The SUPERIOR 10 Year Bourbon? | Eagle Rare vs Russell's Reserve 10 Year Blind Reactions & Review

[@marktraveler8569]

You guys are getting better and better, so much fun to watch, keep trusting the interaction and run with it. Freakin’ awesome job.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Ah thanks Mark! That’s super kind and high praise!

[@doughemi]

These are two of my favorite mid-range bourbons. I'd love to see Coopers' 100 vs Eagle Rare 10. Cheers!

[@ddurts]

I prefer RR10 over ER but it’s probably because my expectations for ER when I finally found a bottle were too high and I was underwhelmed. So that plus being able to find RR10 on the shelf anywhere at MSRP, it’s a no brainer for me.

[@davidlittle6621]

Eagle Rare would be my everyday drinker if I could get it, but Russell's Reserve is a lot easier to find.

[@terrencemcdermott5840]

I might have to revisit Russell’s. Just saw it for 25, which seemed like a really good price.

[@KyaniteXFR]

If you can get it for $25, buy 4.

[@maness2112]

​@@KyaniteXFRcorrect!

[@johnhayter1707]

Josh, also enjoying you build your watch collection😉 You both have some of the best spirits videos on KZbin! Always anticipating new content from both of you!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Thanks so much John! We appreciate the kind words!

[@brucelavender]

Hello, I am a new subscriber and I love your content. I am running out soon to pick up a bottle of Russell's Reserve (39.99) so I can conduct my own blind comparison; you inspired me! I love your watches too.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Welcome aboard Bruce! Cheers and thanks for watching!

[@jasonc_0928]

I thought we've seen this matchup before! This is a great head to head. I actually really like the "old" scoring system :) While I really do enjoy ER as a balanced easy sipper, I do think that RR10 has a bit more depth of flavor.

[@keithaltazin2953]

I'm a fan of Russell's Reserve especially for a bottle that costs less than $40 in my market.

[@donavan4387]

Been drinking Eagle Rare for years and I finally got around to trying Russell’s about 3 minutes ago lol. It’s good. Really good. But I’ll take my ER10🔥🔥

[@bbpete8349]

I think your comments are right on, Josh! Specifically, about taste profiles during blind tastings, and secondly related to Buffalo Trace. I can't EVER find Eagle Rare and have determined that I will STOP trying. If that is their "hype" business plan - well, for me I will continue buying the other brands and products. Elijah Craig, Wild Turkey and Wild Turkey's Russell Reserve (+others). So, a plan to make people stop looking for your product does not seem like a good plan.

[@blakestah]

The double blind format really provides value. Thx.

[@PourFolks1920]

Both great pours, Eagle Rare is my favorite right now, but we did a blind recently and mine was Russell's 10 and I really enjoyed it. I thought it was maybe ER, but I called it right in the blind.

[@TheReal_DeanD]

For me I’ll take Russell’s because the chances of finding an ER at msrp are slim to none in my area.

[@mistermom310]

I was in Dallas 2 weeks ago and called around to a few liquor stores. One had Eagle Rare, they wouldn't tell me the price over the phone. I stopped in on my way back to Oklahoma. I picked up a few other bottles that I was wanting. When I got to the checkout, they brought out the Eagle Rare...$99...🚫👎 Not paying that to them😡

[@theukyankee]

Opposite in London. We can get ER in the grocery store for about £30-something and it's harder to find RR and it's usually more than twice the cost.

[@TheReal_DeanD]

@@theukyankee wow!! you’re so lucky.

[@keithcagle2882]

two of my favs - I can get Eagle Rare all day long for $40 in Atlanta- been drinking Russell Reserve the last couple of nights - great video

[@TheReal_DeanD]

@@keithcagle2882 you’re so lucky.

[@jamesstreet1144]

These are both great as summer sippers. I still tend to gravitate toward the higher proof pours though

[@jeffnuzz]

To me, ER is a good summer sipper, very crushable. RR10 has more depth of flavor IMO, so I can see how it could be viewed as higher proof than ER.

