Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 07:32 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 Widow Jane 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 Widow Jane: Comparison
Eagle Rare: A sophisticated bourbon with toasted oak, orange peel, and maple syrup on the nose, leading to a palate of oak, dried fruit, and spices. Aged 10 years for a mature, nuanced profile, perfect for aficionados seeking depth and a rich oak character.
Widow Jane 10-Year: Offers a unique blend of caramel, oak, and a medicinal note on the nose, with honey, caramel, and cherry on the palate. Iit’s a smooth, aged bourbon with quirky charm, appealing to those who appreciate a distinctive taste profile.
Verdict: Eagle Rare and Widow Jane 10-Year each brings something special to the bourbon table. Eagle Rare impresses with its refined oak and complex depth, ideal for seasoned drinkers. Widow Jane stands out for its smoothness and unique notes, catering to those looking for something different, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top 10-Year-Old Bourbons
Eagle Rare: Soaring Above with Refined Oak
- 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: Wild Turkey Rare Breed
Unlocking a Sophisticated Sip: Eagle Rare, a bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery, shares its mash bill with its younger sibling, Buffalo Trace, but takes things to the next level with 10 years of aging compared to 6. This time in the barrel yields a drier, oak-forward character, making it a more mature and nuanced expression.
Aromatic Ascent: Inhale a medley of toasted oak, orange peel, red fruit, and maple syrup, promising a complex journey ahead.
Palatial Pleasure: The buttery texture coats your tongue as notes of oak evolve into vanilla, dried fruit, caramel, and baking spice, creating a beautifully balanced profile.
Lingering Delight: The long finish offers a satisfying bite of oak, old leather, and tobacco, with a hint of caramel sweetness emerging when water is added. The oak influence remains present, a testament to its bold character.
Beyond Beginners: This is not a bourbon for the faint of heart. The pronounced oakiness might not suit every palate, especially newer whiskey drinkers. However, for seasoned enthusiasts, Eagle Rare is a highly enjoyable journey.
Strength in Choice: While some might wish for a higher proof, the 90-proof bottling still delivers a satisfying sip. Ultimately, it caters to the discerning aficionado seeking a refined and oak-driven experience.
Bonus Eagle Knowledge:
- Aged for at least 10 years in new, highly charred American oak barrels under the Kentucky sun.
- Hand-picked barrels ensure quality and consistency.
- A rich history launched in 1975 and now under Sazerac ownership.
Widow Jane 10-Year: Smooth Sip with Quirky Charm
- Nose: Caramel, oak, cough syrup
- Palate: Oak, honey, caramel, cherry
- Finish: Oak, cherry
- Alcohol content: 91 proof (45.5% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Blanton’s
Aroma: Dive into a sweet caramel aroma with hints of toasted oak, followed by a touch of cough syrup that some might find intriguing, others less so.
Palate: This 10-year-old boasts a decent body, opening with a lightly toasted oak note before transitioning to honey, caramel, and a hint of medicinal cherry.
Finish: The journey concludes with a long finish featuring pronounced oak flavors and a pleasant warmth. Hold on for a lingering Dr. Pepper aftertaste, adding a unique twist.
Verdict: Despite the unexpected cough syrup and Dr. Pepper notes, Widow Jane delivers a smooth and enjoyable neat experience. The mouthfeel is smooth, the toasted oak upfront is pleasant, and the heat at the end is balanced.
Value: While the price tag might raise an eyebrow initially, remember this is a 10-year-old non-chill-filtered whiskey, making it somewhat justifiable.
Bonus Facts:
- Blend sources from Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana’s MGP (rye powerhouse).
- Undisclosed mashbill fuels the mystery.
- Aged and proofed in New York with pure limestone water.
- Founded in 2012 by Cacao Prieto, an organic cacao farm family venture.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Eagle Rare | $50 |
| Widow Jane | $77 |