Eagle Rare 12 Year Old: Buffalo Trace Introduces a New Chapter in Bourbon

Buffalo Trace Distillery has released Eagle Rare 12 Year Old, an exciting new addition to its acclaimed Eagle Rare collection. This 2025 launch has already generated attention among bourbon lovers and collectors alike. Priced at $49.99 (at the moment of writing) per 750 ml bottle, it offers an impressive age statement at a time when many distilleries are moving away from transparency in ageing.

The new 12 Year Old is expected to become one of the most talked-about releases of the year. It bridges the gap between the approachable Eagle Rare 10 Year and the highly collectible 17 Year bottling from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection.

A New Expression in the Eagle Rare Lineup

Eagle Rare 12 Year Old reflects Buffalo Trace’s renewed focus on craftsmanship and patience. The whiskey is bottled at 95 proof (47.5% ABV) and produced using the distillery’s renowned Mashbill No. 1, the same recipe used for its flagship Buffalo Trace Bourbon and the 10 Year Eagle Rare.

This release coincides with Buffalo Trace’s $1.2 billion expansion project, which has increased warehouse space and production capacity to meet global demand. The investment has allowed the distillery to mature more barrels for longer periods while maintaining consistent quality across its portfolio.

For enthusiasts, the introduction of a 12-year age statement reinforces Buffalo Trace’s confidence in its inventory and its ability to continue delivering premium bourbons with genuine depth and maturity.

Tasting Notes: What to Expect from Eagle Rare 12

According to Buffalo Trace’s official tasting notes, Eagle Rare 12 Year Old opens with an inviting aroma of sweet oak, vanilla, and toasted almonds. The palate develops rich layers of honeyed vanilla, caramel, and roasted oak, finishing with warm toffee and lingering spice.

The two extra years of ageing compared to the standard Eagle Rare 10 Year deepen the flavour profile. Expect greater wood influence, enhanced viscosity, and a mellow warmth that appeals to both seasoned collectors and those discovering premium bourbon for the first time.

Early reviewers have described it as a “perfect balance of sweetness and oak”, with added structure that retains the easy-drinking charm of the 10 Year while introducing a bolder, more mature complexity.

Why the Eagle Rare 12 Year Stands Out in 2025

The bourbon market has seen significant price inflation in recent years. In that context, Buffalo Trace’s $49.99 suggested retail price is noteworthy. Comparable 12-year-old bourbons from established distilleries often sell for considerably more, both at retail and on the secondary market.

This release therefore positions Eagle Rare 12 Year Old as one of the best-value age-stated bourbons available in 2025. It balances accessibility with prestige, giving enthusiasts a chance to own a well-aged bourbon from one of Kentucky’s most respected producers without paying luxury-tier prices.

The timing of this release is strategic. With the distillery’s global expansion and increased barrel ageing capacity, Buffalo Trace appears ready to strengthen its foothold in the premium bourbon category while maintaining its core philosophy of quality and affordability.

Availability and Global Release Schedule

The Eagle Rare 12 Year Old was launched across the United States in June 2025, with wider international distribution expected in autumn 2025.

Given the ongoing popularity of the Eagle Rare range and Buffalo Trace’s history of high demand, enthusiasts should expect allocations to sell out quickly. Collectors are already anticipating that availability will be limited, especially during the first few release cycles.

To increase your chances of finding a bottle, follow reputable retailers, specialist whisky shops, and local distributors that carry Buffalo Trace products. Some online retailers may offer pre-order notifications or waiting lists.

A Collector’s Perspective

For collectors, this new 12-year expression represents both an opportunity and a challenge. The age statement and moderate price point make it an attractive addition to any bourbon shelf. However, as with many Buffalo Trace releases, availability will likely be limited.

Eagle Rare 12 Year Old also signals something more significant. It reflects Buffalo Trace’s confidence in its ageing programme and its intention to expand its range of age-stated whiskeys. This could pave the way for additional releases within the Mashbill No. 1 family, offering more variety for fans who value authenticity and maturity in American whiskey.

The distillery’s commitment to expanding its ageing capacity also reassures collectors that the brand’s long-term vision includes greater consistency and transparency.

