Stagg Jr Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch 15

N: Smoke, bacon fat, caramel, vanilla. Chocolate orange, freshly disturbed earth, cut flowers. Cinnamon, oak barrel, newly cut wood, sawdust, pencil shavings, pine. A large, strong, and rounded sweet corn flavor, which, along with a significant ethanol presence, forms the foundation for all the other aromas on the nose. This needs time to open up – the longer it sits in the glass, the better it becomes. P: Sweet creamed corn, melted caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, oak. Powdered chocolate, toasted marshmallow. Actually, a hint of graham cracker is present too, giving it a sort of s'mores character. Marzipan, smoked meat, black pepper. Moderately subdued baking spice on the mid-palate. Some dried fruit notes: raisin, fig, prune. The finish delivers a powerful hit of bitter dark chocolate that persists beyond everything else. Floating above the chocolate is more of that restrained baking spice – becoming hotter and leaning towards cinnamon now, but still subdued. Hints of charred oak or even freshly stained wood appear and disappear. A little more of that dark dried fruit fades in and out, then the chocolate remains alone to conclude the experience. This is an outstanding bourbon. It offers the classic bourbon profile but then expands upon it with smoky, meaty, earthy notes. And all of these elements are executed with subtlety and excellence. There are no off-putting flavors. And it's surprisingly easy to drink considering it's just over 130 proof. I can't think of anything negative... oh, right, the cost. Honestly, I don't regret paying the markup. I do find it irritating that the markup varies so widely. I've seen this locally priced anywhere from $120 (rarely) to $200 (unfortunately, increasingly common). I might end up purchasing it again at the $160 midpoint I paid, so I suppose the value for money at that price is acceptable; I can live with it. The higher end seems unreasonable – I would spend that money on something else. The lower end isn't exactly a bargain, but I passed on it twice, including at the establishment where I ultimately made my purchase – they increased their price by $40 between visits – and I obviously wish I hadn't. If you happen to find it for $100 or less, you've gotten a great deal.

Color: Deep cherry amber. Nose: Intense! I don't usually categorize a nose as "hot," but this one warrants it. At 131 proof, it's understandable... Additionally, there's what I'll identify as "charred oak." Palate: Upon first tasting (with a large ice sphere)... It has a viscous texture; spicy(!). It hits intensely but in a somewhat controlled way, if that's even possible. The warmth spreads through the chest, but it's not overwhelming. Burnt cherries and more oak are present. As the ice sphere begins to melt and dilute it slightly, sweeter notes emerge. Second tasting (also with a large ice sphere)... Definitely cherries with vanilla — a note I missed on the first tasting. It's like "cherry vanilla ice cream." Delightful! Finish: A long, spicy finish that carries over many of the palate's flavors. Something akin to Werther's butterscotch candies makes an unexpected appearance when the spirit is most diluted... and, as is common with most Bourbon I've experienced, I detect some "holiday baking spices" right at the very end of the glass. I haven't been able to find any Stagg bottles of any kind in recent years. I figured Stagg would be one of those bottles I'd never encounter. So, when I unexpectedly discovered this bottle — which turned out to be Batch 15 from late 2020 — at its suggested retail price(!)? I felt quite fortunate. This is an exceptional Bourbon. It's always challenging for me to assign star ratings... what, precisely, deserves more than 4.5 stars? What serves as the standard? Well... after more than three years and over 150 different bottles/expressions, I understand my preferences. I know what I seek in a Bourbon. This is essentially the embodiment of "Bourbon" for me. Consequently... I'm awarding Stagg Jr. Batch 15 one of my highest ratings to date. I intend to try and acquire another bottle before it disappears, as I don't know when I'll experience such good fortune again.

