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Eagle Rare 10 Year vs Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Comparing Eagle Rare 10 Year and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Eagle Rare 10 Year | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | 10 years | 12 years +2 yr |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$40 – $65 ~$483 less | ~$170 – $900 |
- Eagle Rare 10 Year and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Eagle Rare 10 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Eagle Rare 10 Year Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Eagle Rare 10 Year 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10
spice 4/3 spice: Eagle Rare 10 Year 4 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
oak 7/6 oak: Eagle Rare 10 Year 7 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Eagle Rare 10 Year 4 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Eagle Rare 10 Year 5 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10
heat 3/3 heat: Eagle Rare 10 Year 3 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The clearest split is how sweet each one drinks.
- Eagle Rare 10 Year: A 10-year age statement at a gentle 90 proof gives this a polished, dry-oak elegance rather than power. Toffee and orange peel lead into leather and dried fruit, with a long, notably dry finish.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, spiced finish.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Eagle Rare 10 Year if you want an elegant, older, low-proof sipper where refinement matters more than intensity at a significantly lower price point.
- Go with Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line with an older age statement.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Eagle Rare 10 Year); neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B).