No, this is not the first tasting note for Bottle-Share 2.5, this is an old version of the Eagle Rare 17. Usually it is not stated on the bottle, but my guess is, this is the 2008 version, since I have the sample on the shelf for over a year.

Eagle Rare is one of the standard bourbon ranges of Buffalo Trace but normally comes out as a ten year old. The special Antique Collection release is a 17 year old. I read on the interwebs that, in current times, they do not have enough old stocks for an annual release, but they do have an enormous reserve of 17 year old sealed in air tight stainless steel tanks. This is not uncommon in the United States, it also happened with old stocks of Hirsch (1974-1990, 16yo, released in approx. 2004).

Nose:
Not spicy, but full of herbs, with some dry tobacco leaves and an earthy smell to it. Something crisp is in there as well, but in the background. Peppermint? There is coconut and licorice root, but all in good measure. Also some new white oak.

Taste:
The first thing that comes to mind is ham… Those dried Italian hams. Smooth and dry with some cereal in there.

Finish:
Some red fruit and cereal. Also wood, dirt and coffee. The finish is quite long and has more than enough happening to keep you occupied for a while.

I like how this whiskey is developing in every stage. There are always some new flavours and smells to discover. This never results in inconsistency but in a rather well balanced dram. There are always some new tastes, but there are also some that you already found, to keep everything in check.

Eagle Rare 17yo, 2008 release, 45%, About 105 euros, available from Master of Malt.

Nose: 9
Taste: 9
Finish: 9
Overall Experience: 10
Price/quality: 0

Total: 37 points