[@ghod666]

I love you two. First time seeing y'all and I love y'all's energy and no bs approach. The synchronized sniffs and sips are cute.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Thanks so much for watching. The blinds strip away any possibility of bs which we really appreciate. Always happy when that resonates with others. Cheers!

[@brettheiner7125]

The Russell’s wins this for me also in a head to head. Both get smoked though in an all out 10 year battle - M10 and JD10 are several levels better 10 year products, but you definitely pay a premium. Keep up the great work - you guys are awesome!

[@Race_Fans_United]

Thanks for the great vid! I appreciate your different perspectives. I like your rating system and your combined communication style!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

That's a huge compliment. Thanks so much!

[@KoMcuk]

In Czech republic I can buy Eagle rare for $44 -50 and russels for $70 so I have clear winner here with 3 bottle of ER in my bar

[@kirklandeche937]

I've tried this comparison on a few occasions, and I could go either way at any point in time. Needless to say, I do enjoy each of them very much. Particularly when I'm not looking to enjoy a higher proof pour! Great show as always! Cheers!

[@lutherking7053]

Both are great pours. What I’ve found with ER is that the profile changes for the better as you get into the bottle…I keep bottles of both on the shelf.

[@BadgerJeff]

I knew I could trust a man wearing a Turtle! I do agree with your thoughts on the two pours. Good, but not the best from each distillery. Great review!

[@Buggy.MealwormsTV]

I'm sipping the first pour of a new bottle of Russell's 10 year now and it is good but doesn't come close to JD 10 year. But for half the price it's way better than half as good. Pretty sure this bottle will get better as it sits.

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

I am on Eagle Rare now for this week's daily sipper. I get less cherry than say, Buffalo Trace. I do get a ton of sweat oak and a finish of baking spice. Russell's 10 is very thin on my palate. Which is strange because I generally love Wild Turkey products.

[@mycollincountyhomemichaelg8197]

Just found the channel. Love the blinds

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@mistermom310]

Both of these are on my "to buy list". I just found 2 bottles of Buffalo Trace this Tuesday. I try to buy 1-2 bottles a month. Russell's 10 and a Benchmark Full Proof is on my next list. I've gotten in the graces of 3 local liquor stores who have said they'll put two Eagle Rare bottles back for me when they get some. Keep putting out the stuff y'all are doing❤️👍👍🥃

[@cancelchannel3394]

I bought 2 bottles of Benchmark Full Proof it tastes just like a higher proof Jack Daniel's old No.7 sour mash whiskey, I don't care too much for sour mash flavor, but it's great over ice with a diet Pepsi 😋 🥴

[@Glock2201]

I have not done a blind of these but currently have both open and going so maybe I might. I think I would lean towards ER as slightly better but it is weird in that I usually only have 1 glass because I think because of the sweetness it doesn't taste as good towards the end of a 2nd glass where I can have multiple glasses of RR10. I agree with Erin in that RR10 does hold up to ice better because I prefer ER neat and RR10 on ice. RR10 is easier to find for me but not easy to find. These are both great pours and are very close in quality even though they have different flavor profiles.

[@timmbottoni3135]

Great match up - thanks! Love ER, Love RR10, can't go wrong with either.

[@Joe-ub5rs]

Twitter fingers, you had me laughing at that one. I love blinding 10yr Whiskeys, great video. I keep both of these on my shelves.

[@bdubs1010]

Anyone know if Russell’s 10 has changed over the last few years? I have a bottle at home probably about 2-3 years old. Have had very little of it but remember really liking it. Recently was out of town for a week+ so went shopping. Passed on an Eagle Rare for $70 (agree it’s good at $40 and under but not paying more than that) and left the store with a RR10. This bottle of Russell’s was good but didn’t knock my socks off. Much more muted and lighter, definitely not what I remembered. Came home and placed this new bottle next to my old one. Wish I could post a pic. The old bottle is definitely visibly darker and more robust flavor. Significantly better than the new bottle. Did they change or maybe the new bottle was exposed to something (heat/light) in shipping or display?

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Batch variance and flavor drift over time most likely. It’s almost impossible to replicate flavor over time. Just getting it close is a miracle.

