profile. It has a taste of woody oak, caramel, vanilla and wheat prevail in the nose.
  8. Evan Williams Bottled-In-Bond: Clocking in at 100 proof, the Evan Williams Bottled-In-Bond bourbon is an elite bottom-shelf selection that even the most seasoned bourbon pros will go for. It is delicious, and has a taste of light oak with deep vanilla and mint. Since this is bottled-in-bond, you’ll enjoy both an age statement and higher-proof on this bourbon. If you like this, consider splurging a little for the King of Bottled-In-Bond bourbon, the E.H. Taylor Small Batch bourbon.
  9. 1792 Small Batch: Kentucky became a state in 1792, giving this distillery its namesake. 1792’s Small Batch Bourbon is a collaboration between the distillery and parent company Sazerac (which also owns Buffalo Trace and Pappy Van Winkle). It has a taste of expressive and rich with flavors of peppery spices, fruit, vanilla, and caramel.
  10. Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: This bourbon is a very common entry-level bourbon, and probably has the most under-rated flavor profile from any on this list. Known for its high rye content, it has a spicy, peppery, honey, light-bodied, gentle bite.

Remember, the best beginner bourbon will depend a bit on your personal tastes. Consider the aroma, taste, and finish of each bourbon. Whether you prefer to sip it straight up, on the rocks, or mixed into a cocktail, there’s bound to be a bourbon for you.

Bourbon Hunting

Here’s How Much Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) Is Worth

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What is a good price for the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC)? How much is it worth?

This is part part of a holidays series where we look at bourbon, the price of popular bourbon, and how much you should pay for it in the 2023 holiday season without getting ripped off.

What is a good price for Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Bourbons?

According to the crowd-sourced BoozApp, here’s what you should pay for the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection:

  • Thomas H. Handy Sazerac (750 mL): MSRP $99.50, Fair Price $515.82, High Price above $700.00.
  • George T. Staff (750 mL): MSRP $99.50, Fair Price: $413.05, High Price above $709.65
  • William Larue Weller (750 mL): MSRP $99.50, Fair Price: $567.35, High Price above 1296.96
  • Eagle Rare 17 Year (750 mL): MSRP $99.50, Fair Price $480.36, High Price above $1998.89
  • Sazerac Rye 18 Year (750 mL): MSRP $99.50, Fair Price $422.69, High Price above $1765.87

What is the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection?

The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) is an annually released, five-bottle collection of hard-to-find bourbon and rye whiskeys. Each of the five is unique, varying by mash, maturation length, or proof. The distillery releases the collection every fall, and each bottle is regarded among the most sought-after and hard-to-find bourbons on the market.

The BTAC includes the following :

George T. Stagg Bourbon: Made with Buffalo Trace’s Mashbill #1, it’s a barrel-proof bourbon whiskey aged for at least 15 years.

Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon: Also made with Buffalo Trace’s Mashbill #1. This is effectively classic Eagle Rare that’s a little longer in the tooth.

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey: An uncut, unfiltered Straight Rye Whiskey, named after the New Orleans bartender who first used rye whiskey in the Sazerac Cocktail, offering a powerful, lush, and boldly spicy flavor profile.

Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old Whiskey: Aged for 18 years, this whiskey offers a unique taste profile, with Buffalo Trace halting its aging by decanting the whiskey into stainless steel tanks.

William Larue Weller Bourbon: The original wheated bourbon, substituting wheat for rye grain, aged on the highest warehouse floors for a smooth, yet full-bodied taste.

Read our tasting notes and more info on each of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection bourbons here.

Why is BTAC So Hard To Find?

Due to the limited number of bottles produced every year, the Antique Collection isn’t easy to get a hold of. Since 2018, Buffalo Trace has kept the number of bottles produced a closely-guarded secret. The entire collection is allocated, which means that liquor stores, bars, and restaurants can only acquire a small amount at a time.

These bottles are also highly-desired, and regarded as the best-in-class for bourbon. Because of their collectability, they’ve become a prime prize for whiskey taters.

Where can I find Bourbons In The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection?

The limited-edition Antique Collection bottles are sold separately and are usually available at retail in early October. While the MSRP tends to be around ~$100, buyers will be hard-pressed to find any of these bottles for < $500.

