Eagle Rare 12 Year is the long awaited 12 year age stated expansion of Buffalo Trace's flagship Eagle Rare line, officially launched in June 2025 as a permanent addition to the brand's core lineup. Distilled at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky using the famed Mash Bill #1 (the same low rye recipe behind Buffalo Trace, E.H. Taylor, and Stagg), this bourbon is aged for a minimum of 12 years in new charred American oak barrels stored in Buffalo Trace's meticulously monitored rickhouses, with each barrel hand selected by the distillery's expert team. Unlike the single barrel Eagle Rare 10 Year, the 12 Year is small batch by design, blended to deliver consistent depth and complexity. Bottled at 95 proof, two and a half percent stronger than the 10 Year, it slots between the everyday Eagle Rare 10 and the highly allocated Eagle Rare 17 Year Antique Collection release at an SRP that makes it one of the most attainable age stated bourbons over a decade old on the market, though demand has pushed real world pricing well above sticker.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
Eagle Rare |
| Distillery |
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort KY |
| Type |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey |
| Mash Bill |
Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (low rye, 10% or less rye) |
| Age |
12 Years (minimum) |
| Barrel |
New Charred American Oak |
| Style |
Small Batch (hand selected barrels) |
| ABV |
47.5% |
| Proof |
95 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
USA |
| Release |
Launched June 2025, Permanent Core Lineup Addition |
| Master Distiller |
Harlen Wheatley |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep amber gold with rich copper highlights from the additional 12 years in oak.
Nose: A rush of caramel up front, layered with chestnut, seasoned oak, brown sugar, and cocoa powder.
Palate: Warm brown sugar, baking spice, dark cherry, and dried fruit, with a deeper oak presence than the 10 Year and a touch of toasted nut.
Finish: Long, with a dry oak tannin grip giving way to lingering caramel, vanilla, and gentle spice.
FAQ
How is Eagle Rare 12 Year different from Eagle Rare 10 Year? The 12 Year has two additional years in oak, is bottled at 95 proof versus 90, and is small batch rather than single barrel. The deeper oak character pushes the profile toward dark cherry and brown sugar with a drier finish, where Eagle Rare 10 Year stays brighter and fruit forward.
Is Eagle Rare 12 Year the same as Eagle Rare 17 Year? No. Eagle Rare 17 Year is part of the annual Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, an extremely allocated, once a year release at higher proof. Eagle Rare 12 Year is positioned as a permanent, year round core lineup expression at a far more accessible price point.
Why is Eagle Rare 12 Year so hard to find? Despite being labeled a permanent release, demand has dramatically outpaced supply since the June 2025 launch. Buffalo Trace's $1.2 billion expansion is expected to ease availability over time, but for now the 12 Year remains heavily allocated nationwide.
Where can I buy Eagle Rare 12 Year online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
