Eagle Rare 17 Year Old 2020 Antique Collection Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Eagle Rare 17 Year Bourbon 2020 Antique Collection Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: A Masterpiece for Collectors and Connoisseurs

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we are privileged to handle spirits that transcend the ordinary and enter the realm of legend. The Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon from the 2020 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is one such spirit. This is not merely a bourbon; it is the ultimate expression of a beloved brand, a rare bourbon that represents the absolute zenith of aging and craftsmanship from one of the world’s most revered distilleries. For the collector, the investor, and the connoisseur for whom only the most profound experiences will suffice, the Eagle Rare 17 is the holy grail.

As a cornerstone of the annual Antique Collection, the 2020 release captures a specific moment in this whiskey’s evolution, offering a unique snapshot of a bourbon that has endured seventeen summers and winters in the Kentucky rickhouse. This definitive guide will explore the monumental significance of this expression, decode the nuances of the 2020 vintage, and illuminate why this bottle is not just a purchase, but a custodial investment in American whiskey history.

The Antique Collection: A Legacy of Liquid History

To understand Rare eagle bourbon 17, one must first appreciate its home: the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC). This annual series is arguably the most prestigious and highly anticipated release in the global spirits calendar. It consists of five ultra-aged or high-proof whiskeys, each representing a different facet of Buffalo Trace’s immense skill. Among these titans, Eagle Rare 17 holds a special place as the elder statesman, a straight bourbon whiskey that showcases the beautiful, and often challenging, effects of extreme aging.

While the standard Eagle Rare 10 Year is a benchmark of value and approachability, the Eagle Rare 17 is its philosophical opposite. It is a deep, contemplative, and powerful whiskey that explores the outer limits of oak integration. It is a best barrel bourbon batch on a monumental scale.

The 2020 Vintage: A Snapshot in Time

Each year’s release of the Antique Collection is unique, with subtle variations in profile due to the specific barrels selected and the conditions they endured. The Eagle Rare 17Year Old 2020 release is particularly notable. After seventeen years in barrel, the angel’s share (evaporation loss) is staggering, leaving behind a whiskey of incredible concentration and complexity.

The 2020 edition was bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV), a strength that masterfully supports its dense flavor profile without overwhelming the palate. This proof is a nod to the historical origin of the Eagle Rare brand, which was initially released at 101 proof.

Tasting a Legend: The Profile of Eagle Rare 17

A tasting of Eagle Rare 17 is not a casual affair; it is an experience to be savored and studied. This is a bourbon that demands attention and rewards it with layers of profound complexity.

• Nose: The aroma is immediately indicative of its advanced age. Deep, resonant notes of seasoned oak, rich leather, and dark chocolate form the core. This is not a young, aggressive oak, but a refined, elegant woodiness. Layers of dried dark fruits—fig, date, and black cherry—emerge, followed by nuances of tobacco leaf, molasses, and a distinctive hint of spearmint. The high proof is seamlessly integrated, offering warmth without a hint of ethanol sharpness.

• Palate: The first sip reveals a remarkably rich and viscous mouthfeel. The flavor is a powerful yet elegant symphony of oak and fruit. Initial waves of dark caramel, toffee, and burnt sugar are quickly met by a robust tannic structure from the oak. Flavors of stewed plum, black currant, and a compote of dark berries are woven throughout. The extended aging brings out deep, savory notes of espresso, dark cocoa, and a touch of anise. Despite its power, it retains an unexpected brightness, a testament to the quality of the original distillate.

• Finish: The finish is seemingly eternal, dry, and profoundly satisfying. The oak and dark fruit notes linger for minutes, slowly fading to reveal a final, elegant hint of leather, dark chocolate, and a wisp of cherry. It is a finish that encourages quiet contemplation, a lasting reminder of the whiskey’s incredible journey.

This is a bourbon to be enjoyed neat, in a proper glass, with plenty of time allowed for it to open up. A few drops of water can release even more hidden depths.

The Ultimate Pursuit: The Rarity and Value of Rare eagle bourbon

The hunt for Eagle Rare 17 is the most challenging tier of the bourbon pursuit. Its status is driven by an undeniable confluence of factors:

1. Extreme Scarcity: After seventeen years, the yield from a barrel is minuscule. The total number of bottles released each year is astonishingly low.

