Eagle Rare 10 vs Smoke Wagon: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 02:08 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 Eagle Rare 10 vs Smoke Wagon Small Batch in this head-to-head comparison and decide which bourbon 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

Eagle Rare 10 vs Smoke Wagon Small Batch: Comparison

Eagle Rare: A sophisticated bourbon with a complex aroma of toasted oak, orange peel, and maple syrup. The palate is rich in oak, dried fruit, and caramel, ending with a tobacco and leather finish.

Smoke Wagon: Delivers a high-rye adventure, starting with a banana and caramel nose, moving to a spicy rye and vanilla palate, and ending on a burnt marshmallow and earth finish.

Verdict: Eagle Rare stands out for those who appreciate a deep dive into oaky depths with a balance of sweetness and complexity, making it a choice sip for enthusiasts. Smoke Wagon, with its high-rye content, provides a smooth ride, appealing to those who favor a mellow yet flavorful journey, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Eagle Rare: Soaring with Oak or Crashing Down?

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: Widow Jane

Eagle Rare promises a journey through oak-driven depths, balanced by subtle sweetness. Let’s see if it takes flight or leaves you grounded.

Aroma: Breathe in and experience toasted oak, followed by vibrant notes of orange peel, red fruit, and maple syrup. This sets the stage for a complex and intriguing experience.

Palate: First encounter? A creamy and buttery texture welcomes you, followed by a prominent oak punch. But don’t worry, it evolves! As it develops, flavors of vanilla, dried fruit, caramel, and baking spice join the party, creating a harmonious blend.

Finish: Prepare for a long and slightly biting farewell. Oak takes center stage, accompanied by hints of old leather and tobacco. While satisfying, it can be a bit harsh.

Watery Wand?: Adding water tames the oak intensity and boosts the caramel notes, but the oak remains noticeable.

The Verdict: Eagle Rare isn’t for the faint of heart. Its pronounced oak character makes it less beginner-friendly. However, if you appreciate oaky adventures, it offers a well-rounded and beautiful drinking experience.

For Aficionados Only?: This bourbon shines as a sipping treasure for serious bourbon enthusiasts. Its complexity and depth might be lost on those seeking a smoother, less oak-forward journey.

Bonus Facts:

Aged for at least 10 years in new, highly charred American oak barrels under the Kentucky sun.
Hand-picked barrels ensure quality and consistency.
Launched in 1975, a veteran in the bourbon world.

Ready to soar with the Eagle? Remember, its unique oak profile might not suit everyone. If you’re new to bourbon, explore other options before venturing into this oaky territory. But if you’re an experienced explorer seeking depth and complexity, Eagle Rare awaits to impress.

Smoke Wagon: High-Rye Ride or All Sizzle, No Steak?

Nose: Banana, caramel, vanilla, ethanol
Palate: Rye spice, vanilla, citrus, caramel, banana
Finish: Burnt marshmallow, earth
Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
How to drink: Add water, rocks
Similar to: Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered

Smoke Wagon promises a high-rye adventure with surprising smoothness. Let’s see if it delivers a flavorful journey or leaves you wanting more kick.

Aroma: First impressions? Banana notes take center stage, followed by supportive whispers of caramel, vanilla, and a touch of ethanol. This sets the stage for an intriguing and fruity experience.

Palate: Buckle up for a substantial body. The first sip hits you with a rye spice punch, quickly mellowing into familiar notes of vanilla, caramel, and a surprising hint of orange peel. The banana note from the aroma returns, completing the flavor picture.

Finish: It lingers for a medium length, leaving a pleasant warmth behind. Expect notes of burnt marshmallow, earthiness, and lingering rye spice.

The Verdict: Smoke Wagon showcases its rye heritage with a prominent spice presence, but it never overpowers the experience. This high-rye bourbon leans towards smoothness, surprising for its 100-proof strength.

Smooth Sip, Shy Cocktailer: This bourbon makes a great sipper due to its lack of harshness, particularly appealing to those looking for a mellower experience. However, its smoothness and character might not translate well into cocktails that require a bolder presence. Opt for a dedicated rye whiskey if you’re crafting an Old Fashioned.

Bonus Facts:

No age statement, but rumored to be around 4-8 years old.
Mash bill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley.
MGP of Indiana origin, sharing space with other notable releases.
Bottled and aged in Las Vegas, making it Sin City’s only bourbon.
Created by screenwriter Jonathan Hensleigh and co-founder Aaron Chepenik.
Boasts three Gold Medals from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Ready to explore the high-rye frontier? Smoke Wagon awaits! Remember, its smoothness and rye-forward approach might not suit everyone, but it offers a unique and award-winning taste experience for those who appreciate it.