The best place to actually land one of these bottles is through a lottery, at a grocery store (not a package store, and where state laws are applicable), or through a promotion.

Finding these bottles can be a challenge due to their limited availability and high demand. It’s recommended to check with local liquor stores, bars, and restaurants, as they may receive a small allocation of the collection in the fall every year.

Please note that the availability of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection may vary depending on your location and the specific regulations of your state.

Happy hunting!

Bourbon Hunting

Your 2024 Whiskey Bucket List Needs These 10 Bottles

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Ready to revamp your whiskey game in 2024? We’re talking about a whiskey bucket list stacked with top-tier bourbon, all budget-friendly and easy to find. Everything on this bucket list is tried and true, and based on both old classics and new bottles that emerged as top pours in 2023 – and show potential to carry on that promise into 2024.

Honorable Mentions


2023 was a year of bourbon highlights, but not all of the bourbons that emerged last year will make it onto our list for 2024. Here’s a few of those honorable mentions:

One of the most acclaimed bourbons of 2023 was Henry McKenna Single Barrel Bourbon, which won the “Best in Show” award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. This 10-year-old bourbon from Heaven Hill Distillery is the only extra-aged bottled-in-bond single barrel bourbon available, and it offers a rich and buttery flavor profile with a smooth finish.

Another standout bourbon was Booker’s 2023-01: Charlie’s Batch, named after the woodworker who designed the wooden boxes for Booker’s releases. This barrel-proof bourbon from Jim Beam has a potent and complex nose, with notes of clover, white nectarine, caramel, chocolate, and oak.

For those who prefer a softer and sweeter bourbon, W.L. Weller Special Reserve was a great choice. This wheated bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery has a smooth and mellow taste, with hints of vanilla, honey, and spice.

Finally, one of the most surprising bourbons of 2023 was Woodinville Whiskey Company Straight Bourbon, which came from Washington state. This bourbon is made from locally grown corn, rye, and malted barley, and aged in charred new oak barrels. It has a balanced and flavorful character, with notes of caramel, dark fruit, and wood smoke, and earns an “honorable mention” for this whiskey bucket list.

Top 10 Whiskeys for your 2024 Bucket List

  • Heaven’s Door Tennessee Bourbon
  • Bulleit 10 Year Old Bourbon
  • Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
  • Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
  • E.H. Taylor Small Batch
  • Four Roses Small Batch
  • Knob Creek Small Batch 9 Year Old
  • Maker’s Mark 46
  • Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select
  • Eagle Rare 10 Year Old


Whiskey Bucket List Tasting & Notes

Heaven’s Door Tennessee Bourbon

This American classic has been aged for at least eight years and balances a symphony of spicy and sweet with undertones of fruit and caramel. Heaven’s Door Tennessee Bourbon, an 8-year-old American whiskey, strikes a balanced mix of flavor profiles, making it a preferred choice for whiskey enthusiasts that want to branch away from the traditional Kentucky blends without sacrificing quality.

Fair Price: $61.75

Bulleit 10 Year Old Bourbon

The 10 year age statement on this bourbon is a winner. Notably acknowledged for its smooth character, Bulleit 10 Year Old Bourbon brings to the fore a high-standard straight whiskey. The whiskey delivers a refined, clean finish, and delivers a balanced flavor profile. You can’t go wrong with this bottle.

Fair Price: $64.38

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof

“ECBP” has won lots of awards recently and is the chatter of the whiskey community. Characterized by its exceptionally balanced taste, Elijah Craig is reminiscent of warm spices, subtle smoke, and sweet molasses – a perfect bottle for anyone stepping into the world of small-batch bourbons.

Fair Price: $99.59

Russell’s Reserve 10-Year-Old Bourbon

Bottled at 90 proof, this robust Russell bourbon excites the palate with notes of toffee, fruit, and a bit of smoke – a commendable mid-shelf bottle for bourbon lovers.

