Buffalo Trace Distillery has made a significant announcement: the introduction of Eagle Rare 12 Year Old, marking a rare expansion of one of America’s most coveted whiskey brands. The release represents only the fifth installment in the Eagle Rare family. The whiskey is the first new addition in years, underscoring the exceptional nature of this announcement from the world’s most award-winning distillery.
The timing of Eagle Rare 12’s debut coincides with Buffalo Trace completing its ambitious 10-year, $1.2 billion expansion project, which played a crucial role in enabling this release. The substantial investment in infrastructure and aging capacity has allowed the distillery to explore new possibilities in bourbon production, with Eagle Rare 12 serving as a flagship example of their enhanced capabilities.
Eagle Rare 12 Year Old
Eagle Rare 12 builds upon Buffalo Trace’s iconic Mashbill #1, the same recipe that has made Eagle Rare 10 a household name among bourbon drinkers. However, this new expression ages for a minimum of 12 years in carefully monitored warehouses, with each barrel hand-selected by the distillery’s expert team. The additional two years of aging beyond Eagle Rare 10 create notable differences in complexity and character.
Bottled at 95-proof (47.5% ABV), Eagle Rare 12 delivers what Buffalo Trace describes as “exceptional depth, character and distinction.” The tasting profile opens with sweet, oaky aromas complemented by delicate almond notes. The palate reveals bold complexity featuring subtle vanilla and toasted oak, culminating in a rich, lingering finish highlighted by warm toffee notes.
“This whiskey represents more than just time in the barrel—it’s the result of years of dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment from our entire team,” says Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “The investments we’ve made – in time, resources and effort – have allowed us to explore new possibilities in aging and flavor, and this release is a proud reflection of that journey.”
Strategic Release Reinforces Eagle Rare’s Premium Position
The introduction of Eagle Rare 12 reinforces Buffalo Trace’s commitment to age-stated bourbons at a time when many distilleries have moved away from age statements due to supply constraints. Eagle Rare expansions remain exceptionally rare, making this announcement particularly significant for the bourbon industry.
Eagle Rare 12 will join an exclusive lineup that includes Eagle Rare 10, Double Eagle Very Rare, Eagle Rare 25, and Eagle Rare 17 (released annually as part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection). Each expression occupies a distinct position in the premium bourbon market, with Eagle Rare 12 positioned as an accessible step up from the 10-year expression.
Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery, emphasized the brand’s philosophy: “At Buffalo Trace Distillery, we believe there are no shortcuts to create outstanding whiskey – there is no substitute for quality time spent in the barrel. With Eagle Rare, we are always striving but never satisfied, constantly experimenting to enable better-tasting age stated bourbons.”
Pricing & Availability
The strategic pricing of Eagle Rare 12 at $49.99 per 750ml bottle suggests Buffalo Trace aims to maintain accessibility while delivering premium quality. This pricing positions the expression competitively within the 12-year bourbon category, potentially making aged bourbon more accessible to enthusiasts who previously found longer-aged whiskeys too expensive.
Buffalo Trace plans to release Eagle Rare 12 to select retailers, bars, and restaurants across the United States beginning June 2025, with international markets following in Fall 2025.
Read the full article at Eagle Rare Drops First New Expression in Years, And It’s Surprisingly Affordable