How Eagle Rare 12 Fits into the Buffalo Trace Legacy

Eagle Rare has been part of Buffalo Trace’s identity since its introduction in the 1970s. The 10 Year Old is widely regarded as one of the best entry points into the world of premium bourbon, while the 17 Year Antique Collection bottling remains a prized collector’s item.

The arrival of the 12 Year bridges those two worlds, offering the depth of maturity sought by enthusiasts but retaining the smooth, balanced profile that made Eagle Rare a household name. It strengthens Buffalo Trace’s reputation for producing well-crafted, age-stated bourbons that combine heritage with accessibility.

Final Thoughts

The Eagle Rare 12 Year Old is more than just a new release. It represents a milestone in Buffalo Trace’s ongoing expansion and its promise to make premium bourbon more widely available. With its refined flavour profile, confident age statement, and accessible price, it is set to become one of the most talked-about whiskies of 2025.

Collectors and casual drinkers alike should keep an eye out for this release. It may be difficult to find at launch, but it is likely to be one of the most rewarding bottles you can add to your collection this year.

Whether you enjoy it neat, with a drop of water, or saved for a special occasion, the Eagle Rare 12 Year Old embodies everything that makes Buffalo Trace one of the most admired distilleries in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eagle Rare 12 Year Old

What is Eagle Rare 12 Year Old?

Eagle Rare 12 Year Old is a new bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery, aged for a minimum of twelve years and bottled at 95 proof (47.5% ABV). It expands the Eagle Rare range by offering a richer, more mature expression that sits between the classic 10-year version and the limited 17-year bottling from the Antique Collection.

When was Eagle Rare 12 Year Old released?

The Eagle Rare 12 Year Old was officially released in the United States in June 2025, with international distribution expected in autumn 2025. Early batches are already appearing at select U.S. retailers, and wider availability is anticipated later in the year.

How much does Eagle Rare 12 Year Old cost?

The suggested retail price (MSRP) is $49.99 per 750 ml bottle, which positions it as one of the best-value 12-year bourbons on the market. Due to high demand, some stores may sell it at higher prices once initial allocations sell out.

What does Eagle Rare 12 Year Old taste like?

According to Buffalo Trace’s official notes, Eagle Rare 12 Year Old offers aromas of sweet oak, vanilla, and almonds. The palate delivers rich vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak, finishing with lingering toffee and gentle spice. The extra ageing adds depth and oak influence without losing the smooth character that defines Eagle Rare.

What mash bill is used for Eagle Rare 12 Year Old?

Eagle Rare 12 Year Old uses Buffalo Trace’s Mashbill No. 1, a low-rye recipe that forms the base for several of the distillery’s most popular bourbons, including Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Eagle Rare 10 Year Old.

How is Eagle Rare 12 different from Eagle Rare 10 Year Old?

The main differences are age and flavour depth. The 12-year version spends two additional years in oak barrels, resulting in stronger wood influence, more developed sweetness, and a longer finish. It maintains the smooth, balanced profile of the 10-year while offering extra maturity and structure.

Is Eagle Rare 12 Year Old a limited release?

Buffalo Trace intends for Eagle Rare 12 Year Old to be a core addition to the Eagle Rare lineup, though supply will likely remain limited due to high demand and allocation practices. Collectors should expect it to sell out quickly after each release cycle.

Will Eagle Rare 12 Year Old be available internationally?

Yes. Buffalo Trace has confirmed that international markets will begin receiving allocations in late 2025, following the initial U.S. rollout. Availability will vary depending on region and distributor.

Is Eagle Rare 12 good for collectors?

Yes. The 12 Year Old offers both collectability and drinkability. It carries an age statement, a reasonable retail price, and strong demand from fans of Buffalo Trace. Many collectors consider it a must-have bottle for 2025.

What is the best way to drink Eagle Rare 12 Year Old?

Eagle Rare 12 can be enjoyed neat to appreciate its depth, with a few drops of water to open the flavours, or over a large cube of ice. Because of its balanced profile, it also works well in elevated bourbon cocktails such as the Old Fashioned or Boulevardier.