Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 17 Years Old Summer 2019

Appearance: Apricot amber Nose: Right off the bat, it’s very sweet and sugary, with notes of vanilla, custard, powdered sugar, and well-baked shortbread. As it rests in the glass, waxy, fruity aromas emerge, like an orange-scented candle. I also notice a roasty quality, with corn kernels, leather, nutmeg, and black pepper. The aroma is very pleasant. Palate: On the palate, it’s not as sweet as the nose would suggest. There’s a lean quality to the palate, but it’s pleasant—taught, not tight. A feather-light entry introduces a mid-palate burnt sugar bitterness adorned with orange peel, cherry, and vanilla bean. Although there’s minimal tannin, it’s not slick—there’s texture here, but it’s understated—velvet, not corduroy. The drinking experience isn’t as “easy” as years past, but rewarding all the same. The finish is of moderate length, with nice integrated oak and a bit of side-of-tongue tartness to keep things fresh.