BUFFALO TRACE SHOWDOWN Buffalo Trace Eagle Rare Continuing to work through whiskies in my collection that I’ve yet to review. I’ve reviewed numerous BT products, from the low end to the high end, but surprisingly neither of these two staples. The comparison isn’t perfect, as the BT is NAS bourbon and the Eagle Rare carries a 10-year age statement, but they’re both 90 proof and bottled by the same producer. Buffalo Trace The Buffalo Trace color shows as a very bourbonesque Pantone 152. The fruity nose is more subtle than the Eagle Rare, with apple pie, orange peel, dried cherries, and gentle oak. The whiskey is expressive in the mouth and coats your tongue, though it lacks viscosity. The oak is more noticeable on the palate, where vanilla also makes an appearance. The 90 proof is kept well in check on the finish, with more oak and vanilla. I’ve been a Buffalo Trace fan—but not a fanboy—for years. Many bourbon drinkers love it. There are no hard edges; there’s lots of bourbon typicity; and it’s very, very smooth—almost too smooth. It’s a little pedestrian for my taste, despite the hype. It’s not as scarce in my location as it appears to be in other markets, and I’m typically able to pick it up (when it’s around) for about $45. The proof is too low for cocktails (though I rarely drink cocktails), and it lacks proof and complexity. But it can be enjoyed neat, which is how I like it. Would I buy it again? Yes. Good, not great. 3.75 on the Distiller scale. 90 proof; NAS (believed to be 6-8 years). Eagle Rare Surprisingly (given the age statement and longer wood/char contact), this Eagle Rare is ever-so-slightly a shade lighter than the BT, but not in a large enough increment to warrant a color other than Pantone 152. Different nose than the BT: a barbecue-sauce tang, leather, pomander, vanilla, some coconut, and some cool spearmint. The palate has more gumption than the BT: there is a juicy orangeness, along with clove, vanilla and a welcoming cinnamon burn—but just a little. The coconut appears again on the finish, along with some leather and a lingering vanilla. Like the BT, the Eagle Rare is very smooth. But there’s more: in addition to the 10-year age statement (which carries merit in and of itself), there’s more complexity, and more kick. Eagle Rare can be found for $80-90 online; I paid significantly less for my bottles. This is a fantastic sipper; I’d never use it in a cocktail. Would I buy it again? Not for awhile, because I have a good amount of it already. So to answer that question, yes—once I’ve run out. For me, this is a must-have bourbon in any collection. 4.0 on the Distiller scale. 90 proof; 10-year age statement. N.B.: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.