A brown copper hue with substantial legs coats the glass. The aroma is packed with sweet grain, creamed corn, cherries, and vanilla oak. I detect no ethanol on the nose. The palate offers sweet salted caramel, cherry, baking spice, cinnamon, and vanilla oak. Ethanol emerges in the back, but it's not overwhelming for its proof—just a pleasant warmth. The texture is viscous, slightly oily yet clean, not excessively sweet. The finish reveals tannic oak, pepper, and dried sweet grass. A minty tingle balances the intense sweetness (it's definitely burnt sugar sweet). The finish is long, with a subtle cherry note, not tart. Adding an ice cube slightly softens the finish, perhaps improving it? Possibly. This is often my preference with many barrel-proof whiskeys. I appreciate all bourbon styles. I lean towards rye and high-rye whiskies. However, the profound character of these Stagg barrel proofs consistently captivates me, even with significant time between tastings. They deliver powerful flavors, and while intense, I've never found the ethanol, sweetness, or vanilla oak to be excessive. Alright, alright, I dislike the bottle's form and even the "Stagg" moniker. There! I wish it resembled the G.T. Stagg bottle—tall with a slender neck, more convenient for pouring (which, apparently, I don't need assistance with 😄). But... beyond their rarity, Stagg bourbons possess a quality that makes them consistently excellent. Overall, they are underestimated rather than overrated. At least to my taste.

Stagg Jr. - Batch 15 131.1 Proof // 65.55% ABV Neat - Allowed to rest for 15 minutes. Nose: This is the first time I've detected a "grape jelly" note in a whiskey. However, the Welch's jammy sweetness is akin to smelling a spoonful of jelly poured into a copper mule mug. There's a metallic quality to the rich sweetness. Oak. Dried cranberries, luxardo cherries, and a faint mustiness. A superb nose. Second nosing: Grape Jolly Rancher!! Powdered sugar and a very subtle Ceylon cinnamon. Taste: Absolutely remarkable. This is rich and well-balanced. Not the most viscous (though still oily and full-bodied), but it has an incredible mouthfeel. I *perceive* the flavors throughout my entire palate. Grape Jolly Rancher, luxardo cherries, the burnt edge of a brownie crust, caramel-infused oak. In fact, the oak becomes more pronounced with subsequent tastings. A minerality or metallic characteristic also emerges later in the glass. Revisiting the nose: sweet syrupy cherry candy oak. It clearly has the BT profile. The essence of American nostalgia at its finest. Finish: This is excellent. A pleasant warmth extends from the top of my throat down to my chest. Just slightly less intense than a Kentucky Hug. Yeasty, oaky, grape. Dense, syrupy fruit sweetness. I have now sampled Stagg Jr batches 14, 15, 16, and 17. Thanks to friends who shared their bottles. I consider 15 to be my favorite. The profound grapey, candy-like, oaky sweetness is very enjoyable. This is a very good bourbon. 90/100

Nose: Quite pleasant. The aroma alone made me eager to taste it. Sweet cherries and vanilla, with some caramel corn. It smelled like a bourbon rich in fruit and sweetness. Not quite. Corn and plastic. That's all I could discern. Corn and plastic, with some heat. I was at a nice restaurant, enjoying it neat from a substantial glass, prior to my meal. Yet, corn and plastic (heavy on the plastic). Utterly disappointing. I added a couple of drops of water. This reduced the spicy corn and plastic notes. I kept smelling, attempting to reconcile the contrasting notes, without success. It does have a reasonably long finish, which is great when the finish isn't, you know, corn and plastic. I couldn't finish it, and I detest not finishing the bourbon I purchase.

Nose: Vanilla, cherry-cola, and oak hit you immediately. The cherry flavor is particularly prominent. Palate: Oaky and rich. It's a bit intense but this bourbon is clearly intended for those who appreciate a bold spirit! A few drops mellow it down. I detect that deep cherry flavor followed by vanilla and brown sugar. It evokes memories of some other high-end bourbons and surpasses them. Finish: I enjoy the vanilla and the gradual warming sensation. The finish is long. If there's a slight drawback, it might be a touch drying or tannic. However, those who favor oak will likely find it perfectly acceptable. Overall: This expression has improved significantly over time. This bottle continues that trend. It reveals its character openly. Bold, direct, and powerful! Well executed!