Eagle Rare and Benchmark Mashbills

So we know that both Eagle Rare and Benchmark are currently made at Buffalo Trace in Frankfort. We know that they were introduced by Seagram's and (at least partially in the case of Benchmark) made at Old Prentice/Four Roses. We also know that Iceland is in the North Atlantic and its capital city is Reykjavík.

So for the big cash prize, which of the 10 mashbill/yeast combinations were they made from when they were owned by Seagram's? Could they have even been a combination of multiple recipes like Four Roses is currently?

Anybody have any information or educated guesses?

Interesting question and I don't know the answer. Charlie Beam developed the Eagle Rare profile while working for Seagram's in Maryland, I think it was. He subsequently moved to Four Roses and became master distiller there.

Would Jim Rutledge or Al Young or somebody else currently at Four Roses have that information?

Either might, or might know who does. I'd start with Al, since he's the history buff. Wish I'd asked Charlie when I had the chance. I know Eagle Rare was positioned as a Wild Turkey alternative, but I don't know how much the recipe reflected that.

Well, I emailed Al a week ago with no response as of yet. I guess we'll have to put this one in the same category as "How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop?"

Which of the Seagram's yeasts was used might be as important a piece of information as what mash bill. One of the four that 4R currently owns?

Excellent point. I mentioned the yeast in my email to Al too.

4R uses five different yeasts and may have access to others from the Seagram's portfolio.

Al will probably get back to you eventually. He loves this stuff.

According to Jim Rutledge:

Benchmark: V yeast. 66% E, 33% B mashbills (approx). Louisville plant only.

Eagle Rare: V yeast. Mix of E and B mashbills. Athertonville and Louisville plants.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Josh

According to Jim Rutledge:

Benchmark: V yeast. 66% E, 33% B mashbills (approx). Louisville plant only.

Eagle Rare: V yeast. Mix of E and B mashbills. Athertonville and Louisville plants.

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Cool...great geeky info for us bourbon nerds. They've always tasted very similar except for age (the Seagrams and early Sazerac stuff that is) and I sure wish the dusty Benchmark in the bunker was more than 80 proof too.