George T. Stagg Bourbon (Fall 2013)

The coveted prize of the bourbon world awaits. This is a rare indulgence for me; my wife and I shared just an ounce. Fortunately, that was ample to appreciate and review. In the glass, George T. Stagg presents as a deep, dark chestnut brown, so pure it appears as though one could dry it and reconstitute the barrel. A characteristic I appreciate in Buffalo Trace products is their tendency to yield unusual fruit notes. Stagg, despite its greater age compared to the distillery's more common bourbons, is no exception. Dominant notes include pineapple, tropical fruit, and raisins, balanced by antique oak, caramel, wood shavings, and tobacco. We spent considerable time simply enjoying the aroma of this bourbon before tasting it -- it is truly that captivating. Describing it is challenging; merely listing flavors doesn't capture the essence, but Stagg's aromas possess a depth and richness exceeding other bourbons. The potent alcohol creates a minty or spicy sensation initially, which I attribute to the proof rather than the rye content. The age is immediately evident in the wood tannins that coat the mouth, becoming even more pronounced with subsequent sips. The closest comparison is drinking Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, yet even ECBP lacks the same sensation of a film on the teeth. I'm not entirely enamored, but it is distinctive. The midpalate is incredibly rich and sweet, richer than any bourbon I've tasted, brimming with salted caramel, oak, brown sugar, corn, and cinnamon. Similar to the nose, conveying the intensity of the flavors is difficult. Stagg leaves a powerful impression of ripe banana, spice, caramel corn, mint, apple, and a final lingering hint of cedar. Its finish is somewhat shorter than ECBP's, which offers the longest, spiciest conclusion I've encountered in a bourbon. Stagg is likely the finest bourbon I've ever had. However, for most individuals, obtaining a bottle realistically involves paying secondary market prices of $500+, which, in my opinion, it doesn't warrant. It is a singular product, particularly for its rich, complex palate, which surpasses Elijah Craig Barrel Proof by a small margin. Yet, considering I can still acquire ECBP online or in stores for $60-100, I could never justify spending five to ten times that amount for this one.

Nose: Cinnamon, dark cherries, citrus, caramel, cinnamon rolls with frosting, sweet bakery notes, oranges, woody spices, oak barrel, melted butter, cookie dough on the baking sheet, spiced apple cider, creamy buttermilk. Palate: Immediate intense woody cinnamon spices, menthol coats the palate, sweet, savory woodiness mid-palate with bursts of cinnamon and more spice on the back palate with apples and charred oak barrel. Finish: French toast with cinnamon, long-lasting spices, ground coffee beans, abundant oak, vanilla, and robust cigar wrapper.

NOSE - EXTREMELY SWEET. Rich, deep dark honey, Werther's Original candies, marshmallows, Nutella. PALATE - VERY thick consistency, syrupy and sweet, ginger candy, dark honey, praline candied nuts, incredibly amazing! FINISH - lime zest, marshmallow sweetness, cinnamon, chocolate hazelnuts. Some whiskies are indescribable, BUT incredible, life-altering, and exhilarating would fit this one.

Nose: Fresh cherry. Texture: Buttery and slightly oily. Palate: Subtle at first, then builds to a wave of heat that could take your breath away if you're not cautious. Rich cherry and fig flavors emerge as you continue. Finish: Potent initially, but mellows as you adjust.

Solid bourbon, a step up from Stagg Jr. Smooth initially, but still packs a punch. Offers rich tobacco notes upfront, followed by tannins and classic, full-bodied bourbon character. A ring of charcoal and sediment at the bottom of the glass. Truly for a serious drinker.

Nose: chocolate - brown sugar - hard to believe you missed the heat - you'd never guess it's 144 proof Palate: warm - chewy chocolate brownie - fills the mouth Finish: Sugar and chocolate - an ideal conclusion - warming, but less burn than anticipated. A long and flavorful finish -