Distilled on the well-known Buffalo Hint distillery in Kentucky, Eagle Uncommon 10-12 months-Outdated Bourbon is a main instance of a spirit that straddles the road between accessible and distinctive.
First launched in 1975 by grasp distiller Charles L. Beam, Eagle Uncommon started life as a 101-proof bourbon beneath the Seagram model. In the present day, beneath the cautious stewardship of Buffalo Hint, it has matured — each actually and figuratively — into one of the sought-after bourbons available on the market. It’s considerably ironic to identify bottles freely accessible on the cabinets of Tesco on-line at Amazon
when American drinkers usually discover themselves paying inflated costs for a similar bottle resulting from its “allotted” standing.
At a UK retail worth of round £35, Eagle Uncommon punches nicely above its weight. The ten-year age assertion alone units it aside at this worth level, promising a depth and complexity that’s more and more uncommon as youthful, rapidly bottled bourbons flood the market. So let’s strive it…
Eagle Uncommon tasted
From the primary pour, Eagle Uncommon reveals its pedigree. A swirl of the glass releases wealthy notes of classic leather-based, butterscotch, and spiced vanilla. There’s an enthralling candied apple sweetness that drifts into darker pink fruits — assume cherries, cranberries, and a touch of raisin. Beneath all of it, a mature oak be aware carries via, complemented by refined flashes of mint, tobacco, and even a hint of darkish chocolate.
It’s the sort of nostril that advantages from endurance. Give it a little bit of time, and it opens up superbly, providing layer after layer to discover.
The primary sip confirms what the nostril guarantees: this can be a bourbon of actual character. It opens candy and syrupy, with honey, caramel, and burnt toffee main the cost, alongside the extra apparent warming embrace of nutmeg and cinnamon spice.
Regardless of being bottled at a average 45% ABV, Eagle Uncommon carries a notable presence on the palate. A silky mouthfeel evolves into wealthy flavours of molasses, brown sugar, and aged oak. There’s a touch of citrus within the combine, shifting from brilliant orange to a jammy berry compote because it lingers. The underlying corn sweetness stays fixed, although, anchoring the extra adventurous flavours.
Followers of low-rye bourbons will admire the steadiness right here. Whereas Buffalo Hint’s mash invoice makes use of lower than 10% rye, there’s nonetheless a fragile spicy spine that retains issues energetic with out overpowering the sweeter parts.
The end is medium to lengthy, carrying a mild warmth that showcases toffee chews, penny sweets, and cinnamon red-hots. There’s a ultimate nod to the oak affect, too, leaving a pleasantly dry, earthy echo that clearly invitations one other sip.
How does Eagle Uncommon stack up?
Comparisons to its sibling, Buffalo Hint Bourbon, will at all times occur. Each use the identical mash invoice and sit on the identical ABV, however the additional ageing time is obvious. Eagle Uncommon presents a deeper, extra mature profile with darker fruits, richer wooden affect, and a smoother, extra cohesive expertise total. Whereas Buffalo Hint stays a implausible pour, particularly at its lower cost level, Eagle Uncommon justifies the additional spend for these in search of added complexity.
Eagle Uncommon 10-12 months-Outdated isn’t a flashy bourbon. It doesn’t depend on novelty finishes or experimental mash payments to win over drinkers. As a substitute, it excels on the fundamentals: nice substances, considerate barrel choice, and the luxurious of time. In a world more and more dominated by younger, rushed spirits, that endurance reveals in each glass.
Is it definitely worth the hype? For round £35, completely. Whether or not you’re an skilled bourbon drinker or simply beginning your journey, Eagle Uncommon affords an genuine slice of Kentucky craft at a good worth.
Tasted: Eagle Uncommon 10 12 months Kentucky Straight Bourbon WhiskeyPrice: Round £35 at AmazonAverage Joes score: ★★★★☆
