Eagle Rare 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon – 70cl

The 12 Year Old is the grown-up sibling of Eagle Rare's famous 10, and a genuinely long-awaited arrival on UK shelves. Two extra years in Kentucky oak and a step up to 47.5% ABV give it a firmer, drier, more serious cast — without losing the easy sweetness that made the brand's name.

It is distilled at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, from the low-rye Mashbill #1 that also underpins its stablemates. Twelve years in new charred American oak is a long maturation for a bourbon, and it shows in the structure: this is a whiskey with edges as well as generosity.

The nose leads with sweet caramel and toasted oak, then almond, brown sugar, cocoa powder and orange peel. The palate delivers toffee, burnt caramel, vanilla and dark cherry with a flicker of toasted marshmallow. The finish is where the extra years tell — cinnamon, leather, dry spice, black pepper, vanilla and caramel, running long and warm.

At around £65 the price has drawn some grumbles — fair enough, since the 10 is spectacular value at half the money. But taken on its own terms this is a poised, complex bourbon and a proper sharing bottle. Buy it for the pour, not the maths.

How to Serve

Neat, no rush; the higher strength means a small splash of water is welcome to open the spice. A large ice cube suits it if you prefer it cool.

Where to Drink It

Scarfes Bar at the Rosewood for an unhurried dram. The Connaught Bar for something a little more refined. Boisdale for the cigar-and-bourbon crowd.

Food Pairings

This has the backbone for smoked brisket or grilled steak, where the pepper and oak earn their place. A wedge of mature cheddar is the easier route.