Fair Price: $78.20

E.H. Taylor Small Batch

This bourbon is highly-rated, delicious and a perfect example of Buffalo Trace’s famous Mashbill #1. This bourbon hints of caramel and vanilla with a mellow complexity. This is a phenominal sipper and one of our favorites. This bottle is also allocated, so jump on it if you see it for a reasonable price. (Read our E.H. Taylor price guide here)

Fair Price: $96.00

Four Roses Small Batch

Four Roses is a rich, smooth bourbon with spicy flavors contrasting with sweet oak and caramel notes. (Read our complete review on Four Roses Small Batch here)

Fair Price: $62.91

Knob Creek Small Batch 9 Year Old

Aged for nine years, this bourbon offers a sweet, woody flavor with a rich, full body, a perfect sipping companion.

Fair Price: $52.67

Maker’s Mark 46

Known for its balanced soft and smooth taste, Maker’s Mark 46 stands a head and shoulders above all Maker’s Mark products. It imparts a unique character from aging in French Oak barrels, is easily accessible, and absolutely worth the extra price over regular Marker’s.

Fair Price: $50.52

Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select

Stepping into the upper echelon of easily accessible bourbons, we encounter the classic Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select. True to its Kentucky roots, this bourbon is crafted with a balanced mix of corn, barley, and rye, impressing bourbon lovers with its subtle mix of dried fruit, vanilla, and toasted oak. The taste enthralls with a medley of cocoa, spicy cinnamon, creamy vanilla, and sweet caramel. Its full-bodied flavor, coupled with a silky-smooth texture, rounds out your drink nicely.

Fair Price: $52.99

Eagle Rare 10 Year Old

A high-quality bourbon that spotlights the perfect balance of sweet, oak, and herbaceous notes. Eagle Rare’s age statement goes a step above Buffalo Trace, and it shows. This bourbon is a fantastic sipper, and a star in cocktails.

Fair Price: $42.39

Elijah Craig’s Small Batch remains a personal standout on this whiskey bucket list, with its undeniably warm spice and subtle smoke sync that overlays a sweet molasses taste. Meanwhile, the robust Russell’s Reserve 10-Year-Old pours out an unforgettable taste structure that beautifully harmonizes toffee and fruit notes against a touch of smoke.

Although these are personal favorites, bear in mind the poweful draw of the bourbon landscape lies within its diversity. Let your taste buds be the explorer while remembering the words of Mark Twain: “too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough.”

Happy hunting in 2024!

Bourbon Knowledge

What Is The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection?

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The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, also known as BTAC, consists of 5 main bourbons. Good luck finding any of them – these are some of the scarcest and highest-sought-after bourbons in the world.

For bourbon enthusiasts, the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) isn’t just another collection; it’s a significant point of interest. This collection offers unique experiences for those who manage to acquire it, but not without some criticisms from the community. Here’s a more straightforward examination of the BTAC:

Buffalo Trace Antique Collection List

Here’s a list of the 5 bourbons in the Buffalo Trace antique collection, alongside tasting notes and criticisms.

George T. Stagg


Tasting Notes: At a whopping 140 proof, 15 years of aging gives George T. Stagg and extraordinarily rich palate. You can expect flavors of dark chocolate, dried fruits, and warming spices, combined with a tobacco-like smokiness. The finish is long, with hints of vanilla and toasted oak.

Critique: While flavorful, its high proof can be intense for some palates, and it sometimes overshadows the subtler flavors.

George T Stagg Bourbon

William Larue Weller

Tasting Notes: Aged 12 years, and clocking in at 125 proof, this is a wheated bourbon. It has a soft, sweet profile, and you’ll pick up caramel, honey, and dried fruit, especially apricot. Its finish offers hints of vanilla and oak.

Critique: Some bourbon aficionados feel its softness can be mistaken for a lack of complexity.

George T Stagg Bourbon

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old

Tasting Notes: Coming in at 101 proof, this bourbon is known for its age. It’s extended aging imparts flavors of dark chocolate, leather, and dried cherries. There are also subtle hints of tropical fruits and herbs, with a finish that is long and woody.

Critique: Its age can make it overly oaky for some, overshadowing other flavors.

Eagle Rare 17 Year Bourbon

Sazerac 18 Year Old

Tasting Notes: This rye whiskey offers both spice and depth. Expect a harmonious balance of clove, allspice, and pepper, underlined by a sweetness reminiscent of dark chocolate and toffee.

Critique: At times, the spice can be dominant, making it less approachable for those new to rye.

