Stagg Barrel Proof Bourbon 23A

A sample from a friend was received. It rested in a Glencairn for 15 minutes. The color is medium-dark amber. On the nose, notes of cherry cola, caramel, and vanilla are present. The palate has cinnamon red hots, clove, and some oak. The finish is long with moderate heat. Adding a few drops of water maintained all the palate's notes. Overall: 9/10 - This is exceptional bourbon, dialed up significantly. The extended finish and the flavors holding up to a bit of water reveal the high (130.2) proof. Outstanding.

Blind Tasting: Stagg 23a Nose: sweet red fruit Taste: mild spice, cinnamon, and a bit of fruitiness. Oak. I suspect it's under 100 proof. Finish: The warmth persists for a while and mellows into cinnamon. Overall: At first taste, it didn't impress me much. However, throughout the drink, there was an evolution, and some of the oaky cinnamon notes became apparent. Score: 3.75/5

Acquired Stagg 23A (summer 2023 release) in December 2023 from Purdy’s. It's 130.2 proof (65.1%). Compared to a small remaining amount of the first Stagg Jr (131.9 proof, 65.95% likely Batch 9, Fall 2017 release), which had a very Coca-Cola finish. Now it's no longer called Jr. Has the age changed?

Maple syrup and brown sugar on the nose. More of the same on the palate with the addition of molasses and a hint of caramel. However, the sweetness is perfectly balanced with some spice I can't quite identify. The finish is warm with black cherries. Easily a 5 out of 5...

Nose: Incredibly sweet, with notes of honey and vanilla. Palate: Bold initial flavor. Black pepper and spices complement the sweet notes from the nose. A very long, bold finish with a slow Kentucky hug. So pleasing. Excellent balance of heat, sweetness, and spice.

Another excellent stagg. Less oak, which I prefer. Many great cinnamon and caramel vanilla notes.