Stagg Barrel Proof Bourbon 23C

Is it just me or has there been more Stagg released in 2023 than years past? Resulting in the surprising availability of Stagg ( not super common but not quite as rare as unicorn piss like before ). At least in my area that has led to the availability of Stagg at the 150-199 price point. So when I saw a bottle of 23c for $150 well... you didn't have to ask me twice. The nose on 23c seems a bit less fiery than I'm used to from Stagg but then again, it's all relative. If you aren't used to smelling barrel proof bourbons then Stagg will always smell like liquid fire to you. The nose is vanilla with tannic, slightly toasty oak meets over-ripened cherries wrapped up in some dry leather. Yes, there is some ethanol heat but its not overwhelming. There's a little bit of creme bruleé sticky sweetness hitting the back of the nose as you pull the glass away from your face. Spice opens up the taste very boldly. Tongue tingling pepper and cinnamon swirled with the proof remind you that you are in fact, drinking something just a hair over 125 proof. As the spice dissipates a touch of salted caramel and chocolate with some vanilla peek through mid taste but quickly dissipate to a much drier back of taste where the tannic oak from the nose makes a comeback with some leather. Throughout the taste, the spice stays... it doesn't really start to dissipate until you cross over into the finish. Surprisingly, the finish on 23c is a bit short, not quite as viscous as other barrel proof offerings and dare I say I bit simple? The spice slowly leaves your tongue and what's left is that tannic oak and leather from the back of the taste. The mouthfeel is a wee bit powdery and while that is up to personal preference, I much prefer an oilier mouth feel on the finish. The dryness sticks to the very last seconds of the finish. You know, I actually think Stagg 23b is the all around better of the two. However, like most Stagg releases, it's worth a try! With more Stagg coming to market, availability is a little more widespread so why not take advantage and try to find this at your local whiskey bar for a taste? I probably wouldn't commit to a bottle purchase unless you're really into a spicy dryness.

Aroma - dark fruits with tons of caramel come up right away.. there’s vanilla presence towards the back. Also picking subtle rye notes here. Haven’t had that many Stagg offerings but I don’t recall rye being as noticeable on previous pours. As it opens I’m getting hints red fruits (raspberry and apple cinnamon) Taste - Big, bold flavors as expected. Tons of caramel and vanilla in your face with a huge alcohol kick. That Kentucky hug is strong and I really enjoy it. Rye spiciness isn’t coming forward like it did in the nose… instead it’s coming through in the way of a light bubblegum note. Overall - Solid if you can get it at or close to MSRp but not worth the up-charge that is seen in most liquor stores.

Nose: Dark molasses, vanilla, oak, with a hint of fruit Palate: Vanilla, grape soda, baking spices Finish: Medium to long, a lingering finish that mixes both the sweet and spicy notes This bourbon knows its mission and it does it. As Buffalo Trace's representation of a barrel-proof bourbon, it takes the standard profile and amps it up appropriately. However, does it offer anything more than BT turned up to 11? Not really. However, we have to give credit that Buffalo Trace has mastered the profile they are known for and it shows.

Late bottle pour, neat, capped and rested for 15 minutes. Nose: molasses, leather, astringency, a fig/fruitcake rich sweetness. Palatte: vanilla and nutmeg, feels hot with the high alcohol %. Finish: long and fire, caramal and creamy. Added water, capped and rested another 15 minutes. Nose: sea salt and bitterness emerged. Palatte: oddly enough felt dry even while in the mouth. Finish: dry and full, much less burn.

Color: Amber with nice legs! Nose: honestly a traditional bourbon smell. If you get too close there is a bunch of heat. I get a mix of caramel and vanilla. It almost smells like a pie I can’t pinpoint. Taste: tastes similar to the nose. Just a super solid traditional bourbon. Finish?: short to medium finish Water?: good without water. The heat isn’t overbearing.

It’s still Stagg, so a great bottle for $60. I did like the texture and mouthfeel of the 23B a little more. This 23C batch comes off as slightly less mature and well rounded in comparison.