Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 09:44 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 vs Weller Special Reserve 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 vs Weller Special Reserve: Comparison
Eagle Rare: A 10-year-old bourbon with an oaky essence, featuring notes of toasted oak, vanilla, and caramel, culminating in a spicy, leathery finish. Best enjoyed with a splash of water to enhance its complex flavors. It appeals to those who cherish a bold, oak-forward profile.
Weller Special Reserve: This wheated bourbon offers a softer, sweeter aroma of maple and apple, with a palate of caramel and vanilla. It’s smooth and accessible, perfect on the rocks. Ideal for those seeking a gentle yet flavorful whiskey experience.
Key Difference: Both are produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery, but Eagle Rare uses the Buffalo Trace mash. Weller’s distinction lies in its wheated mash bill, offering a sweeter taste compared to rye-infused bourbons.
Verdict: Eagle Rare and Weller Special Reserve both present unique qualities: Eagle Rare brings a robust, oaky complexity, while Weller Special Reserve offers a smooth, sweet sipping experience. Each stands out in its own right, catering to different preferences, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Rated Bourbons under $50
Eagle Rare: Unveiling the Oaky Charm
- 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: Russell’s 10
Eagle Rare isn’t for the faint of heart. This 10-year-old bourbon packs a punch of oak, evident right from the start with aromas of toasted wood, orange peel, and red fruit.
But don’t let the oak scare you off! Underneath lies a creamy mouthfeel followed by layers of vanilla, dried fruit, caramel, and baking spices. The finish is long and oaky with hints of aged leather and tobacco.
A splash of water tames the oak a bit, revealing more caramel sweetness. Still, oak remains the star of the show.
Is it good? If you’re a beginner, maybe not. But for bourbon enthusiasts who appreciate bold oaky flavors, Eagle Rare is a gem. Especially at its MSRP of $50-$60, it’s a worthy addition to your collection.
Eagle Rare facts:
- Aged 10+ years in new, charred oak barrels.
- Barrels hand-picked for quality.
- Launched in 1975, now owned by Sazerac.
Sweet & Smooth: Unveiling Weller Special Reserve
- Nose: Maple, apple, leather, oak
- Palate: Caramel, vanilla, chocolate, baking spice
- Finish: Old leather, cinnamon, oak
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Larceny
Craving a bourbon that’s easy on the palate? Look no further than Weller Special Reserve. This wheated whiskey boasts a smooth, honey-sweet aroma with hints of apple and aged leather.
Take a sip, and warm caramel, vanilla, and cinnamon dance on your tongue. A touch of dark chocolate and citrus adds complexity, while the finish offers a pleasant warmth with lingering notes of oak spice and cinnamon candy.
Neat or with a drop of water? Both options shine! Enjoy it neat for pure smoothness or add a splash to unlock deeper oak notes.
Weller Special Reserve delivers on the classic wheated bourbon experience. While it could benefit from a touch more body, it’s still a satisfying pour for those seeking sweetness and easy drinking.
Weller Special Reserve facts:
- Weller uses an undisclosed amount of wheat in the mash but likely to be around 15%.
- Weller is aged anywhere from 4 to 7 years.
- Earned a Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
How does Weller and Eagle Rare differ?
Both bourbons are crafted at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, the difference lies in the mash.
The Eagle Rare is made using the same mash bill as the Buffalo Trace bourbon.
However, it sets itself apart with its aging process, spending a decade maturing compared to the six years of Buffalo Trace.
The extended aging of Eagle Rare results in a drier and more oak-forward flavor profile, presenting a sophisticated variation of the Buffalo Trace.
Weller distinguishes itself by using a wheated mash bill.
As a general characteristic, wheated bourbons tend to offer a smoother and sweeter flavor profile compared to those that incorporate rye grain as a secondary grain alongside corn.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Eagle Rare 10 | $50 |
| Weller Special Reserve | $62 |