Eagle Rare

Vintage Spotlight: The Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old 2013 Release

In the landscape of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, the Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old 2013 Release is often called the “Collector’s Secret.” While the glass bottle carries the 17-year age statement, the liquid inside was actually aged for 19 years, distilled in the spring of 1994. This release represents a period when Eagle Rare Bourbon was still bottled at the classic 90 proof, offering a refined, stately profile that many modern high-proof drinkers overlook to their own detriment.

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Technical Anatomy of the Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old 2013 Release

The Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old 2013 Release was birthed from the low-rye Mash Bill #1 and matured in a very specific set of conditions. These 45 barrels spent nearly two decades on the first and second floors of Warehouses K and P. These lower-level floors provide a cooler, more stable environment, which is exactly why this Eagle Rare Bourbon was able to reach 19 years of age without being dominated by bitter wood tannins.

2013 Release Vital Statistics

• Distillation Date: Spring 1994.

• Release Date: Fall 2013.

• Official Strength: 90 Proof (45% ABV).

• Actual Maturation: 19 Years.

• Angel’s Share: 54.2% of the original liquid was lost to evaporation.

For those tracking the history of the Elmer T Lee Bourbon lineup, the 2013 era was pivotal for Buffalo Trace, as the distillery began seeing a massive surge in global demand. You can verify the production data via the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection archive or analyze vintage scores on Whisky Advocate.

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Comparing the 2013 Antique to Elmer T Lee

Why choose the Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old 2013 Release over a standard Elmer T Lee? It comes down to the “Philosophy of Selection.” While Elmer T Lee Bourbon is a single-barrel expression that highlights the spice and vibrance of Mash Bill #2, the 2013 Eagle Rare is a curated blend designed to showcase the “low and slow” aging process of Mash Bill #1.

The 2013 Palate Profile

The Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old 2013 Release is famously “wine-like.” The nose opens with a fragrant mix of almonds, cigar boxes, and cinnamon. On the tongue, it’s big and silky, leading with dark chocolate, caramel, and a touch of pot-still rum. Unlike the floral, honeyed energy of an Elmer T Lee, this Eagle Rare Bourbon finishes with a long, leathery dryness that speaks to its nearly 20 years in the barrel.

Collectors on Pinterest often highlight the 2013 bottling for its deep, burnished-gold color, which is significantly darker than the standard 10-year expression.

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Buying and Investing in 2026

In 2026, the Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old 2013 Release is a rare sight. Because it was released during a time when BTAC was still somewhat “attainable,” many bottles were opened and enjoyed, leaving very few sealed examples for today’s market.

2026 Market Valuation Table

Product	Release Era	2026 Market Price (Est.)
Eagle Rare 17 Year Old 2013 Release	Early 10s BTAC	$2,450 – $3,100
Elmer T Lee Bourbon	Single Barrel	$260 – $395
Eagle Rare Bourbon (10 Year)	Standard	$115 – $150

If you are looking to add this 19-year-aged relic to your vault, ElmerTLeeBourbon.com offers the most reliable secondary market sourcing. For tracking global auction trends, check Sotheby’s Wine & Spirits or browse current specialty listings via Google Shopping.