The modern day Eagle Rare 10 takes Buffalo Trace’s mashbill #1, which, while kept under lock and key by the distillery, is known to be a low-rye mashbill with 10% or less rye grain.

The nose is akin to stepping into a candy shop: There are sweet flavors of nougat, honeycomb, aromatic oak, graham cracker crust, and toasted marshmallow. Complexity soon arises, however, as citrus peel, funky earth, and mushroom notes join the mix.

The palate is sweet and lively, delivering orange peel and subtle hints of baking spice. It’s light-bodied, verging on thin, though this makes for an easy sipper, especially for those who may be newer to aged bourbons (or whiskey in general).

The finish coaxes out more sweetness, making for a nice through-line from nose to end. Expect more vanilla, honey, baking spice, and an undercurrent of earthiness.

For the age and price, this unpretentious whiskey delivers a satisfying sipping experience. Its flavors are easy to parse out and enjoy, and its price tag makes it a dependable choice for everyday sipping or for sharing with friends.

As the demand for bourbon overall has skyrocketed, so too has the interest a brand like Eagle Rare, whose indisputable value has long been cherished by whiskey lovers. In recent years, it’s also taken on the “allocated” moniker, meaning it's only available in limited quantities