Stagg Jr Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch 11

Great stuff. Not as good as Batch 13. Not as complex and heavy and rich. This is closer to OWA and ORVW than GTS. I was able to try this during a very long night of whiskey tasting, but I was unfortunately unable to take good notes. I use the rating scale below. The distiller uses a scale of 5 and I use a scale of 10, but I’m sure you’re not too drunk to do the math! 1. Disgusting - So bad I poured it out. 2. Poor - I wouldn't consume by choice. 3. Bad - Multiple flaws. 4. Below average - Not bad, but many things I'd rather have. 5. Good - Just average. 6. Very Good - Better than average. 7. Great - Well above average. 8. Excellent - In a league of its own. 9. Incredible - An all-time favorite. 10. Perfect

Even with the high 127.4 proof, this has a surprisingly gentle scent. Aromas of salted soft caramel with a touch of peanuts, reminiscent of peanut brittle. The taste has a welcoming warmth. It leaves behind flavors of applesauce and cherries that transition into a sweet strawberry jam. A subtle hint of leaves and autumn is present. The finish is pleasing, with lingering notes of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Pale, deep orange-brown. The nose offers fruit with notes of cinnamon applesauce, orange oil, and dried cherries, plus dark chocolate, toffee, and some burnt notes. The palate is strong and intense, with cedar, sweet pipe tobacco, and concentrated chai tea. A lengthy finish driven by oak and vanilla. The 127.9 proof is noticeable but harmonizes with the robust palate and aromas. Hard to imagine this bourbon improving, unless it were the Stagg "Sr." version.

Smell: Sweet, caramelized red fruit, buttery...with a hint of sweet buffalo Taste: It's like your grandmother baked a cherry pie in an oak pie dish, topped it with sugar, and then torched it. Finish: A strong American jolt to the throat followed by a big warm Kentucky embrace from your Grandma’s distant cousin Darlene. It might not be the best batch produced, but it's exceptionally good and embodies all the expectations associated with the brand name.

Nose: dark fruit (raisins?), cinnamon, and vanilla. The initial taste is syrupy and jam-like, with the fruit being the dominant note. Heat and spice emerge strongly on the mid-palate, but it's remarkably smooth considering the proof. The finish is long, featuring some bitter dark chocolate alongside cinnamon and barrel char. An excellent value at $50.

My first experience with this expression. I conducted a blind tasting alongside Booker's Shiny Barrel Batch. The Shiny Barrel Batch was the clear winner. Nevertheless, this is very good. While some might find it less complex than other batches (I wouldn't know), it's definitely not as complex as the Booker's. I wouldn't spend over $100 for it. Around $90 seems appropriate, but it's not a must-have.