Below is an in‑depth article on the Double Eagle Very Rare 20 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey, structured to address key questions people often ask (the “People also ask” style), along with a conclusion.

Introduction

The Double Eagle Very Rare (20 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey) is a luxury, ultra‑limited release from Buffalo Trace (under the Eagle Rare / Sazerac umbrella). It is a high‑end bourbon expression that emphasizes both the spirit’s maturation and the artistry of packaging and collectibility.

Because of its rarity, premium pricing, and presentation, this bourbon often generates considerable interest — but also confusion and skepticism. Below we explore what makes it special, what to expect, and how to evaluate it.

What is Double Eagle Very Rare 20 Year Bourbon?

• Producer / Origin: It is produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery (Kentucky, USA) under the Eagle Rare / Sazerac brand family. Whisky Auctioneer+2Bourbon Blog+2

• Age & Naming: It is aged for 20 years in new charred American oak barrels. The “Double Eagle” name is a nod to both the age (twice the 10‑year age of standard Eagle Rare) and the packaging — the decanter includes two sculpted crystal eagles (one inside, one as the stopper). Primitus Wine+3Bourbon Blog+3Kentucky+3

• Proof / ABV: The more recent releases are bottled at 101 proof (≈ 50.5 % ABV), which is also intended as a tribute to the original Eagle Rare proof when first released in 1975. Primitus Wine+3Bourbon Blog+3Nicks+3

• Release & Rarity: It is an extremely limited annual release. For example, the 2021 release was limited to 199 bottles. Bourbon Blog+2Kentucky+2 Later releases have modest numbers as well. Whisky Auctioneer+1

• Presentation: The bourbon is presented in a hand‑blown crystal decanter with two eagles, encased in a silver (feather motif) presentation box. In some editions, the box has sliding doors and internal lighting to spotlight the bottle. Kentucky+3Epic Wine & Spirits+3Primitus Wine+3

• Purpose & Positioning: It is positioned as a collector’s item and a showpiece bourbon — for connoisseurs, display, special occasions, and investment.

How Does It Taste? (Tasting Notes)

Because of the rarity of this bourbon, independent reviews are fewer than for more common bottlings. Still, both producer notes and user impressions give a sense of its character.

Producer / Official Notes (from Buffalo Trace / release announcements):

• Nose: Dark cherries, creamy caramel Bourbon Blog+1

• Palate: Dark chocolate, smoked oak, dates Bourbon Blog+1

• Finish: Long and complex, with cinnamon, anise, oak Bourbon Blog+2Kentucky+2

From Retailer / Listing Descriptions:

• Hints of vanilla, toasted oak, caramel Primitus Wine+2allstarwine.com+2

• Rich and velvety, with toffee, dark chocolate, roasted nuts, citrus, warm spices, charred oak Blackwell’s Wines & Spirits+2DramFellows.com+2

• Long, lingering finish with sweet oak, spice, smokiness, leather, tobacco echoes Blackwell’s Wines & Spirits+1

• Balanced even after twenty years, not overwhelmingly oak-forward Primitus Wine+2allstarwine.com+2

User / Community Impressions (Reddit, tastings):

• One commenter noted:

  “The nose is big with concentrated dark fruit and the familiar sweetness from a great Eagle Rare 10 but way sweeter and deeper.” Reddit

• Another thread compared it with Eagle Rare 17, saying they personally preferred the ER17 for relative value despite the allure of the DEVR. Reddit+1

• Some caution that at extreme ages, over-oaking or imbalance can creep in, so expectations must be tempered. Reddit+1

Overall, the consensus is that Double Eagle Very Rare offers an elegant, mature bourbon with deep layered flavors, though for many drinkers, its premium price and packaging may overshadow the actual drinking experience.

People Also Ask & Answers

Below are common questions (based on “People also ask” style) along with answers.

1. How many bottles of Double Eagle Very Rare are made?

The number is very small. The 2021 release was limited to 199 bottles. Bourbon Blog+1 Some later releases report small numbers (hundreds). Whisky Auctioneer+1

2. How much does Double Eagle Very Rare cost?

The suggested retail for its initial release was US $2,000. Bourbon Blog+1 However, on the secondary / collector market, its price is much higher — listings range widely (e.g. US $4,000–6,000 or more) depending on the vintage, demand, and rarity. Epic Wine & Spirits+3hitimewine.net+3allstarwine.com+3

3. What proof is Double Eagle Very Rare bottled at?

The more recent releases are bottled at 101 proof (≈ 50.5 % ABV). Epic Wine & Spirits+4Nicks+4Primitus Wine+4

Earlier sources (less specific) mention 90 proof / 45 % ABV for some listings, but the official release statements emphasize 101 proof. allstarwine.com+2Kentucky+2

4. Is Double Eagle Very Rare worth buying / drinking?

That depends heavily on your priorities (collectibility, taste, display value).

