Stagg Barrel Proof Bourbon 22A

Nose: Honey, alcohol-soaked dark fruits, and caramel dominate the nose. I keep picking up a big rye note as well that elevates the complexity. Vanilla, oak, burnt marshmallow, and a hint of black licorice really help develop complexity. This is candle-worthy in my opinion. Palate: Blast of vanilla, caramel, and citrus. (Some vibes of orange creamsicle mixed with a shit ton of caramel). Some oak notes. For the proof, it is quite decadent and well-hidden. Overall: Wow. This batch is incredible. I'm not a huge Buffalo Trace fan, as all of them are overpriced at most stores, but this one is really damn good. The finish is long and full of heat, caramel, and burnt marshmallow. Every few sips, I get a wave of orange creamsicle that ebbs and flows on the finish as well, which is awesome.

Nose - Tastes like fruit cake, light oak, and toasted leather, with cinnamon. It possesses a caramel, tobacco quality that makes it compelling to smell. Where are you from? Palate - The initial taste is full of cinnamon and barrel char. The second sip reveals some cherry notes followed by intense bitter oak. The third sip brings forth caramel notes with a more subdued character than the first sip. It's definitely complex and requires aeration. Finish - The finish is surprisingly similar to the nose, in a good way. It carries that cinnamon, barrel char, caramel, and tobacco combination. A very satisfying finish that differs from a typical Stagg Jr. Overall, it's not my top Stagg Jr. because the palate is rather harsh, even after opening, but it's a very dependable option.

Nose: Warm cinnamon, cured hide, subtle burnt sugar. Deep, intricate, and sugary. Additionally, wonderful notes of baking spices and graham crackers. Upon revisiting, a mellow sweet tobacco emerges on both the aroma and the lingering taste. Palate: VIBRANT fruitiness. Cherries lead, then a hint of lemon or apple, with roasted wood in the center. Body: Quite slick and arid. The barrel proof is only apparent in this thick, arid, and intense texture. Finish: Extensive, layered. Deep cocoa, arid, and perhaps a bit botanical? A citrus note appears late on the palate, playing with the familiar vanilla, wood, and sugar that captivated us with Kentucky Bourbon. Truly, truly superb. The price of $18 for a 2oz serving is completely justified.

Nose: Lots of cherry and barrel char right off the bat. Touches of vanilla, mint, leather, caramel, and burnt sugar. Action-packed on the nose. Some heavy, deep notes come in with cocoa and burnt caramel. Palate: Super nice, hot initially from the barrel char along with some cinnamon. Toasted leather. Vanilla, light cherry, and some berry, bright and sweet like a strawberry. Very chewy, medium thickness in the mouthfeel, makes you want to chew it. Finish: Lots of leather, barrel, cinnamon, and vanilla. It's long and comfortable, not too harsh at all. Super nice on the way down.

A velvety smooth caramel flavor with a burn that begins right after it coats your tongue, lasting until the next morning. It feels like drinking straight from the barrel. The fruit note is dark and foreboding, warning me against further consumption due to potential regret, but I'm ignoring it. Best enjoyed beside a fireplace started remotely because you appreciate a nice fire but your home is too refined for hauling wood. I wish I could offer more detailed tasting notes, but honestly, it just tastes like good Bourbon, and I want more.

Absolute bruiser of a whiskey. This tasting is done neat without the addition of water. The proof isn't very hidden on this one, but at that proof, it's a bit tough. Immediate warmth, dry oak, and barrel char. The finish has a long spicy finish with some sweeter notes residing after the ethanol fades. Slight pings of Granny Smith apple and burnt cinnamon throughout the body as well. I've always said bourbon isn't my strong suit, but this one really pushed me. It's a bit too hot for my taste, but I haven't tried it with any addition of water. Nice to finally try a Stagg bottle, though!