Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Triumphs in the 2023 American Whiskey Masters

Last week, we delved into the results of the annual Scotch Whisky Masters, but now it’s time to shift our focus to the top American whiskies from the past year. The distinguished judges have just revealed their findings, presenting a plethora of exceptional spirits across 19 diverse categories. Premium ryes, bourbons of various age statements, and Tennessee whiskey all make their appearance on this comprehensive list of winners. However, today, we’ll turn our attention to the ultimate winner, the revered “Taste Master.” It’s no surprise that, once again, Buffalo Trace takes the prestigious crown. This esteemed distillery seems to have an unrivaled touch when it comes to crafting impeccable whiskies. Master distiller Harlen Wheatley and his team are the talented artisans responsible for delivering Pappy Van Winkle to the world each autumn. Their skill and dedication have garnered awards for Weller, E.H. Taylor, Stagg, George T. Stagg, and many more.

And now, thanks to the discerning palates of this year’s American Whiskey Masters, Eagle Rare 17 Years Old has emerged as the latest champion. This particular expression is part of Buffalo Trace’s revered Antique Collection and has been annually released since 2000. Each year, there are slight variations to the flavor profile. The 2022 iteration, which won the prize, is bottled at 101-proof and aged for a remarkable 17 years and 5 months. According to the judges, this Kentucky straight bourbon boasts “a delightful malty aroma with hints of sweet coffee,” along with a “silky texture and a touch of heat and spice.” For us, the recent Eagle Rare 17 stands out for its fruit-forward character. It possesses a tangy quality reminiscent of a medley of berries, perfectly balanced with underlying peppery undertones that linger in the finish. A truly magical whisky, indeed.

Now, here’s the catch – finding a bottle of this prized elixir is no easy task. When Buffalo Trace unveils its Antique Collection each October, they list the retail price for Eagle Rare 17 at a modest $99. However, due to its exceptional quality and limited availability, it inevitably disappears from shelves even at ten times that price. In fact, some may find it listed for an infuriating $2700! Supply and demand economics dictate these exorbitant costs, and even additional accolades won’t bring down the price (Buffalo Trace amassed an astounding 25 medals at the American Whiskey Masters). So, what are your options?

You could try camping out in front of your local liquor store in early to mid-October, hoping to snag a bottle from the limited yearly allotment. But be warned – the exact day of the shipment’s arrival remains a mystery. Alternatively, you can explore the everyday version of Eagle Rare, a ten-year-old expression that shares the same base distillate as its older sibling and is readily available for $90 per bottle. Lastly, you can venture out and discover other well-aged Kentucky bourbons that, much like Eagle Rare, boast a high-corn/low-rye mashbill and hail from reputable distilleries not named Buffalo Trace. Knob Creek 15 Year is an excellent starting point, offering a similar age profile, comparable proof, and attainable at $130 per bottle.

Remember, not too long ago, whiskies like Eagle Rare 17 would collect dust on store shelves, waiting for someone to recognize their potential. Perhaps there’s another hidden gem out there right now, biding its time until it, too, enjoys the same path to superstardom. Who knows, maybe you’ll be the one to discover it?

Image Source: Getty Images for ACM.