Tastes

With respect to how this bourbon tastes, I don’t have anything to add to the many hundreds of reviews already here. This review is to note that the Eagle Rare 10 of today is not the same as the one from 8-10 years ago. (I’ve had many bottles of both). The Eagle Rare 10 of yesteryear was wildly spicy and flavorful, a bit disjointed, but truly marvelous. It had a wow factor, a punch to the face, but it drew you right back for more. The version of today is an above average bourbon, but not one really worthy of its high reputation.

A previous review’s comparison to Bookers is spot on, only it’s rounder, caramel and vanilla to the forefront, pecan praline and, like the same previous review suggests, apricot. This has been a bit of a controversial bourbon among reviewers, which would take a lot of space to discuss, but I’ll just note that some reviewers have panned it as being good, but nothing special, and a re-packaged version of a previously available cheaper Heaven Hill product. On the other hand, Whisky Advocate rated it the number 4 whiskey in the world in 2019. Probably, most folks would rate it somewhere in between. Personally, I like this whiskey a whole lot. It’s been snobbishly described by some reviewers as being “approachable” to the masses and for bourbon novices, but it’s drinkability is appealing enough to make you reach for it over the other open bottles in your cabinet. Simply stated, it has a very appealing taste.

This is a review of my 5th bottle of Henry McKenna. Each of the five I’ve had has been of the same flavor profile, but has ranged in complexity and quality from good to very good to downright excellent. Each bottle that I have had starts with cinnamon, vanilla, and charcoal, and the better ones add toffee and cherries. So, this bottle from barrel 8443 is the best one yet. At room temperature in a glencairn glass, it’s smooth and rich. This is a bourbon drinkers bourbon.

Oak at the forefront, then caramel. Not complex. Did I mention oak? If you like wood in your bourbon, this is your drink. By wood, I don’t mean vanilla or toast flavors, I mean wood, like pencil shavings.

Caramel, cereal, light pepper, light fruit, slightly sweet. Well rounded, but a little raw and may need more time in the barrel. I paid around $60 for it; good for the price, but it would be a much better deal at about $10-15 less, especially when I can still find McKenna 10 for less than $50.

Cinnamon and cloves followed by light vanilla and, of course, apples. Nicely done. The Calvados finish takes the edge off of a youngish rye whiskey, and compliments it instead of stepping all over it.

Rich and moderately spicy. Cinnamon, light vanilla and mildly fruity. Tasted neat. Overall, bland and unremarkable. I don’t have a lot of experience with rye whiskeys, but the ones I’ve had we’re really good, Handy and Willett 4 & 6 year. The Willett ryes I’ve had we’re comparable in age and price. I would’ve thought that WhistlePig was somewhere in the ballpark, at least in the parking lot. Not even close.

Thin on the palate and hot on the finish, but soft and complex. Vanilla and red fruit, with high-proof rum. This is an elegant drink.