This year’s Eagle Rare 17 Year brings the age closer to its namesake and comes in at just 5 months over its 17 year moniker. Compare this with the 2021 release that came in over a year older at 18 years and 6 months. It remains the only bottle in the Antique Collection that comes close to a more traditional classic bourbon flavor profile due in part to its manageable 101 proof and rye as the secondary grain in the mash bill.

While the overall sip contains many classic bourbon scents and flavors, its focus on fruits is the most intriguing aspect. These fruits become readily apparent as the nose is dominated by noticeable baked cinnamon apples. Its crisp aromas make you perk up and prepare you for what the remainder of the sip offers. Moving into the palate, these cinnamon apples are still noticeable, but no longer the center of attention. Instead, they’re joined with equal amounts of classic flavors and a touch of dark fruit which adds a nice contrast.