[@adamdaun3243]

I'm new to the channel and really like the presentation you bring to your content.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Thanks for tuning in! We're always refining things. Look forward to the same ethos behind the content we make but an even more relaxed approach to things in 2024. Cheers!

[@AndrewFifield]

It would be fun to see a BT vs WT lineup. Like EHT vs 101, Blanton's vs Kentucky Spirit, Stagg vs RB. I feel like there is a Wild Turkey for any BT product but are much easier to find and cheaper.

[@jeffnuzz]

That would be interesting. Most interesting would probably be EHT small batch vs WT101, because of the similar proof point. I'm about positive that Blanton's would crush WT KY Spirit (as it's the least favorite of WT that I've had). Stagg (Jr) vs Rare Breed seems to depend upon if you like to get mugged with proof & flavor or just slapped around pretty good 😅

[@bullseye0112]

Great description of Russel's Reserve Erin, love both those. I tasted cherry in Russel's but not banana. Eagle Rare tasted better the second time I tried it. A little burnt finish. Eagle Rare is prevalent down here in San Diego. Sounds like your changing your mind Josh😂😂. You can't add more flavor notes after the blind, rule 1071 of whiskey guild haha

[@cdmak1]

Bardstown Origins just came out, got mine for 43. I cannot believe how good it is. The white label. Holy crap, I'm about to go buy another bottle right this minute

[@mizaeldiaz8325]

ER very difficult to find in South Florida, but I tell you the Russel’s Reserve 10 in my opinion is better and much easier to find. 👍🏻

[@1stkazoo754]

I remember the previous video! Loved both videos. Love the comparison. Haven’t had Eagle Rare recently because I haven’t seen it for a decent price in a while (I’m in SoCal), but I also haven’t specifically been searching either because it’s not my favorite. Definitely prefer the Russel’s.

[@keithsmith375]

My first ER was a total wine store pick and I wasn’t all that impressed. Just picked up a regular bottle tonight and am enjoying it. Paid $54 in north GA but it wasn’t on shelf, store owner/mgr brought one out from the back 🎉. I’d say it’s probably a $40-45 bottle but $54 wasn’t outrageous. Been a long time since trying RR 10 so may need to try that next

[@stuffandwhiskey]

We’ve got a bunk Eagle Rare store pick ourselves right now too. So it goes with picks sometimes if you don’t know the palate selecting them.

[@donaldheine6243]

I'm ok with both of these. Not a big fan of either. There isn't a lot in this price range. I prefer Wild Turkey flavor profile over Russels. I prefer bourbon's on the sweeter side. I'm probably going to go up in price and go for E.H. Taylor small batch, or even New Riff small batch. Or I'm going down in price and going for a wheater like Makers Mark, or Green River. I have been leaning towards lighter Bourbon's this summer. I tend to lean closer to the 100 proof point.

[@brianshay6836]

+1 for putting more of the product they make on the shelves. Specifically, Stagg (jr). Batch 22a is one of the best things I have ever tasted and both mine and my wife's #1 pour. I would get a case of it if I could.

[@rodneyscott47]

Best part is where the hand raise with a "let me get it out look"

[@Robert.Sheard]

My ER is almost gone. I overpaid for the first one but wouldn't do that again. At MSRP, I'll buy another someday. RR is almost always in my cabinet.

[@Jjkmbowman]

Love the review

[@johnmuffler1695]

I love eagle rare store picks, i got a few but i wish they were more available. For Russell's I usually stick to the single barrel and store picks. Im not sure if ive had just the basic 10 but its 30 bucks here in Tampa, so next time i go hunting ill grab a bottle. Awesome review

[@PillagingGinger]

I wish they didn’t hike up the prices of rr10. It’s now 45 dollars where I’m at, and I’ve gotten eagle rare (when available) anywhere from 29-40 bucks. I have and love both bottles, but I’ve always leaned more towards eagle rare. Great review!! And spot on with notes/analysis.

[@nschlueter13]

Never seen Eagle Rare under $100.

