Eagle Rare | The Definitive Guide to the Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old 2017 Release

In the world of ultra-premium spirits, few titles carry the weight of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC). Within this elite lineup, the Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old 2017 Release stands as a historic “final chapter” bottling. It is the last vintage of the 17-year expression to be bottled at the traditional 90 proof (45% ABV) before the distillery pivoted to 101 proofs in subsequent years. For collectors who prize the smooth, elegant, and silkier profile of the classic Eagle Rare Bourbon, the 2017 edition remains the ultimate “unicorn” bottle.

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The History and Craft of the Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old 2017 Release

The Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old 2017 Release was distilled in the spring of 2000. While the label carries the standard 17-year age statement, this specific bottling was actually aged for 17 years and 3 months before being pulled from the barrels.

Technical Profile of Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old 2017 Release

The 2017 vintage was matured in a unique selection of barrels harvested from the first, second, and third floors of Warehouses C, K, and P. This lower-floor aging resulted in a more “rounded” profile with less aggressive wood tannins than later, high-floor releases.

• Proof: 90 Proof (45% ABV). The final “Classic Strength” release.

• Actual Age: 17 Years, 3 Months.

• Mash Bill: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (Low-Rye).

• Bottle Count: Only approximately 1,461 bottles were produced due to a massive 89.5% evaporation loss (the “Angel’s Share”).

For those comparing this to other Buffalo Trace legends, the low-rye character of Eagle Rare offers a distinct contrast to the high-rye spice found in Elmer T Lee Bourbon. You can view technical comparisons on Reddit’s r/Bourbon or the Buffalo Trace official archives.

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Why Collectors Seek the Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old 2017 Release

If you enjoy the honeyed sweetness and floral notes of Elmer T Lee, the Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old 2017 Release is the natural “final boss” for your collection. It takes the approachable DNA of the standard Eagle Rare Bourbon and adds nearly two decades of complexity, resulting in a spirit that is sophisticated without being over-oaked.

Tasting Notes for the 2017 Vintage

The Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old 2017 Release is famously aromatic. The nose opens with dark candied fruit, cigar boxes, and cinnamon. On the palate, it is delicate and dry, offering hints of leather, vanilla, and tobacco, finishing with a lingering touch of toffee.

Compared to the spicy kick of an Elmer T Lee Bourbon, the 2017 Eagle Rare is an exercise in restraint and balance. Enthusiasts often share their horizontal tastings of the 2017 BTAC collection on Pinterest to showcase how this bottle anchors a high-end display.

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Market Value of Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old 2017 Release

As of 2026, the Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old 2017 Release has become one of the rarest finds in the secondary market. Because it was the final 90-proof bottling, its “rarity factor” is significantly higher than more recent releases.

Price Snapshot: Eagle Rare vs. Elmer T Lee

Product Name	Release Type	2026 Secondary Value
Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old 2017 Release	Antique Collection	$2,100 – $2,800
Elmer T Lee Bourbon	Single Barrel	$250 – $350
Elmer T Lee 100 Year Tribute	Limited Edition	$900 – $1,400

To secure an authenticated bottle of this 2017 masterpiece, ElmerTLeeBourbon.com remains the premier destination for serious collectors. You can also monitor live auction results via Sotheby’s Wine & Spirits or check for current retail listings on Google Shopping.