Eagle Rare 17 Year Bourbon (Fall 2016)

Enjoying this during the holidays with companions. Received it from family celebrating the season. Cost is unknown, making value assessment difficult. Is the high price justified? The aroma is phenomenal, exceeding expectations. It evokes the scent of a crème brûlée from a high-end restaurant. The smell is a blend of vanilla and caramelized sugar. The flavor, however, is a letdown. Excessively woody, in my opinion, with too much oak influence. The wood notes overpower the delicate flavors hinted at by the scent. This flavor profile is comparable to a less expensive option. While I haven't tried bourbon this aged before, I suspect 17 years in oak might be excessive. The finish aligns with the taste, unremarkable and nearly too astringent. Would a three-star rating be considered inappropriate? Despite the incredible aroma, the rest of the experience is disappointing.

The aroma is excellent, with significant oak presence. The taste is decent, featuring honey and spice. The finish is smooth with minimal sharpness. Overall, it's somewhat disappointing, likely due to the low alcohol content. I'd hesitate to pay the going rate for this.

Possesses vanilla notes with a sweet character. Quite good.

Alright, pleasant spice on the way down.

Agreed