Sazerac Rye 18 Year Bourbon

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac

Tasting Notes: Aged 6 years and clocking in at around a 130 proof, this is a vibrant rye, with a bouquet of cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey. Freshly baked bread and citrus undertones round out the palate, leading to a spicy, zesty finish.

Critique: Its youthful energy (remember, it’s only aged for 6 years) is both its strength and its potential drawback, as it may lack the balance found in more mature ryes.

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Bourbon

Behind the Production

Buffalo Trace, in crafting the Antique Collection, applies a rigorous barrel selection process. Harlen Wheatley, the Master Distiller, and his team ensure that the whiskies chosen are representative of their desired profiles.

Criticism in the Community

While the BTAC is lauded for its quality, it hasn’t been without criticism. Many enthusiasts express frustration over its annual limited release, coupled with a price point that doesn’t always reflect the perceived value of the whiskey inside. Some argue that similar quality bourbons are available at a fraction of the BTAC’s cost, without the scarcity-driven price inflation.

Why is BTAC Hard to Find?

The scarcity of the BTAC isn’t just a matter of limited production; it’s also a result of immense demand. Buffalo Trace’s marketing strategies and the bourbons’ genuine quality have made them highly sought after. The limited release strategy, whether intentional or due to genuine supply constraints, only fuels the fire of demand. This high demand versus low supply scenario inevitably leads to secondary markets inflating the prices, making it even more challenging for everyday consumers to acquire a bottle at its recommended retail price.

The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection stands as a significant offering in the bourbon world. While it boasts quality and exclusivity, potential buyers should be aware of its criticisms and the reasons behind its rarity. As with any purchase, especially in the spirits domain, research and tasting when possible should guide decisions.

We love talking about Buffalo Trace. Learn more about the history, prices, and tasting notes of this iconic distillery here.

Bourbon Knowledge

What is Double Eagle Very Rare?

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Chances are very good that you’ve never tasted (or maybe even seen) a bottle of this. Double Eagle Very Rare is an ultra-premium bourbon whiskey that has been making headlines for its hefty price tag (some bottles fetching as high as $17,000-$25,000!). It also happens to hold the position of 10th most expensive bourbon in the world.

Bottles of this rare bourbon can sell for tens of thousands of dollars, making it one of the most expensive bourbons in the world. So why the hype? Is Double Eagle Very Rare actually worth the price tag?

Double Eagle Very Rare is a bourbon whiskey produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky. It was first released in 2019, and since then, it has become one of the most sought-after (and expensive) bourbons in the world.

Why is Double Eagle Very Rare So Expensive?

The main reason why this bourbon is so expensive is because of its limited edition status. While the MSRP for Double Eagle Very Rare is only $2000, only a small number of bottles are produced each year (199 were produced in 2021). The packaging of the bourbon is also a contributing factor to its high price. Each bottle comes in a handcrafted wooden box with silver trim, and the bottle itself is made from crystal and features the iconic “double eagles” etched into the glass.

What’s So Special About It?

Double Eagle Very Rare is unique in many ways. For starters, it is a blend of two 20 year-aged bourbons, making it a rare and special blend (remember that ER 17 is part of Buffalo Trace’s Antique Collection).

Clocking in at 101 proof, the bourbons were selected by Buffalo Trace’s master distiller, who chose barrels with the ideal age and flavor profile to create a balanced and complex bourbon.

Double Eagle Very Rare’s Packaging

Another unique feature of Double Eagle Very Rare is the packaging. Each bottle comes with a handcrafted wooden box that is lined with velvet, and the bottle itself is made from crystal with not one, but TWO (double eagle, get it?) crystal eagles featured. One eagle inside the bottle, one on the cap.

Variations

While Double Eagle Very Rare is a limited edition bourbon, there are a few variations of this rare whiskey that are available. The first variation is simply known as “Double Eagle Very Rare 20 Year Old”, which is the original release of this rare bourbon. The second variation is (aptly named) the “Double Eagle Very Rare 20 Year Old Batch 2.” This was released in 2020 and is a slightly different blend than the original release. Both variations are bottled at 101 proof and come in the same handcrafted wooden box with silver trim and crystal bottle.

While it may be out of reach for most bourbon enthusiasts, this bourbon is a true collector’s item – and likely made more for novelty than consumption.

How much would you pay to have a dram of this at your bar?