[@PillagingGinger]

@@nschlueter13 dang that’s a bummer but I’m not surprised. Here in Oregon, Oregon sets the prices of liquor and there’s no sales tax. IF you can find stagg it’s 60 bucks I believe. Which most other places is like 250

[@fox189]

It is crazy how different parts of the country get different bottles. I can find Eagle Rare going to 3 stores at most. But for me to find other bottles people talk about or review I have never seen them. Even living less than 30 miles to the state next to me. Like you said if the distillers would just put out more of what they make instead of expanding their lines. Best comment! - Russell's 10 Erin's summer whisky 2023!

[@kamahhl]

Agree w Erin here, I get dusty corn on RareBreed and other Turkey stuff...

[@TheReal_DeanD]

Knickers in a twist for Eagle Rare. More like knuckling up and throwing down. In a Costco in my area around the time of the pandemic that store got regular ER in. The store didn’t label it one per customer per day so a dude tries to buy the case. Other people on line complain saying they want one too and that guy isn’t going to drink all of them. Store clerks let him know it’s 1 per and try to take away the case but leave him 1. Shoving match ensues and buyer is about throw hands. Then gets escorted out by bigger clerks and security.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Wow, that’s a WILD story!

[@darrendavis4731]

Here in Monterey CA, we never see Eagle Rare. False scarcity keeps it intriguing, but apparently, there are others just as tasty.

[@anonymousmc7727]

I’m in California also it’s 37 bucks at my local walmart 😂

[@robertjennings9105]

Both solid pours. Great blind.

[@chefcar]

Catching up - love me some Eagle Rare, but I’m not a high proof drinker.

[@superman6338]

Just poured myself some eagle rare, sitting down eating dinner... while tuning into this

[@superman6338]

finished watching... my knickers aren't twisting for ER, but I do prefer it to RR10

[@batboy242]

Russell’s 10! This will be my next choice thank you!

[@danieldean2096]

ER not available in PA RR is available at < $45 easy choice it’s RR

[@aaronwilson6496]

I am a new viewer and I live in Japan, I keep hearing that it is hard to find Eagle Rare 10 year and 17 year in the US. There is a couple stores here that have a crap ton of Allocated Bourbons

[@stuffandwhiskey]

We've heard that about Japan as well. They supported the bourbon market when it was really down in the US so there are a lot of allocations that get sent that way. Congrats on the great selection and thank you so much for tuning in!

[@tsubakichan]

I bought a bottle of ER10 once for $30. While it's "worth" that price, I don't actually like it. So even though I've had opps to buy it again, I haven't.

[@baylisslaw2299]

Now let's compare the winner with Widow Jane 10 year.

[@umami0247]

Fact BT have some serious marketing people working for them. The hype is crazy and I believe they hold back on releasing to keep their profits up. However are they worth the secondary market prices they are getting absolutely not yes it’s good but it’s not to the level that makes them superior to other brands out there. Now the BTAC is different but again 99.999% of the people on the planet will never see a bottle let alone taste one. I like eagle rare in fact it’s my favorite out of the line up but WT is something I can get and I always have several bottles on my shelf. Currently I have a Russell’s 10 a rare breed and three bottles of 101 one is the rye. I have one BT cause it’s so hard to find. Enjoy!!

[@catchacoolbreeze]

Both of these were pretty good but not great for me as well. I prefer more flavor. Is there anything in the 40ish range (that's what these are in my area) that you have to have or meet that criteria?

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Good question. We’re more likely to go up to 100 proofers under $40 for more flavor. Four Roses SiB, Early Times BiB, Cooper’s Craft, etc.

[@catchacoolbreeze]

@@stuffandwhiskey cooper's craft has been on my list for a bit. Will need to check it out. Thanks!

[@leeknowlton7303]

I find the Coopers Craft too floral for my palate. But if you like 1792 it might be up your alley. For more flavor at that price range is tough but have you tried the JD triple mash?

[@eviltrain24]

Josh! I think I read a quip somewhere online when somebody mentioned bananas on the Russell (or maybe the WT101) in front of Jimmy Russell and he said something akin to, "You better not be smelling bananas." Don't quote me, I might be misremembering that.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

😂😂 sounds like Jimmy for sure!

