Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2022 Release) vs New Zealand 25 Year Old 1988 (cask 64)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2022 Release)New Zealand 25 Year Old 1988 (cask 64)
DistilleryEagle RareThe New Zealand Whisky Company
Region
CountryAmericaNew Zealand
TypeBourbonSingle Malt
ABV50.5%55.1%
AgeNASNAS
Price£150£127.75
Rating5.00/5

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2022 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner60/100
Value33/100

New Zealand 25 Year Old 1988 (cask 64)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2022 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

New Zealand 25 Year Old 1988 (cask 64)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2022 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

New Zealand 25 Year Old 1988 (cask 64) is better value at £128 vs £150.

For beginners: Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2022 Release) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2022 Release)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (50.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£150 vs £127.75)

New Zealand 25 Year Old 1988 (cask 64)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£127.75 vs £150)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (55.1%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Eagle?

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2022 Release) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy New?

New Zealand 25 Year Old 1988 (cask 64) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

VanillaHoneyToasted

Only Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2022 Release)

New WoodChocolate

Only New Zealand 25 Year Old 1988 (cask 64)

Old WoodDried Fruit

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