Stagg Barrel Proof Bourbon 23A

Stagg Batch 23A Received a sample from a friend. Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium-dark amber. Nose: Cherry cola, caramel, vanilla. Palate: Cinnamon red hots, clove and some oak. Finish: Long length with medium heat. Splash: All of the notes from the palale hold up to a few drops of water. Overall: 9/10 - This is classic bourbon dialed up to eleven. The long finish and the notes standing up to a splash of water give away the high (130.2) proof. Outstanding.

Blind Taste: Stagg 23a Nose: sweet red fruit Taste: mild spice, cinnamon, and a bit of fruitiness. Oak. I’m guessing under 100 proof. Finish: The warmth lingers for a bit and fades into cinnamon. Overall: At first sip, this didn’t impress me all that much. But over the course of the drink, there was seven evolution and some of the oaky cinnamon notes presented themselves. Score: 3.75/5

Got Stagg 23A (summer 2023 release) on Dec 2023 from Purdy’s. 130.2 proof (65.1%) Vs small remaining of 1st Stagg Jr (131.9 proof, 65.95% likely Batch 9, Fall 2017 release) which was very Coca-Cola finish. Now no longer with Jr in name. Any age change though?

Maple syrup and brown sugar on the nose. More of the same on the pallet with the addition of molasses and a hint of caramel. However the sweetness is perfectly balanced with some spice I cant quite place. The finish is warm with black cherries. Easy 5/5…

Super sweet nose, honey & vanilla Bold first flavor. Black pepper and spices go with the sweet nose flavors. Loooonngggg bold finish, slow Kentucky hug. So enjoyable. Great balance of hot, with sweet and spicy.

Another great stagg. Not as much oak which i like better. A lot of great cinnamon and caramel vanilla flavors.