2 Bourbons: Bulleit & Eagle Rare - Trip Report (originally in OOT)

[KilgoreTrout]

SlowPlayRay suggested I move this post here. Mods - feel free to delete this if it's redundant.

A successful trip to the NH state liquor store left me with a couple decent bourbons to sample. This was my first taste of Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey, and my second encounter with Eagle Rare 10-year.

Though I normally prefer sipping bourbons on the rocks, I decided to try Bulleit neat first, since I've heard so many good things about the stuff. Surprisingly smooth for a 90-proof spirit, the initial smokey flavors give way to a rich oak bouquet and a delightfully sweet honey finish with no bite. The sweetness makes this bourbon more suitable for after dinner consumption, as the palate is rather over-stimulated. Though I enjoy cigars, I'm not sure that Bulleit is a suitable mate for a smoke. The stuff is simply too tasty on its own.

I had sampled 10-year Eagle Rare previously and had enjoyed it. A bottle of water and about a half hour to relax the ole taste buds was enough recovery time after the Bulleit. I had the Eagle Rare neat as well, but immediately realized I should have had Eagle first. Though smooth for its 90-proof rating, Eagle has a more bitter woody initial flavor, a slight bite, and strong caramel hues. The finish is somewhat fruity with a mild burn. While I place Bulleit at a solid 7 on the sweetness scale, Eagle is probably closer to a 4. Only the very finish awakens the sweetness, and that is complimented nicely by a hint of hickory smokiness. This is a more classic cocktail bourbon than Bulleit. It would go well before a meal or with a fine cigar. I also think this would be better on the rocks or with a splash, as the water would open up the flavors a bit while cutting some of the bite.

On a scale of 5:

Bulleit gets [img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img]

Eagle Rare 10 year gets [img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img]1/2

[MrWookie]

Huh. I remember Bulliet being rather astringent and harsh. You were trying their baseline bourbon, right? I may have to give this one a second go.

I agree w/ you on the Eagle Rare, though.

[KilgoreTrout]

Wookie - compared to typical well stuff or JD or Makers, Bulleit is a bit harsher. Also if you swill instead of sip you'll get some flame out.

Just ordered some full bodied (strong) cigars (Hoyo de Monterrey Dark Sumatrans). I'm curious to see how the Bulleit goes with them. I'm apprehensive, though.

[gilper]

[ QUOTE ]
Huh. I remember Bulliet being rather astringent and harsh. You were trying their baseline bourbon, right? I may have to give this one a second go.

[/ QUOTE ]

I also found the Bulliet a little harsh. I find it hard to drink neat but decent on the rocks. My neat bourbons are Blantons and Pappy Van Winkle.

[Slow Play Ray]

I'm pretty ghetto for drinking Jim Beam, huh?

[KilgoreTrout]

I'm no booze snob. Beam and a couple rocks suits me just fine, too.

[gilper]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm pretty ghetto for drinking Jim Beam, huh?

[/ QUOTE ]

Not at all, I like Beam on the rocks, and with coke.

[Kneel B4 Zod]

prices?

bourbon drinkers - do you also drink Scotch Whiskey and Irish whisky? what are the big differences between these?

[Peter Harris]

Scottish is better [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

The more clear answer is that Irish Whiskey is usually rye, Scottish usually malt. The taste is totally different. I prefer Scotch.

[Slow Play Ray]

Based on a song that makes it sound so alluring, I want to try Drambuie. Is it good?