Eagle Rare 17 years Bourbon

Eagle Rare 17: Overview & History

What is Eagle Rare 17?
Eagle Rare 17 is a special, limited‑release bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery. It’s part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) and represents a highly aged expression of the the Eagle Rare brand. Bourbon, Whiskey & Rye+3Buffalo Trace Distillery+3Lost Cargo+3

Key features:

• It is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. Buffalo Trace Distillery+2bottledinbourbon.com+2

• The “17” is a minimum age statement — meaning the youngest bourbon in the blend must be at least 17 years old. Over many releases, some barrels exceed that. Lost Cargo+5Lost Cargo+5Bourbon, Whiskey & Rye+5

• Originally, it was bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV), but beginning in 2018 Buffalo Trace shifted it to 101 proof (50.5% ABV) as a tribute to the original Eagle Rare 101 proof heritage. bottledinbourbon.com+3Bourbon, Whiskey & Rye+3Lost Cargo+3

• It is released once a year in the fall (autumn) in very limited quantities. Forbes+3Lost Cargo+3Buffalo Trace Distillery+3

Because of its age, limited supply, and prestige, Eagle Rare 17 is considered a collectible bourbon, both for drinking and for investment/collecting.

Flavor Profile & Tasting Notes

Because each yearly release can vary slightly (age, barrel selection, evaporation, etc.), the tasting experience may differ. But some consistent themes recur across releases.

Common Aromas & Nose

• Oak and aged woodiness, often with seasoned oak character bottledinbourbon.com+3breakingbourbon.com+3Buffalo Trace Distillery+3

• Secondary notes of caramel, vanilla, brown sugar Bourbon, Whiskey & Rye+3Lost Cargo+3Buffalo Trace Distillery+3

• Dark fruit notes: cherries, sometimes darker berries or chocolate-covered fruit bottledinbourbon.com+3breakingbourbon.com+3Lost Cargo+3

• Subtle spice, leather, tobacco, or earthiness in many versions Bourbon, Whiskey & Rye+3breakingbourbon.com+3Lost Cargo+3

Palate & Finish

• On the palate, you often find a balance between sweetness (caramel, vanilla, soft dark fruits) and wood/age-driven notes (oak tannins, dry character). Buffalo Trace Distillery+3Lost Cargo+3bottledinbourbon.com+3

• Some releases tend to be a bit dry, with more emphasis on oak, leather, spice, or tobacco. breakingbourbon.com+1

• The finish often lingers, with oak tannins, spice, and sometimes a “dusty” funk or dry aging note in more mature releases. Buffalo Trace Distillery+3breakingbourbon.com+3breakingbourbon.com+3

For example, the 2023 release (aged 19 years and 3 months) is noted for an underlying “dusty funk” note, along with dark cherry, oak, caramel, and vanilla. breakingbourbon.com
And the 2024 release (17 years, 4 months) is described as vibrant, with aged oak, stone fruits, caramel, and a persistent oak funk undertone. breakingbourbon.com

Awards, Reputation & Criticism

Eagle Rare 17 has earned significant acclaim:

• In the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the Eagle Rare 17 was awarded Best Small Batch Bourbon (11 years and older). Lane Report

• Among whiskey enthusiasts and in reviews, many releases are lauded as some of the best 101‑proof bourbons ever released. Forbes+4breakingbourbon.com+4breakingbourbon.com+4

• It often tops lists of collectible bourbons, with many whiskey hobbyists eagerly awaiting each annual release. bottledinbourbon.com+2Forbes+2

However, some critics note drawbacks:

• Because of its high age, some bottlings lean heavily into oak, which can lead to dryness or astringency if the wood influence is strong. Some editions are more fruit-forward or balanced than others. breakingbourbon.com+2breakingbourbon.com+2

• The limited availability and high price in secondary markets make it hard for average consumers to obtain at a reasonable cost.

• Year-to-year variability means that one vintage might be more or less impressive than another; one cannot guarantee a consistently perfect profile every year.

Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers)

Below are some of the questions people commonly search for about Eagle Rare 17, along with succinct answers.

Q: What does the “17” in Eagle Rare 17 mean?
A: It’s a minimum age requirement. The youngest bourbon in the batch must be 17 years old, but many barrels used exceed 17 years. Forbes+3Lost Cargo+3Bourbon, Whiskey & Rye+3

Q: Is Eagle Rare 17 bottled at 90 proof or 101 proof?
A: Originally, until 2018, it was bottled at 90 proof. Starting in 2018, Buffalo Trace moved it to 101 proof (50.5% ABV) as a nod to the brand’s history. Buffalo Trace Distillery+3Lost Cargo+3Bourbon, Whiskey & Rye+3

Q: When is Eagle Rare 17 released?
A: Once a year in the fall (autumn) as part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. Forbes+3Buffalo Trace Distillery+3Lost Cargo+3

Q: How much does Eagle Rare 17 cost?
A: The MSRP (suggested retail price) is modest relative to its collector status — often around $125 (USD) in recent years for the official retail. Forbes+3breakingbourbon.com+3Lost Cargo+3
However, in the secondary market or in regions with limited supply, bottles often command much higher prices. Forbes+3bottledinbourbon.com+3Lost Cargo+3

Q: Is Eagle Rare 17 worth it?
A: For collectors and enthusiasts who value highly aged bourbon with complexity and limited access, many consider it a “dream bottle.” Its prestige, flavor depth, and rarity justify its high demand. That said, lesser-aged (and more affordable) bourbons may offer better value for casual sipping. The “worth” depends on your priorities (collecting, sipping, investment).

Q: How does Eagle Rare 17 compare to other BTAC bourbons (or compare to Eagle Rare 10)?

• Compared to the standard Eagle Rare 10, the 17 version is far more aged and offers deeper wood, complexity, and nuance, but also greater risk of oak domination.

• Compared with other BTAC bottles like George T. Stagg or William Larue Weller, Eagle Rare 17 often provides a more balanced, medium‑proof (101) counterpart to those very bold, high-proof releases. Forbes+3Forbes+3bottledinbourbon.com+3

Q: Which vintage (year) of Eagle Rare 17 is best?
A: That’s subjective. Some favor the 2023 release (the oldest ever: 19 years 3 months) for its “dusty funk” and layered character. breakingbourbon.com Others enjoy the 2024 release for its vibrancy and oak balance. breakingbourbon.com Some enthusiasts also revere earlier 90‑proof versions (e.g. the 2013 release) for their elegance. breakingbourbon.com+1

Q: How should I drink (serve) Eagle Rare 17?
A: Because of its complexity and age, many recommend:

• Drinking it neat or with a few drops of water to open up aromas

• Using a tulip or Glencairn-style glass

• Sipping slowly to appreciate its evolution across the glass

• Pairing with light savory foods (cheese, dark chocolate, nuts) or after dinner

Conclusion

Eagle Rare 17 is one of the most revered bourbons in the American whiskey world. Its combination of great age, limited availability, and careful bottling ensures it holds a special place among collectors and aficionados. While its elevated price and scarcity make it more of a premium, aspirational drink than a daily pour, for many bourbon lovers, the chance to taste a well-aged Eagle Rare is well worth the hunt.

If you like, I can narrow down the best vintages for sipping, give you current market values by region, or compare Eagle Rare 17 side‑by‑side with other top bourbons. Do you want me to do that?