George T. Stagg Bourbon (Fall 2017)

BACKGROUND: A generous friend gifted me this bottle in 2017, and I reserve it for special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays. I opened it today specifically for this tasting. The bourbon's namesake was a business associate of Col. E.H. Taylor, and together they operated the most successful distillery of the 19th century. Crafted with a mashbill of Kentucky corn, Minnesota rye, and North Dakota malted barley, this bourbon was distilled to 135 proof and entered the barrel at 125 proof in the spring of 2002. Except for a rare instance in 2019, George T. Stagg is typically the highest proof offering in the highly sought-after Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. The 2017 release was bottled at 129.2 proof. It aged for over 15 years and 3 months in barrels from Warehouses C, K, M, and Q. This batch comprised only 309 barrels and, as always, is uncut and unfiltered. NOSE: A delightful blend of leather and maple syrup, with a subtle cherry note in the background. Surprisingly, there's minimal ethanol presence despite the high proof. I'd happily wear this as cologne. PALATE: The maple syrup detected on the nose translates fully to the palate, accompanied by notes of chocolate-covered cherries. The bourbon possesses a wonderfully viscous texture, making one wonder if a bourbon can be described as 'sexy'. FINISH: The sweetness persists, with an addition of mint on the back of the palate. Oak flavors also emerge. Despite the long finish, there is no pepper or harshness. FINAL ASSESSMENT: One might expect a bourbon at this proof to be fiery, but the 2017 George T. Stagg is remarkably smooth. While it might not be the absolute best bourbon I've ever tasted, it's definitely in my top three. Since I can't replace this bottle, I'll be savoring it carefully. A truly fantastic bourbon experience, earning a rare five out of five cork pops.

Having just accepted a new position as Global Head of Data Management for a major pharmaceutical/biotech company, I decided to open a top sample I received from a reviewer. I've never had a BTAC before and can say that with certainty. It's the kind of experience you'd remember, much like attending a World Cup match, I imagine the tickets are similarly priced. I'm more hesitant to award a perfect score these days; I used to give them out more frequently, but now it's rare. I'll go as high as 4.75, but a 5 is reserved for something truly exceptional. This bottle deserves a 5, no doubt. The nose was a surprise, with notes of freshly cut flowers, cherries, and nutmeg. It opened up to more fruit and a hint of cardamom as it sat, which was a pleasant change. The taste was equally surprising, with rose water, oak, and cherries. Getting rose water notes, like a Turkish delight with almonds and fruits, alongside significant oak, reminiscent of an old wooden lodge, was remarkable. Adding a few drops of water enhanced the Turkish delight flavors even further. I'm not sure I would purchase a bottle myself, as I'm often reluctant to spend that much on distilled corn, even of the highest quality, but I'm extremely grateful to the person who shared the sample! It's among the best whiskeys I've ever tasted.

From the moment it hits your nose, you know you're in for a treat. Cherry, raisins, vanilla, and oak. No ethanol burn, despite its high proof. I don't recall it being like this when I first opened the bottle, but tasting it now after it has had a few months to breathe, it is almost syrupy... I remember it being a bit more aggressive. But now it's like an energetic puppy that has grown up a bit and calmed down, and it's truly fantastic in its maturity. Layer upon layer of flavor - starting off sweet, with cherry and chocolate, and moving into oak, leather, tobacco, and cinnamon spice... it's rich, full, and complex. The warmth starts to build a little on the back end, and the long finish ultimately settles into a slightly bitter yet pleasant note - reminiscent of roasted coffee. It's a shame how little of this is available because it's a truly spectacular pour.

Nose: Initial notes of musty leather, followed by powdered sugar, fruit punch candies, vanilla cake, maple syrup, aged funky oak, and sweet caramel. Palate: A wave of drying leather, grassy-earthy notes, aged oak, red licorice, deep caramel, cherries, cinnamon, and vanilla. Finish: Long, drying, and mouth-coating with rich oak, cherry syrup, and vanilla bean. This delivers everything I expect from this brand: big, bold, and full of oak and fruit. The heat can be intense at times, but it's generally well-balanced and tasty. The nose is exceptional, incredibly complex, and boasts a bouquet of aromas. While the palate doesn't quite match the nose's level, it's still great. It's bold, a little hot, and packed with leather, oak, fruits, and red licorice. The finish, typical for this brand, is long, with abundant oak and hints of cherry syrup and vanilla bean. It's not as good as the 2018 version, but it remains a fantastic bourbon.

Nose: sweet leather, maple syrup, and a hint of some berries. Strawberry, perhaps? It's very potent due to the high proof. But, once you get past the alcohol, you are rewarded with a very pleasant, strong leather and maple syrup combination. I enjoyed taking my time with the aroma of this one. A drop of water REALLY enhanced the maple syrup. It also added a hint of oak. Taste: very tannic and strong. Oak and a little sweetness. After adding a drop of water, the maple syrup becomes more prominent in the taste. The bourbon mellows slightly and becomes more enjoyable on the palate. Finish: looooooong. My wife detected mint; I did not. I got some baking spices and I'm not sure what else:) Overall, the finish was pleasant and rewarding.

What an aroma. Intense leather, spice cake, maple syrup, woody oak, pipe tobacco, black cherry, vanilla extract, cinnamon rolls. Every single time I set the glass down and pick it back up, it becomes more intricate. This is captivating. Wow! I'm not detecting much heat, which is incredible. It allows all the flavors to just dance on my tongue, and it's exceptionally smooth. Vanilla, charred oak, cherry pie, maple syrup, cinnamon - all intense and developing. This is just straightforward, delicious bourbon. I'm trying to make it last...