George T. Stagg Bourbon (Fall 2023)

Omg delicious Carmel on the nose. That’s how bourbon is supposed to smell. First sip: sweet all on the tongue. Spice and cherry on the lips. The middle wasn’t at full as I expected and had a broader array of flavors than I anticipated. In addition to Carmel, there was a hint of an Angel’s Envy type flavor, and red cherries, and still plenty of Carmel. The back was hot and the finish lasted for days. So much warmth and a nice Carmel coating on the back of the throat. Second: man is it spicy. It burns from the lips all the way over the pallet. It’s a complex bourbon, and in a good way. A lot of different flavors all enhanced by the high proof. It makes me want to sip again and again so I can keep exploring all the flavors. I would share a dram with a sophisticated bourbon fan. But I wouldn’t do it again alone. Too many other bourbons that I love.

The nose starts off slightly hot with notes of cinnamon and dry oak, mixed with strong earthy rye spice, touches of dried flowers, with faint notes of vanilla and brown sugar. The palate is equally as hot as it hits the corners of the mouth with black pepper and baking spices, as dry oak cascades over the mouth. Once your mouth gets acclimated to how hot it is, you're able to swirl it around and feel how dry it is while picking up the notes of vanilla and brown sugar. Smooth notes of caramel eventually open up, adding to a rich flavor profile. This is pretty straightforward, but very intense which is exactly what this is known for. The finish is long and chewy with lingering spice peep in the mouth tingling, while the oak turns smooth and fades in the background.

Nose - Phenomenal nose! Loads of dulce de leche, mixed with condense milk on top of a blonde brownie. TSuch a sweet, and complex desserty nose. It legit smells like a freshly baked cake with cream cheese frosting, sweet and thick. Palate - Yea thats nice, might be the best gts off the bat. Nice and sweet with lots of barrel char, spice, and cinnamon. Definitely get more of that vanilla cake with a side of vanilla cola. Finish - Some more cola, oak, cinnamon, pepper, all over a layer of vanilla custard. Awesome pour

The expert notes regarding the cinnamon red hot candy is spot on! Bold flavors abound from start to finish. The heat of the higher proof does hit about midway into the sip & definitely has a wonderful warm finish. When distillers release the high proof without nose burning alcohol as the forward smell & taste the pours / bottles instantly rise to the top of the chart for me. This 2023 GTS is wonderful- despite any of the big bourbon channels that claim it may be less than prior year releases.

Great pour! Huge cherry bomb nose and followed up with tobacco on the back end. Palate followed the nose with a cherry bomb and tobacco follow up. The palate is predominantly cherry but the backend is a subtle tobacco drop. Think of a fresh opened cigar box with a piece of cedar that is in the cigar. That is the best way I could describe it. The finish goes forever. Not super complex like years past but holds its own. Great pour.

Sometimes it tastes 5 stars often when drinking just this not vs top shelf rivals. On its own or vs Stagg jr, its 5 star. Cocoa, pecan pie, chocolate dusted almond, sugars and spice. Proof hits like 110-115 proof with the flavors. More oak and not nearly as fruity as GTS 2017. Gave it 4.5 because vs wlw or others it lost some of the pop.