[@WhiskyForBeginners]

I've not (yet) had Russel's. It's easily available here, and isn't prohibitively expensive, but it is higher than I'm usually ready to pay. One of these days I will try it. Eagle Rare I have had - indeed, I'm about halfway into the bottle. I prefer ordinary Buffalo Trace. Eagle Rare is an acceptable $25 bottle, but it's not worth more, and it certainly doesn't justify the hype. 10:26 The same palate can differ from day to day, even hour to hour. If y'all ever do a blind of these two again, who knows which one will come out ahead. 🙂 13:08 Whisky tasting is *highly* subjective. Many times, now, I've seen more than one experienced whisky reviewer deal with the same phenomenon. Those who want to jump on y'all need to try a few double blind tastings and see what happens to them when they learn what they've been sipping.

[@CPGumby]

If only Eagle Rare was easier to find at MSRP... Still, RR10 is a great product at a fantastic price for the age statement and proof point and you can find it EVERYWHERE.

[@heatherharrison264]

I am in southern California, but Eagle Rare is actually rare in my area. I thought this might be true in general for California until I heard from someone in northern California who said it was everywhere. It is funny how messed up the distribution of some of these whiskies is. Where I live, the best option for Eagle Rare is a local bar that has a single barrel pick and sells bottles to go. It costs more than standard retail, of course, but it is worth it for a good barrel pick, and I got to try it first. I've never had standard issue Eagle Rare, but it would be interesting to try it against this barrel pick. However, I'm not going to hunt or overpay for it. I might buy it if I stumble onto it and it is around $40 or less, and if I have room for it. The lowest I've seen the standard version in a store here is $90 (the barrel pick at the bar was significantly less, but I don't remember the exact price), and I've seen it as high as $200 in a particularly absurd museum in a beach town. If distribution of Eagle Rare eventually improves here, these museums will have to drop their prices, or else those bottles will get very dusty. I don't understand why people get worked up over Eagle Rare. Judging from the barrel pick, it is very good, but it isn't the sort of thing that should drive people nuts. These easy-drinking lower strength bourbons aren't my usual preference, but I like to have two or three around. Sometimes, I'm in the mood for something that doesn't burn, or one of these is a good warm-up when I'm planning on getting into the firewater. Eagle Rare serves this purpose, as does Jack Daniel's Sinatra Select, which is also in my collection (I got it on sale - it is normally overpriced for what it is). I haven't gotten around to Russell's Reserve yet, but it seems like it would serve this purpose too, and I like the Wild Turkey flavor profile. Maybe when one of the others runs down, I'll grab a bottle.

[@Razieleatssouls]

I've been looking for a decently priced Eagle Rare here in SoCal too. Best I've seen is $80 which was still a skip for me, I'd probably pay up to $50. I'll let the craze die down while I enjoy other non-inflated bourbon haha.

[@connormc711]

You guys helped me one mans "Good" is another mans "Bad" thank you

[@GrnEyez64]

I wish I could find Eagle Rare for $35. It can be hard to find, and I've never seen it for less than $45-$60. Russell's is everywhere in my area for $38-40.

[@poacher-ec9zo]

I just decided to ignore anything from Buffalo Trace. The only thing they have available anymore is Ancient Age.

[@prtube1]

She was about to slap you though. I am with you on glass 1, sweet, oaky is my thing. ER is complex for me, taste different almost every time. But one thing is for sure, I love the wood flavor, it is unique.

[@cosmic_kid2868]

There’s a dankness to Eagle rare I just can’t get past. At certain points of the pour I enjoy it but then I’ll take another sip and just find myself grimacing at a weird dank note. Russells 10 though is always enjoyable to me, perfect level of sweet with some further complexity and spice that makes it more interesting.

[@jskypercussion]

The dark note is figs and raisins and Dark Grapes. Absolutely distinct. The most I spend for a bottle of ER 10 is $60

[@davevogelsang6791]

I like them both. Since I have bought 6 bottles of Eagle Rare this year at $34.99 each, I would pick Eagle Rare over RR 10. 🥃

[@theukyankee]

As Erin said, I can get ER for about £31-35 at a local grocery store and have to order RR for about £70+ if it's available at all. So, I've never actually tried RR and always have ER. My current bottle was a store pick so it was closer to £65 and it was worth the cost.