Pros:

• Very rare and collectible

• Beautiful presentation and decanter

• Mature, deep flavor profile

• Prestige and bragging rights among bourbon enthusiasts

Cons / Caveats:

• Extremely high cost (especially in secondary market)

• Diminishing returns: beyond certain age, extra aging doesn’t always translate to proportionally better flavor

• Packaging cost may inflate price more than liquid value

• Risk of over-oaking or imbalance at very old ages

• Because of scarcity, you may never get to fully explore the bottle

Many connoisseurs consider it a “drinking bottle” only for special occasions or showpieces rather than daily sip.

5. How should I drink / serve Double Eagle Very Rare?

• Neat is the most recommended — use a quality glass (e.g. Glencairn or copita) so you can appreciate aroma and complexity

• A small drop of water (just a few drops) can help “open up” flavors, especially at a higher proof

• No ice (unless you prefer dilution) — ice will dull aromas and flavors

• Serve in small pours so it doesn’t oxidize too much (once open)

• Given its rarity, many would pace themselves and savor only for special toasts

6. Are there counterfeit or fraud issues with Double Eagle Very Rare?

Yes. Buffalo Trace (Sazerac) has issued warnings about fraudulent listings of high‑end bottles online, especially for limited releases like Double Eagle Very Rare and Blanton’s. Food & Wine

Some red flags include:

• Sellers shipping to states where direct shipment of spirits is illegal

• Extremely low prices that seem “too good to be true”

• Lack of traceability, provenance, photos, or authenticity documentation

Buy from trusted, reputable dealers or auction houses, and request certificates of authenticity or lot provenance if available.

Strengths, Weaknesses & Context

Strengths

• The combination of age, rarity, and presentation is compelling. Very few bourbons are aged 20 years and released in such limited numbers.

• The flavor profile (dark fruit, oak, spice, caramel) aligns with what aficionados seek in long-aged bourbon.

• As a prestige bottle, it can become a centerpiece in a collection or a statement gift.

• Because the decanter itself is a work of art (crystal, eagles, lighting presentation), it holds aesthetic value even beyond the whiskey inside.

Weaknesses / Risks

• Price premium + packaging markup: Some portion of the cost goes into the decanter, box, and prestige rather than just the liquid itself.

• Diminishing returns with age: Beyond a certain point, additional time in barrel may impart more wood tannins or extraction of less desirable compounds rather than improvements.

• Subjectivity of taste: Some bourbon drinkers may prefer younger, more vibrant whiskies rather than heavily oak-influenced older ones.

• Scarcity: You may pay much more than MSRP, or might not even find a bottle at all.

• Counterfeit risk: High-end luxury bottles are often targeted by counterfeiters.

Context in the Bourbon World

Double Eagle Very Rare occupies a niche at the intersection of “ultra-premium bourbon” and “liquor collectible.” It is not intended to compete directly with everyday bourbons, but rather to appeal to enthusiasts and collectors who place high value on scarcity, presentation, and prestige.

Compared to other limited bourbons (e.g. the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, Pappy Van Winkle, etc.), Double Eagle is part of that elite tier of high-end releases. Whether it “outperforms” peers is subjective and often debated in collector/enthusiast circles.

Conclusion

The Double Eagle Very Rare 20 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a standout bourbon in terms of rarity, packaging, and cachet. With just a few hundred bottles each release, a hand-blown crystal decanter, and a 20-year aging regimen, it is clearly aimed at high-end collectors and serious bourbon connoisseurs.

From the tasting notes, one may expect a layered, mature bourbon featuring dark fruit, oak, caramel, chocolate, spice, and a long finish. The proof (101) is robust without being harsh, and the decanter adds significant visual and prestige appeal. However, because of its prohibitive cost and scarcity, it is not a bourbon for everyday sipping — rather, it is meant for special occasions, display, or investment.

Whether it is “worth it” depends on how much you value rarity, presentation, and prestige relative to the pure drinking experience. For those who prize collectibility and exclusivity, it may be a jewel in their collection. For drinkers whose priority is maximum flavor per dollar, there may be diminishing returns at this level.