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Let's face it, in this economy not everyone can afford that Eagle Rare 10 for $60 to $100 a pop, let alone the Double Eagle Very Rare! Almost anything by Buffalo Trace is going to be a hit and that means everyone involved in the secondary market will have it higher than the MSRP. While nothing can be a clone of Eagle Rare, there are some more affordable alternatives to try. Note, we said "alternatives" not "replacements," ok?

Some may be a hard L for you, but others just might be a W. But comparatively speaking, many of these will surely hit the spot. So let's take a gander at some offerings at a lower price than the current listing of Eagle Rare at $89.99.

A Tad Lower in Price Range

Henry McKenna Single Barrel - A tad more affordable bourbon at $67.99, Henry McKenna Single Barrel offers a refined and slightly more affordable alternative to Eagle Rare, distinguished as the only extra-aged Bottled-in-Bond single barrel bourbon. Originating from a whiskey-loving Irishman who brought his expertise to Kentucky, this bourbon combines the best of both worlds with its 40 Kentucky seasons of aging. Praised for its perfect balance, Henry McKenna Single Barrel delivers a rich and sophisticated profile, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a meticulously aged bourbon at a competitive price.

Bib & Tucker Small Batch Bourbon - At $54.99, Bib & Tucker Small Batch Bourbon offers a refined and elegant alternative to Eagle Rare, embodying the same dedication and craftsmanship that once defined America’s finest attire. This delightfully smooth bourbon features rich notes of chestnut, carefully crafted to deliver a truly special drinking experience. Just as “bib & tucker” referred to one’s best clothing for special occasions, this bourbon represents the pinnacle of quality, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a premium and meticulously crafted bourbon that stands out in taste and character.

Getting Closer

Evan William's Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon - At $39.99, Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon presents a premium alternative to Eagle Rare, offering exceptional value with its handcrafted quality. Selected by Master Distillers and a five-time winner of “Whiskey of the Year,” this bourbon stands out with its delicate amber gold color and a nose of dark caramel, sweet oak, and charred wood. The taste is lush and spicy, featuring notes of oak, honey, apple, and orange, leading to a long, graceful, and relaxed finish. As Evan Williams' most decorated bourbon, it meets exacting standards, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a sophisticated and award-winning bourbon at a competitive price.

Russell's Reserve 10 Year - A cheaper alternative to the Single Barrel at $44.99, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old Bourbon offers a richly crafted alternative to Eagle Rare, showcasing nearly 100 years of combined expertise from master distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell. Bottled at 90 proof, this hand-selected small batch bourbon features a deep, caramel and vanilla flavor profile with a uniquely smooth finish. With its artisanal quality and meticulously crafted taste, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old Bourbon stands as a worthy, slightly more affordable option for those who appreciate well-aged, premium bourbon.

Maker's 46 - For only $39.99, Maker’s 46 offers a distinctive and flavorful alternative to Eagle Rare, crafted with an innovative approach to aging. By aging the bourbon a bit longer in barrels containing seared French oak staves, Maker’s 46 develops bolder, more complex flavors while eliminating the bitterness often found in longer-aged whiskies. The result is a smooth, rich bourbon with enhanced depth, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a unique and refined experience at a more accessible price.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon - At $34.99, Buffalo Trace Bourbon is a fantastic alternative to Eagle Rare, offering a similar flavor profile due to its shared mash bill. While it lacks a specific age statement, this bourbon from the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery, which has been crafting whiskey for over 200 years, provides a rich and satisfying experience. The deep amber whiskey boasts a complex aroma of vanilla, mint, and molasses, complemented by a pleasantly sweet taste with notes of brown sugar, spice, oak, toffee, dark fruit, and anise. The long, smooth finish adds to its depth, making Buffalo Trace an excellent choice for those seeking quality bourbon at a more accessible price.

Redwood Empire Lost Monarch - For a modest $34.99, Redwood Empire Lost Monarch offers a distinctive and affordable alternative to Eagle Rare, featuring a unique blend of 60% rye and 40% bourbon. This well-balanced whiskey showcases the sweetness from the corn and the spice from the rye, resulting in a flavor profile with notes of vanilla, caramel, and delicate maple. The butterscotch nose and light peppery finish enhance its complexity, with the rye aged between 3 to 5 years and the bourbon between 4 to 12 years. Lost Monarch provides a rich and nuanced drinking experience, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality blend at a competitive price.

That's What I'm Talkin' 'bout!

1792 Small Batch - At just $32.99, 1792 Small Batch offers a sophisticated and complex alternative to Eagle Rare, delivering exceptional quality at a lower price point. Crafted with a "high rye" recipe and select barrels carefully chosen by the Master Distiller, this bourbon boasts an expressive and elegant flavor profile. The unmistakable spice is perfectly balanced with sweet caramel and vanilla, creating a bold yet smooth experience. Celebrated by connoisseurs worldwide, 1792 Small Batch elevates whiskey to new heights, making it a brash and bold choice for those seeking refined craftsmanship without the premium price.

Benchmark Full Proof, a release from the same Buffalo Trace distillery as Eagle Rare, offers a bold and robust experience at a fraction of the price—just $24.99. This Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is bottled at the same 125 proof it enters the barrel, delivering a rich and intense flavor profile. With a scent of deep brown sugar and chocolate followed by the bold taste of caramel and baking spice, it’s meant to be sipped and savored. The long, rich finish makes Benchmark Full Proof an excellent and much cheaper alternative for those who appreciate the quality of Buffalo Trace bourbons.

Early Times Bottled in Bond - At just $19.99, Early Times Bottled in Bond offers an exceptional value as a tribute to historic bourbon-making, serving as a budget-friendly alternative to Eagle Rare. This bourbon honors the U.S. Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, ensuring it meets rigorous quality standards. Produced by one distiller at a single American distillery during one distilling season, this 100-proof whiskey is aged for at least four years under government supervision. With its rich heritage and commitment to quality, Early Times Bottled in Bond delivers a robust and authentic bourbon experience at a fraction of the cost.