No, we imagine you don’t – who really does? But if you’re up for trying a very good bottle of whiskey without paying any heed to your pocketbook, you will likely want to see if you can’t track down some of Buffalo Trace’s Double Eagle Rare.
Double Eagle Rare is the 20-Year version of the original 10 Year Eagle Rare – which was itself considered one of the finest whiskies ever made, with literally dozens of awards from top shows and committees all over the world. That’s where it gets the “Double” moniker. But while the original Eagle Rare retailed for like $50, Double Eagle Rare has a suggested MSRP of $1,999. So what makes Double Eagle Rare so special?
It can only be the bottle. Double Eagle Rare comes in a crystal decanter, with a stopper upon which sits a hand-carved eagle. Yes, a hand-carved crystal eagle – two of them, in fact. A second one sits inside the bottle, to be slowly revealed as you make your way through the whiskey.
That’s cool, but not enough apparently; the luxurious silver box is more of a display case, trimmed with shiny silver accents, and tiny spotlights that turn on and illuminate the bottle when the case is opened. Buffalo Trace spent two years perfecting this packaging, and it makes a worthy and classy centerpiece on your bar. At least, that’s the idea.
And the whiskey itself? It’s a perfectly-balanced and smooth blend of vanilla notes, caramel and plenty of toasted oak – it’s been aging in oak barrels for a good two decades. It’s 90 proof and a true bourbon.
So what do you think? Is it worth the massive price tag? There’s only one way to find out.