[@johncannon3593]

I am a HUGE Turkey fan. RB and Russels SB are favorites. However, Russel's 10 never impressed me. Eagle Rare was one of my gateway bourbons from Scotch, and I like the dark fruit notes it provides. THat said, it is routinely available in my market for $35-40-ish, and it doesn't warrant any more than $40. People should not pay up for it just because it is a BT product.

[@csd3823]

They try to get away with charging $100 for ER here in Orlando. For that price RR all day baby!

[@johnmuffler1695]

Try total wine or come to tampa, its 45 here

[@michaelackley1560]

I think they are both easy sippers. I do prefer Russell but there are times Eagle Rare hits the spot.

[@jeffreyjennings1640]

I have had both of these and I'll take RR every time. My only Eagle Rare experience was so disappointing that I'll only take it for free, I won't buy it again.

[@nschlueter13]

Ya all of your rockers! No chance of getting Eagle Rare for under $100.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Believe it or not it’s pretty available in a lot of markets for $40-60, while in other markets it’s impossible to find as you said. Availability does seem to be improving thanks to the softening whiskey market and Buffalo Trace’s billion dollar expansion to increase production.

[@nschlueter13]

Eagle Rare is hardish to get here and expensive. RR 10 is so easy to get and no more than $40.

[@RareBird101]

Erin knows.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

🦃 🦃

[@terrellcook-tcsr]

ya lost me there at the end. I like'em both.

[@afreeland99]

Can't find Eagle Rare in Ohio, Russell's is available on every shelf.

[@danrudnick5252]

Yeah, I've never understood the obsession with ER. Unless you just like super light, smooth whiskey and get easily overpowered by proof and flavor. Don't get me wrong it's fine for $30, but not worth chasing above retail.

[@benjankens7099]

This channel is not bad, but it would be a lot better if Erin got to talk more. It is pretty telling that she has to raise her hand to speak... Josh - let the woman speak!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Hey Ben, appreciate you watching. That said, we talk the way we talk. Erin isn’t a bourbon nerd and sometimes doesn’t have much to say, so we operate a lot more like sports announcers where I’m the nerdy chatty one and Erin provides the “color commentary” so to speak. That’s not for everyone, but it works for us. Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers!

[@brettheiner7125]

@@stuffandwhiskey- watch enough and you learn Erin has no problem getting per points across… 😂

[@Karmeezy]

Eagle Rare 10 year is legit impossible to get in DFW without paying over double MSRP. Not worth. Russel for the win.

[@knight946]

Russell’s is great, but then I am a Turkey Head.

[@mr.richiej]

it confuses me how Buffalo Trace is so big when there not on the shelves like other brands say Jack Daniels or Jim Beam

[@Brockthedog315]

Eagle rare got way to expensive. And I don’t like it. Russell’s. So good.

[@Glacomah]

Russell Reserve has way too much of a bitter oak flavor for me

[@fredgrebner526]

She didn’t know Eagle Rare 10 is rare. You need to make her rare. 👎🏼 YOU’RE FIRED!!!!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Nah, she's not a whiskey nerd, like many who watch our channel. That's our dynamic. It's not for everyone but we'll never not be true to who we are.

[@brianclick7080]

What do you guys like to buy? What is something you have to have? Do you buy new things just to try them? I buy bottles sometimes just based on the bottle and label. Sometimes it works out other times not so much LOL I find ER here in AZ for $30 but I would not pay more then that for it.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Great question Brian! Gotta have bottles? Very little actually. Outside of channel stuff, we like having flavorful + balanced pours on hand plus single barrel picks for variety. Lots of things fit that bill.

[@sammylo6200]

This channel is identical to @beyondtherow. literally the whole format is the same. They sip at the same time, the women always talks after the first sip, the husband adds to the women’s palate. Also, how does someone give something thumbs up with both fingers, then say I don’t give it two thumbs up?

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Hey Sammy, we appreciate you watching. Hopefully you can stick around and see more about what we’re all about. Cheers.