Eagle Rare 17 Year Bourbon (Fall 2019)

The aroma suggests caramel, but it's subtle, leaning more towards a butterscotch scent. The initial taste is bland across the palate. The finish is very warm, pleasant, and lengthy. Perhaps it needs ice to reveal more flavor. Upon a second tasting, butterscotch is present, though extremely faint on the front of the tongue and then again on the sides, between the middle and back of the palate. The lingering taste is quite dry. After several more sips, I've concluded I'm not particularly fond of this one. I'm disappointed because I really wanted to enjoy it and seek out a bottle. Oh, and there's a hint of apricot. **Edit** It turns out I had a cold when I tried this and could barely taste anything I consumed for the following few days. I will need to revisit it in the future.

Aroma: vanilla, deep caramel, sweet oak, dark chocolate-covered cherries, graham cracker, crisp green apple Taste: marshmallow, cinnamon and spice, dark chocolate, caramel candies with vanilla centers, more cherry and red fruit, concluding with a woody note Each time I revisit this spirit, I discover more aromas and flavors. It reminds me of a blend between two other bourbons. The increased proof significantly enhances it... I'd be curious to experience a regular expression at over 100 proof. That classic oak and vanilla aroma, along with dark chocolate, is overwhelming and comforting, clearly indicating its age. It lives up to the anticipation.

Wonderful. The aroma is full of honey, wood, and dark fruit. Avoid inhaling deeply right away; let this spirit reveal itself, as it truly develops... over-inhalation can be overwhelming. Cherry and vanilla on the palate, sweet and smooth with just the right amount of spice appearing later... not too syrupy, not too strong, and not excessively oaked. The finish is exceptionally long, with the fruit fading first, leaving the wood/spice to linger with a pleasant warmth. Unlike some of its barrel-proof brethren, this one is a quietly outstanding performer.

Significantly improved from the previous and great overall. The aroma, for me, features dark caramel prominently, with hints of apple and grain at the edges. There's a subtle spice in the whiskey, which is full of dark cherries and more caramel. The finish is an explosion of dark cherry, with the grain returning to mingle with the dark caramel. I love the finish and the overall balance of the whiskey. I'm pleased they managed to create a successful product this year.

The deep amber color heavily coats the glass, and that's where the experience begins. The sweet and oaky nose combines citrus, char, pastry cream, and caramel for a wonderful sensation. The palate is very smooth and oaky, with a hint of spicy pastry cream, creating a rich and chewy mouthfeel. The sweetness maintains the palate's integrity, and creamy oak and pastry cream linger for a medium-long finish, with the flavors harmonizing and fading nicely.

Nose: Milk chocolate, spices for baking, banana bread, toasted brown sugar, marshmallows. Palate: The banana flavor persists wonderfully. Abundant vanilla complements nicely toasted char. Notes of cinnamon candy chews. It's exceptionally well-balanced in every aspect. Finish: Woody, earthy, and revitalizing, with a hint of mint. A touch of cinnamon heat gives way to a gentle sweetness.