Stagg Barrel Proof Bourbon 23B

I'm always rather weary of Stagg. Albeit not the most popular opinion, I've now tasted 2 different batches ( 18 and 22b ) and found them both to be a bit too hot to really be amongst the best. By chance I was offered a bottle of 23b for the incredibly modest price of $99 and I was all too happy to pick this up. Maybe third time's a charm? Although the nose does smell a bit hot, much like 22b; this particular batch doesn't smell nearly as hot as 127.8 proof would suggest. Vanilla and toffee are gentle and sweet at first but end up pushing towards bittersweet chocolate toward mid nose. A little kick of rye spice and some tannic oak turn that nose quite dry. The taste explodes with baking spices and tongue tingle. The proof is noticeable in burn only but there isn't a sinus clearing ethanol hit. Right about mid taste some of that dark chocolate mixes in with the baking spices and actually, is quite appropriate as a holiday dram. There's a bit of rye bread quality about this mid taste, an interesting touch to the background of spiciness. The finish is decidedly dry and spicy. That baking spice bomb from the taste never really fades away but on the finish, some tannic oak joins the party. The finish is actually quite long and oily. Some may like this long and drying type of finish but I'm not a huge fan ( what can I say, I have a sweet tooth when it comes to bourbon ). This doesn't feel quite as potent as the last Stagg I tried, 22b. And by the proof, it isn't far off ( 130 vs 127.8 ) but I think its how that proof is delivered. This feels a bit more polished than 22b but I'd still really love to try a Stagg that is less spice and more sweet.

Nose: Cinnamon graham crackers. Dark brown sugar, vanilla, and caramel. Lots of sweet fruit jam. Cherry, raspberry, and fig. Hint of apricot and clove. Palate: The fruity jam immediately hits the front of the palate. As it move through the middle, big notes of brown sugar, deep caramel, and a bit of molasses curl under the tongue and into the jawline. This is also when the punch of the alcohol hits. Not overwhelming, but will throw off someone not used to higher proof. As the sip flows over the back end, medicinal cherry and rich oak pop up. Finish: Long and lingering of medicinal cherry and oak. Summary: I get why people seek these bottles out, but like most Buffalo Trace products, it's just not my thing. Too sticky sweet for me to fully enjoy. If you're someone who loves hard hitting and super sweet pours. This is for you.

Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Nose: Jammy fruits with cherries, raisins, apricots. Some caramel and graham crackers. Palate: Cinnamon red hots, some baking spice. Finish: Long length with medium heat. Splash: Cinnamon gives way to clove and more baking spice. Overall: 8/10 - A solid sipper. Fruity notes in the nose don't carry over into the palate or finish. Purchased as part of a bundle with Remus Repeal for $175 so not priced individually.

Nose - Caramel, wood, light leather, vanilla. Very sticky sweet, like a dulce de leche with some chocolate. Palate - Vanilla, toasted leather, oak, rye spice. Little bit of bright pear, solid. Finish - Rye spice, cinnamon, barrel char. Some small sweet notes. Solid batch.

Might have to let this sit and see if it opens up a bit. Has some of the traditional stagg notes but doesn’t come together for me like other batches. A little Dr Pepper and some oak throws me off right now.

Nose: Cherry Cola, Dr Pepper, Grape Pallet: Cinnamon, baking spice, dark cola Really dark tasting. Hot finish. Not as fruity as other Staggs.