George T. Stagg Bourbon (Fall 2023)

OMG delicious caramel on the nose. That’s how bourbon is supposed to smell. First sip: sweet all on the tongue. Spice and cherry on the lips. The middle wasn’t as full as I expected and had a broader array of flavors than I anticipated. In addition to caramel, there was a hint of an Angel’s Envy type flavor, and red cherries, and still plenty of caramel. The back was hot and the finish lasted for days. So much warmth and a nice caramel coating on the back of the throat. Second sip: man is it spicy. It burns from the lips all the way over the palate. It’s a complex bourbon, and in a good way. A lot of different flavors all enhanced by the high proof. It makes me want to sip again and again so I can keep exploring all the flavors. I would share a dram with a sophisticated bourbon fan. But I wouldn’t do it again alone. Too many other bourbons that I love.

The aroma begins with a slight burn, featuring notes of cinnamon and dry oak, mingled with pronounced earthy rye spice, hints of dried blossoms, and subtle traces of vanilla and brown sugar. The taste is similarly fiery, striking the mouth's edges with black pepper and baking spices, while dry oak washes over the palate. Once your mouth adjusts to the heat, swirling it reveals its dryness and allows you to discern notes of vanilla and brown sugar. Smooth caramel notes eventually emerge, contributing to a rich flavor profile. It's quite direct but intensely flavored, as expected. The finish is extended and substantial, with lingering spice that tingles the mouth, while the oak softens and recedes.

Smell - Phenomenal aroma! Abundant dulce de leche, mixed with condensed milk atop a blonde brownie. Such a sweet, complex dessert-like smell. It genuinely smells like a freshly baked cake with cream cheese frosting, sweet and thick. Taste - Yes, that's nice, potentially the best GTS right off the bat. Nice and sweet with plenty of barrel char, spice, and cinnamon. Definitely get more of that vanilla cake with a side of vanilla cola. Finish - More cola, oak, cinnamon, pepper, all over a layer of vanilla custard. Awesome pour.

The tasting notes mentioning cinnamon spice drops are accurate. Intense flavors are present throughout. The strength from the elevated alcohol level becomes noticeable halfway through the taste and leaves a pleasing warmth at the end. When distillers manage to release high-proof spirits without an overpowering alcoholic aroma and taste, those selections immediately become favorites for me. This 2023 GTS is fantastic, even if some prominent bourbon commentators suggest it might not match previous batches.

An excellent pour! The nose is intensely cherry-forward, followed by tobacco on the finish. The palate echoes the nose with a cherry explosion and tobacco undertones. Cherry is the dominant flavor on the palate, with a subtle tobacco note appearing at the end. Imagine an freshly opened cigar box with a cedar piece inside the cigars – that's the best way to describe it. The finish lasts indefinitely. It's not as complex as in prior years but still holds its own. A fantastic pour.

Occasionally it's 5-star worthy, especially when sipped solo or against top-tier competitors. When tasted alone or compared to Stagg Jr., it earns 5 stars. Notes of cocoa, pecan pie, chocolate-covered almonds, sugars, and spice are present. The proof feels like 110-115, enhancing the flavors. It has more oak and is less fruity than GTS 2017. I rated it 4.5 because against WLW or other rivals, it lacked some vibrancy.