Stagg Jr Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch 14

Pursuing the rare Stagg bottles... I haven't yet managed to get my hands on George T, so I'll make do with Jr. batch 14. It feels like they should have just named it Stagg and omitted the 'Jr.' designation, as it implies a lesser version or a copy of the Sr. In any case, this one is quite challenging to find in my area, and I was pleased to get one. The aroma is quite pleasing. Notes of vanilla and brown sugar are present. Perhaps a subtle hint of nuttiness in the background. There's also a bit of alcohol, given the extremely high proof of this dram. The initial sip is an explosion of caramel and heat. This certainly lives up to its 65% ABV without question. It hits quickly and intensely, but overall remains manageable. I don't think I'll need ice for this. Interestingly, as the heat subsides, I detect notes of cocoa and almost toasted marshmallow on the finish. It's almost like an adult s'mores experience with this pour. The finish is a mild cinnamon trail that fades pleasantly. Well, I must say I'm enjoying this. It is a bit hot, and I might add a few drops of water in future tastings. Overall, at its standard price, this is an excellent bottle. Unfortunately, like many fine spirits, it's becoming increasingly difficult to find at suggested retail. I won't pay $150 for it, but I would happily spend up into the $80s. Hopefully, I'll be fortunate enough to find more in the future.

This spirit is quite elusive nowadays. After Stagg Jr. became my first amazing bourbon experience, I'm eager to collect each new release. I was fortunate to acquire two bottles. I sampled the initial pour about a month ago and was underwhelmed, but I'm hopeful this has improved. Nose: rubbing alcohol, peanuts, brown sugar, red liquorice. Becoming sweeter and spicier after the first taste, but I can't quite identify them. I'm detecting more of the cola essence I adore, almost like vanilla buttercream frosting, cherry coke. Palate: woody, nutty goodness, some oak tannin bitterness, spicy - where are the aromas I'm getting on the nose? Finish: nutty and more tannins, the third sip finally revealed some cola, a light tingle on the upper lip, cinnamon. Overall, this doesn't meet the quality I expect from Stagg Jr. There isn't much depth here for me, and I'm disappointed. In a blind tasting, I would not select this, and previous Stagg Jr. batches are among my highest-rated. Where's the intense cherry cola? I mostly detect tannins and peanuts. The heat is present, but beyond that, I'd expect this to be a much more affordable and accessible bourbon. 70/100 - I'll gladly accept some.

Sweet and fruity aroma, consistent with other batches I've sampled (9-14). Maple syrup, caramel, and dark cherry are upfront, with slightly buttery popcorn and a hint of nuttiness in the background. Thick and oily mouthfeel with excellent tongue coating. Tobacco and oak notes are present in the mid-palate, with cherry notes on the finish. A long, pleasant finish. Overall, I consider this among the finest bourbons I've encountered. It's slightly surpassed (from memory) by batches B13, B10, and B12, but the differences are minimal. I would consider paying a premium for this brand. Interestingly, after the bottle has been open for a few months, I detect a strong tangy "peach-o" candy note and apricot on the nose. I employ the rating scale below. The distiller uses a 5-point scale, while I use a 10-point scale; surely you can perform the conversion!

Very potent, as expected. It drinks as you'd anticipate for its alcohol content. Might be intense for those not used to high proof. The initial heat seems confined to the mouth for a few sips, leaving a persistent numbness. Nose: Fresh cinnamon roll, iced gingerbread cookie. Perhaps something like coffee cake with a touch of clove. Taste: Closely mirrors the nose initially, transitioning to a sweetened black tea flavor in the middle, and finishing with a substantial oak presence and a sweet tobacco note. Exceptional and flavorful. Certainly a worthy successor to the mighty George T. Stagg. I wish it were easier to find.

After letting it rest for about five minutes: Appearance: Deep, dark mahogany wood with heather notes (whatever that means). At this high proof, there's barely any surface tension. Smell: Overwhelmingly corn-forward with sweet popcorn. The alcohol stings my nose hairs; I can detect spicy and peppery notes. Taste: The alcohol hits immediately but smoothly transitions to more pleasant kettle corn. Sweetness is the dominant characteristic. Finish: The spiciness arrives first but doesn't stick around, instead fading out slowly and comfortably. This is the ideal conclusion for high-proof spirits. Well done! Final thought: I'm amazed that a spirit this strong didn't require any added water. Incredible.

Nose: Potent alcohol with acetone, sweetness, and summer berries. Palate: Quite sweet, featuring earthy/muddy notes, burnt caramel, vanilla, oak, and dark chocolate. Oh, the alcohol is strong! Finish: Earthy/muddy flavors, licorice, tobacco, aniseed, and Fisherman's Friend lozenges. This whiskey is substantial and intense. It's very enjoyable, but you definitely notice the burn! It ranked second among the six samples, receiving 28% (10 votes) for favorite of the evening. 86% (31 votes) of attendees enjoyed it. I personally voted for this as my favorite of the tasting.