Buffalo Trace releases new addition to its bourbon lineup. Can you find it in KY?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Buffalo Trace added Eagle Rare 12 Year Old as a permanent lineup offering in 2025.
- Despite expanded production, Eagle Rare 12 remains scarce at the distillery shop.
- Distribution began in June at select U.S. retailers; global rollout set for Fall 2025.
Buffalo Trace fans have been lining up at the Frankfort distillery for a chance at the latest release.
This one isn’t a limited-time offering, at least according to the distillery. In June, Buffalo Trace announced the Kentucky whiskey maker was permanently adding a new, older Eagle Rare to its lineup.
Eagle Rare 12 Year joins Eagle Rare 10, Double Eagle Very Rare, Eagle Rare 25 and Eagle Rare 17, which is released each fall as part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection.
According to the distillery, the additional introduction was made possible by Buffalo Trace’s 10-year $1.2 billion expansion.
Where is Eagle Rare 12 released?
So does that mean there is now plenty of Eagle Rare to go around?
Apparently not, although the older release may be another sign that Kentucky’s bourbon industry has more liquid these days. As sales have slowed both in the U.S. and abroad, some distillers have launched older releases of popular brands. Besides the new version of Eagle Rare, Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg announced in April that an 8-year-old version of Wild Turkey 101 was returning after 30 years.
But sightings of Eagle Rare 12 have been sparse at the gift shop of the distillery. Fans who line up almost daily for coveted rare bourbons, including Blanton’s, Weller, E.H. Taylor and regular Eagle Rare, said online that the bottle appeared on shelves there only for Father’s Day in June.
A spokesperson for Buffalo Trace confirmed it will not be a regular gift shop release anytime soon.
So, where can you find it?
Eagle Rare 12 was released to select retailers, bars and restaurants across the U.S. beginning in June with a suggested retail price of $49.99 and will be coming to international markets in the Fall of 2025.
What does the new Eagle Rare 12 Year taste like?
Made from Buffalo Trace’s Mashbill #1, it is bottled at 95 proof. According to the lasting notes, it has a sweet, oaky nose with hints of almond. On the palate, it’s bold and complex with vanilla and toasted oak and a finish of warm toffee.
“This whiskey represents more than just time in the barrel — it’s the result of years of dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment from our entire team,” said Buffalo Trace master distiller Harlen Wheatley in a news release. “The investments we’ve made — in time, resources and effort — have allowed us to explore new possibilities in aging and flavor, and this release is a proud reflection of that journey.”
This story was originally published July 8, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
