Probably the easiest 5.00 score ever. . . No flaws, just in-your-face cask strength bourbon done well. The nose: It starts with a warm, enveloping candy-like sweetness ontop of the oak, dark fruits & some dried tobacco notes. Very concentrated once the ethanol has evaporated out of the glass. On the palate: It drinks well under proof (~120), it’s very syrupy, and has a finish that keeps going well after the sip is done. So balanced and yet, complex. Spectacular pour, truely one of the very best out there. Overall: I’d recommend that you pour a little more than you normally would for this one if you have the time to spare. This bourbon was constantly changing as I sipped it. Take a while on this and you’ll experience bourbon nirvana.
About this bottle
Following an absence from the fall 2021 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection as the distillery didn't think the whiskey was quite up to standards for the brand, George T. Stagg returns with a release for 2022. Its barrels were filled in spring 2007 and were picked from barrels which matured in Warehouses K. Bottled after 15 years and 5 months of aging at 138.7 proof, the highest proof bottled in the past six years. Suggested retail price is listed at $99.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 36 parsed reviews.
I dont know what year i had at the bar cuz i forgot to ask. Probably the most cohesive bourbon ive ever had and very approachable for the proof (120-130). Big oak, vanilla, dark cherry, and dark berries. The variery of flavor was actually quite simple bur the flavor came in waves producing a very long finish. Definitely not the most complex but probably the most cohesive bourbon i’ve had with zero bitterness or dryness from the oak tannis, which to me was the most impressive part. Definitely a must buy at $100 or even a little more but the secondary prices don’t make no sense.
George T. Stagg 2022 138.7 Proof Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Dark amber, remincient of maple syrup. Nose: Apricots, raisins, other fruits, mixed with sweet and floral notes. Palate: Cinnamon and clove, with some oak and leather. Finish: Very long length with medium heat. Splash: A few drops calms the cinnamon heat enough for the clove to really shine. Overall: 9.5/10 - This really is exquisite, from the fruity, floral nose to the classic notes in the palate. The almost hazmat proof is only evident in the finish, which just won't quit. This is a dram to savor.
139 proof and drinks like a mellow 110 proof. Its incredible. Nose is caramel and light vanilla. Stagg Jr does not hold a candle to this as it is 10 points lower proof but drinks hotter. This is about as good as a bourbon you can get. If you see it at a reasonable price then get it. Believe me, its all that. I was fortunate to get a 2 oz pour at $37 and was elated. I ended up have 2 of them. I have no criticism of this. Just what a bourbon should be. I would love to blind it just to make sure any bias was eliminated, however
Wow, here we go. The hype is right. BADONK!!! This year pops. Hits you with deep dark oaky caramel. Smooth, rich strong, everything a proof ***** rich whiskey lover wants. Coy and ehtbp watch out! This one beat out Eagle rare 17 (2021), William LaRue Weller (2022), GTS (2019) and Thomas H handy (2021) in a head to head flight. I would probably pay triple msrp for this one. Love it!
Nose - Vanilla, delicate soft notes of vanilla custards. Whipped cream and cool whip. The scent is perfect man. Palate - More of the same from the nose. Vanilla blast but a soft blast. Some classic oak and leather. Light notes of eagle rare apple. The perfect bourbon. Finish - Soft and delicate on the way down. It finishes so elegantly and beautifully.
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