Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 08:19 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Bulleit Bourbon vs Eagle Rare in this head-to-head comparison and decide which is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Bulleit Bourbon vs Eagle Rare: Comparison
Bulleit Bourbon: A spicy and bold bourbon that surprises with a smooth mouthfeel, featuring notes of rye spice, caramel, and dried fruit. It finishes long with a blend of caramel and rye spice, perfect for those who appreciate a rye spice kick in their whiskey.
Eagle Rare: This bourbon offers a rich tapestry of toasted oak, vanilla, and caramel flavors, complemented by a complex finish of oak, tobacco, and leather. Its velvety texture and deep complexity make it a favorite among experts.
The Verdict: Bulleit Bourbon and Eagle Rare offer unique experiences for bourbon enthusiasts. Bulleit excels in delivering a spicy and bold flavor that’s versatile in cocktails, while Eagle Rare provides a luxurious, deep dive into the nuances of aged bourbon, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Eagle Rare Top Alternatives
Bulleit Bourbon: Bold Spice Meets Sweet Delight
- Nose: Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, almond
- Palate: Rye spice, caramel, dried fruit, nuts
- Finish: Long, caramel, rye spice
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar to: Wild Turkey 101
Spice Up Your Senses: Dive into the aroma explosion! Rye spice dominates, with whispers of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg dancing around it.
Smooth & Spicy: Take a sip, and prepare for a pleasing surprise. The mouthfeel is smooth, but the taste hits with a bold, spicy kick – a testament to the rye content.
Fruity & Nutty Depths: As the spice subsides, delightful notes of dried fruit and nuttiness emerge, adding complexity and intrigue.
Warm & Lingering Finish: The finale? A pleasant warmth lingers, rich with spice and oak, followed by a subtle wave of sweetness.
Sweet Meets Spice Balance: Bulleit walks the line beautifully. It’s sweet on the palate, but the rye delivers a bold and spicy finish. Imagine the best of both worlds!
Rye’s Moderate Touch: For those who love rye but find it too intense, Bulleit offers a happy medium. It has a noticeable rye presence, but not overwhelming.
Neat, Rocks, or Cocktails: This bourbon is a chameleon! Enjoy it neat to savor its full flavor, on the rocks for a lighter experience, or mix it into classics like Old Fashioneds or Whiskey Sours for an extra kick.
Bulleit: The Facts:
- Mash Bill: 68% corn, 28% rye, 4% malted barley
- Kentucky Limestone-Filtered Water & Local Ingredients
- 6 Years in Charred American Oak Barrels
- Double Gold Medal Winner at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
- Founded in 1987 by Tom Bulleit, a Former Four Roses Employee
Ready for a bourbon that offers both sweetness and spice? Look no further than Bulleit. It’s the perfect choice for rye lovers seeking a moderate punch and versatility for various drinking occasions.
Eagle Rare: A Soaring Flight for Bourbon Lovers
- Nose: Toasted oak, orange peel, maple syrup
- Palate: Oak, dried fruit, vanilla, caramel, baking spice
- Finish: Oak, tobacco, leather
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Elijah Craig
A Toasty Embrace: Open the bottle and inhale the alluring aroma. Toasted oak takes center stage, intertwined with whispers of orange peel, red fruit, and maple syrup.
Velvety Delight: Take a sip, and prepare to be pampered. The texture is luxuriously smooth, like smooth butter gliding over your tongue.
Bold & Complex: First, oak delivers a powerful punch, then gracefully yields to a tapestry of flavors – vanilla, dried fruit, caramel, and baking spices dance on your palate.
Lingering Echoes: The finish is epic, leaving a lasting impression of oak, aged leather, and a touch of tobacco. Add a few drops of water to elevate the caramel notes while respecting the oak’s presence.
Beyond Buffalo Trace: This is Buffalo Trace’s mature sibling, benefitting from longer aging and a deeper oak influence. It’s bolder, richer, and more complex.
Seasoned Sippers Rejoice: While beginners might find it intense, seasoned bourbon enthusiasts will adore its depth and character.
Award-Winning Excellence: Eagle Rare isn’t just loved, it’s revered. Awards and accolades from connoisseurs solidify its position as a top contender.
Value You Can Savor: For $50-$60, you get exceptional quality. Just be cautious of inflated prices – its brilliance shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Eagle Rare Trivia: This 10-year-old beauty matures under the Kentucky sun in new, heavily charred oak barrels. Each barrel is hand-selected for optimal taste and consistency. It’s part of the Sazerac Company family, alongside legendary brands like Pappy Van Winkle and Blanton’s.
So, if you’re seeking a bourbon that transcends the ordinary, one that delivers a great sipping experience, take flight with Eagle Rare. But be warned, once you soar with this eagle, returning to ordinary bourbons might feel like a harsh landing.
How do Eagle Rare and Bulleit Bourbon differ?
The key distinction between Bulleit and Eagle Rare lies in their mash bills.
Bulleit Bourbon is crafted from a mash bill containing 28% rye, while Eagle Rare carries a lower rye content of approximately 10%.
This higher rye content in Bulleit contributes to its spicier flavor profile, making it an excellent choice for cocktails where the added kick of spice can enhance the overall drink experience.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Bulleit Bourbon | $31 |
| Eagle Rare | $47 |