Stagg Jr Barrel proof Bourbon Batch 10

Barrel-proof bourbon’s appeal lies in its pure, unadulterated character, holding nothing back. It demands attention. As a celebrity-created sensory experience, Stagg Jr. delivers a powerful impact – imagine Gordon Ramsay clashing with Arnold Schwarzenegger. The liquid, a clear, deep mahogany, presents an overwhelming aroma of apple pie, dried apricots, orange zest, crème brûlée, char, and fresh oak. These notes intensify on the palate, drenched in vanilla extract and woody tannins. This subtle sweetness, tinged with a bitter edge, evokes a cafe cubano. The finish is enduring. Overall, the taste is sweet with a hint of tannic bitterness, tempering some of the bourbon’s more indulgent qualities. 4.25 out of 5 stars. While it lacks an age statement, Stagg Jr. is thought to be around eight years old. It’s remarkable to consider that other barrels of this spirit might spend another seven to eight years aging before becoming George T. Stagg. Unfiltered. 126.4 proof. Note: All spirits were tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

Wow. I'm a fan of Stagg Jr, and this is excellent. The aroma has notes of candied caramel apples, cherries, and marshmallows. After sitting for a week, I detect a buttery scent. The taste isn't as intense as the proof might suggest. It's a bit smoother than a previous batch. Cherries are more prominent, almost like a cherry gummy. The apple and caramel notes persist. It remains my top bourbon choice. I utilize the rating scale provided below. The distiller uses a 5-point scale, while I use a 10-point scale, but I'm confident you're capable of doing the conversion! 1. Disgusting - So poor I discarded it. 2. Poor - I would avoid consuming it. 3. Bad - Possesses several flaws. 4. Below average - Not terrible, but I'd prefer many other options. 5. Good - Merely average. 6. Very Good - Superior to average. 7. Great - Significantly above average. 8. Excellent - In a class by itself. 9. Incredible - A personal all-time favorite. 10. Perfect

This is a potent Bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery. It begins with a bitter profile, featuring notes of bitter oak, vanilla, and brown sugar. Its development introduces a sour character with hints of dark chocolate and rye spice, culminating in a long and rich conclusion with undertones of cherry, candy, corn, clove, and smoke.

Sugary caramel, scorched sugar, cherry, peppery rye, and lasting oak notes. It has a full body at barrel proof but isn't excessively hot, particularly when a cube of ice is added to let it breathe. I've grown to truly admire these Stagg Jr. bottles for their robust character. 63.20% ABV, Batch 10, purchased around 2017-18.

There's some heat, with hints of caramel, honey, and cherry on the palate. The finish lingers and stays with you. It's excellent if you appreciate barrel-proof bourbons. This particular batch (batch 10) is slightly less impressive than Batch 12, in my opinion.

This, for me, surpassed batch 13, which is considered so good. I conducted blind tastings twice with the same outcome. While I may not be the most experienced taster, I know which one I'd prefer to drink more often.