How to Drink Eagle Rare

Last Updated on: 25th April 2024, 05:48 pm

Discover the best way of drinking Eagle Rare: Ideas for tasting, pairing, and enjoying this whiskey.

Written by: J Highland

Key Takeaways

• Best enjoyed neat or with a small amount of water in a Glencairn glass, according to Neil Coleman.
• Adding water can amplify the oak flavor while softening the finish.
• Aroma includes toasted oak, orange peel, red fruit, and maple syrup.
• Flavor notes feature vanilla, dried fruit, caramel, and baking spice.
• Ideal for pairing with grilled steak, smoked salmon, roasted mushrooms, aged Gouda cheese, and dark chocolate with sea salt.
• 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.

Best Way to Drink Eagle Rare

“Enjoy Eagle Rare at its best by sipping it neat at room temperature in a Glencairn glass, allowing it to rest for about 10 minutes to fully open up. “, states Bourbon expert Neil Coleman.

This sweet, smooth bourbon is affordable and lives up to its reputation for quality.

It excels as a top-notch bourbon, outperforming others in its price range and solidifying its status as one of the world’s finest 10-year-old whiskeys.

• Also read: Eagle Rare Alternatives
• Learn more: Eagle Rare Website

Adding water

Adding water to Eagle Rare boosts its caramel flavor, and softens the finish, yet amplifies the oak flavor, which is why I usually avoid it.

However, if you’re inclined to add water, begin by adding just one drop at a time, and then taste to see if it best suits your palate.

Adding Ice

To chill the bourbon, consider using a large ice ball, whiskey stones, or chilled glasses.

I’m reluctant to add ice to a fine-sipping bourbon like Eagle Rare, as dilution with water can lead to a loss of flavor, resulting in a more bland experience.

Choosing the Right Glass

Experience the full potential of Eagle Rare using a Glencairn glass.

This glass, crafted specifically for whiskey, features a tulip shape that enhances the aromas and flavors, allowing you to fully appreciate Eagle Rare’s complex profile.

The wide bowl of the glass displays the whiskey’s color and body, and its narrow opening focuses the aromas for an unparalleled tasting experience.

For any serious whiskey aficionado, having a Glencairn glass is essential.

Tasting Notes

Eagle Rare’s aroma starts with toasted oak and unfolds into orange peel, red fruit, and maple syrup notes.

It has a creamy, buttery texture on the palate.

The initial oakiness transitions into flavors of vanilla, dried fruit, caramel, and baking spice for a balanced taste.

The finish is lengthy with a slight sharpness, featuring dominant oak, and undertones of old leather and tobacco.

Eagle Rare in Cocktails

Eagle Rare isn’t my go-to bourbon for cocktails; I lean towards Buffalo Trace, which shares the same mash and distillery but is more budget-friendly, offering better value for money.

Nonetheless, here are three cocktail recipes if you wish to experiment with Eagle Rare in mixed drinks:

Sure, here are three cocktail recipes that would pair well with Eagle Rare’s unique flavor profile:

Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Bourbon
• 1 sugar cube (or 1/2 tsp loose sugar)
• 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Orange peel for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass and saturate with bitters.
2. Muddle the sugar until dissolved.
3. Add ice cubes to the glass and pour in the Bourbon.
4. Stir gently and garnish with an orange peel.

Bourbon Sour with a Twist

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Bourbon
• 3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz. simple syrup
• Egg white (optional for frothiness)
• Ice cubes
• Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine the Bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using) in a shaker.
2. Shake vigorously without ice first (dry shake) to emulsify the egg white.
3. Add ice and shake again until well-chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Manhattan with a Cherry

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Bourbon
• 1 oz. sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Ice cubes
• Maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add the Bourbon, vermouth, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir well until chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

These cocktails are designed to complement the rich and complex flavors of Eagle Rare, enhancing its unique characteristics without overpowering them.

Food Pairings

Pairing food with Eagle Rare, especially to complement its prominent oak note, can enhance both the bourbon and the dish.

Here are five food pairings that would work well with its rich oaky character:

1. Grilled Steak: The charred, smoky flavors of a grilled steak align beautifully with the oak notes of Eagle Rare. The rich, meaty taste of the steak and the bourbon’s robust profile create a harmonious balance.
2. Smoked Salmon: The smoky, oily richness of smoked salmon pairs nicely with the oaky depth of Eagle Rare. The bourbon can cut through the fattiness of the salmon, highlighting its delicate flavors.
3. Roasted Mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, roasted mushrooms have a deep flavor that complements the oakiness of Eagle Rare. This pairing is ideal for those looking for a hearty, vegetarian option.
4. Aged Gouda Cheese: The nutty and caramel notes of aged Gouda can stand up to the strong oak flavors of Eagle Rare. This pairing brings out the subtleties in both the cheese and the bourbon.
5. Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt: The bitterness of dark chocolate, especially when combined with a hint of sea salt, can enhance the oaky notes of Eagle Rare. This pairing is perfect for a post-dinner indulgence.

These pairings are about matching the intensity and character of the food with the bourbon, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable tasting experience.

Preserving the Bottle

• Store in a cool, dark place.
• Ensure a secure seal to prevent oxidation.
• Consume promptly when only 25% remains to avoid unusual changes in taste.

About Eagle Rare

Eagle Rare, produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, shares its mashbill with Buffalo Trace, E.H. Taylor, and Benchmark bourbons.

Despite this similarity, variations in bottling proofs, aging locations, and other factors provide enough distinction to set these bourbons apart.