2. Critical Acclaim: Every release of the BTAC, including Rare eagle bourbon, receives perfect scores and “Whiskey of the Year” accolades, creating a global frenzy of demand.

3. The Buffalo Trace Halo Effect: As part of the most sought-after collection from the world’s most hyped distillery, it exists at the epicenter of bourbon mania.

4. Blue-Chip Investment: The Eagle Rare 17 price on the secondary market is astronomical and consistently appreciates. It is one of the most stable and valuable assets in the world of collectible spirits.

The Eagle Rare 17 MSRP is a fraction of its market value, a fact that only intensifies the desire to acquire it at retail—a near-impossible feat for most.

Eagle Rare 17 vs. The World

It is crucial to distinguish this expression from the bourbon one might find by searching “eagle rare bourbon near me.” That search will typically lead to the 10-year-old expression. The Eagle Rare 17 is a different entity entirely:

• Eagle Rare 10 Year: A single barrel bourbon, aged 10 years, 90 proof. Approachable, balanced, and a benchmark for its price point.

• Eagle Rare 17: A small batch bourbon, aged 17 years, 101 proof. Profound, oak-forward, complex, and one of the rarest American whiskeys in production.

They share a name and a distillery, but they cater to entirely different experiences and levels of collection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between the Eagle Rare 17 and the standard Eagle Rare 10?
A: The difference is monumental. The standard Eagle Rare 10 Year is a 90-proof, approachable, and widely allocated single barrel bourbon. The Eagle Rare 17 is a 101-proof, intensely complex, and incredibly rare small batch bourbon from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. The 17-year age statement introduces a level of oak and depth that is completely different from the 10-year.

Q2: What is the MSRP for Eagle Rare 17?
A: The official Eagle Rare 17 MSRP is set by the distillery at a fraction of its market value, typically around $99. However, due to extreme scarcity and demand, the actual 17 year eagle rare bourbon price on the secondary market is many, many times higher.

Q3: How can I possibly find a bottle of Eagle Rare 17 for sale?
A: Finding this bottle is the ultimate challenge. General searches for “eagle rare near me” will not be successful. Your only reliable paths are through ultra-premium retailers like Rare Finds Liquor Store, prestigious whiskey auctions, or private collector networks. We specialize in sourcing these legendary bottles for our most discerning clients.

Q4: Is it worth it ? the high eagle rare bourbon price
A: From a purely qualitative perspective, Eagle Rare 17 is one of the most profound and complex bourbons ever produced. For the collector or investor, its value as a blue-chip, appreciating asset is clear. It is the definition of a luxury good and a pinnacle achievement in whiskey.

Q5: What does “Kentucky Straight Bourbon-Whiskey” guarantee?
A: This legally protected designation ensures the whiskey was:

• Bourbon: Made from a grain mix of at least 51% corn.

• Straight: Aged for a minimum of two years in new, charred oak barrels.

• Kentucky: Distilled and aged in the state of Kentucky.
  The Eagle Rare 17 is a pinnacle example of this classification.

Q6: Why is Rare Finds Liquor Store the best place to inquire about this bottle?
A: Rare Finds Liquor Store is built on a foundation of integrity, deep industry connections, and a reputation for handling the world’s most significant bottles. We are recognized by elite collectors as a confidential and professional source for trophies like the Eagle Rare 17. We guarantee provenance and provide a seamless, secure experience for acquisitions of this magnitude.

Conclusion: The Bourbon That Transcends

The Eagle Rare 17 Year Old 2020 Antique Collection Kentucky Straight Bourbon-Whiskey is more than a spirit; it is a monument to patience and craftsmanship. It stands at the summit of American whiskey, a benchmark against which other rare bourbons are measured. It is a whiskey that commands respect, not through hype, but through its sheer depth and undeniable quality.

While the opportunity to acquire a bottle is a rare privilege, its legacy is universal. It is the bottle that every serious collector dreams of owning.

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we are honored to be the curators of such legends. We invite you to reach out to us for the opportunity to own a bottle that is not just a testament to great bourbon, but the very definition of it.