Eagle Rare Single Barrel Select

Barrel #022 The aroma was unexpected for me. Much darker notes than anticipated initially. Dark caramel. A prominent oak note. Slight tobacco. Dark berry. Apple. There was an herbal note, which I found surprising. Vanilla/cherry becomes apparent as it opens up. The palate became sweeter with berry emerging. The dark caramel continues to be dominant along with oak underneath. It concludes with a genuinely sweet cherry, which has brought to mind some finished bourbons I've had previously. I appreciate high proof bourbon. However, these ERs consistently remind me that significant flavor can be found in bottles under 100 proof. This particular one has some depth. I'm fond of Eagle Rare, but the initial smell caused concern. Yet, I've discovered it possesses all the qualities I like about it, and more.

I acquired the Brown Jug 2020 Single Barrel Select when it was on offer at my local liquor store. I've consistently enjoyed Eagle Rare, so I assumed this would be a great addition. The flavor certainly delivered a more intense, richer sensation on the palate, featuring similar notes of wood, maple, and bacon as the original. However, it felt almost overpowering, which detracted considerably from the original's smoothness. I'd compare it to a bottled-in-bond version of the original, but without the elevated alcohol content. Potent, rich flavors, but sacrificed drinking smoothness.

Worldwide Wine & Spirits store pick Barrel#648 Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Nose: Caramel and vanilla with a floral note. Palate: Clove and baking spice with some oak tannins. Finish: Medium length with medium heat. Splash: No new flavors are revealed. Overall: 8/10 - This appears to be the standard ER10 profile, with less cinnamon on the palate. A decent sipper for $50, which is the going rate for a non-store pick in my area.

Nose: cotton candy, earthy with some baking spices Palate: brown sugar, cinnamon upfront, mid palate has dried fruit with sweet apple and cherry, finish is long and sweet, slight rye spice and tannins as well

Aroma: fruit, a touch of cinnamon, vanilla Taste: sweet cherry cordial, more of that vanilla, and a little spiciness. Truly wonderful.

Toffee, caramel, toasted oak. Ethanol is surprisingly potent for its proof. Virginia Bourbon Lovers Barrel 10-D-21-Q-5-40-396.