Stagg Jr Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch 13

Nose - butterscotch, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, walnut, leather, cherry, bubble gum, floral notes, black pepper, marshmallow, chocolate, graham cracker, rich oak, moderate to high ethanol burn. Taste - rich caramel, creme brûlée, cinnamon, dark chocolate, walnut, cherry, floral notes, orange, leather, black pepper, spearmint, graham cracker, allspice, marshmallow, toasted oak, moderate to high alcohol bite, finishing medium length with caramel, cherry, baking spice, and toasted oak flavors. The last Buffalo Trace product I have in the backlog, and it’s a good one. I found this in a local shop for $90, which is significantly higher than the $50 MSRP, but even more significantly lower than the $300 they appear to be going for online these days. I wasn’t happy to pay the premium, but figured it was probably the best deal I’d ever find short of winning a lottery. The nose hits those classic Buffalo Trace aromas, but they’re much deeper and richer here than on any other BT product I’ve tasted in the past. Granted, I’ve never tried GTS or really any of the more mature offerings. I really like when I get a s’mores note on whiskies, and this one has it. The palate brings waves of delicious caramel, cherry, and oak. There’s a subtle nuttiness and a less subtle mintiness as well. The finish is really good, not too long, but the flavors linger nicely and don’t go sour or bitter as I had initially expected. When I opened this bottle a year ago, it was straight fire. I like high proof whiskies, but this one was borderline painful. Time has been very kind to it though. Actually, it’s probably the biggest transformation any of my bottles have made. The fiery heat has been tamed, and I can taste some of the nuances that were completely overshadowed previously by the alcohol. Long story short, this is great. It’s very close to being outstanding, but it’s just slightly too thin and bright to make the grade for me. If I had reviewed it a year ago, the rating would be at least one step lower. I’d say it’s worth the $90 I paid, but it took a year for me to think so.

I’m not a big BT fan, most of their products tend to underwhelm me and I can never figure out the madness to rush out and buy all the Eagle Rare or Blanton’s a person can get. With that said, let’s see if this one justifies the madness that BT creates. The nose starts off with toasted marshmallow with some walnut bitterness leading to milk chocolate, spearmint, fried banana, cherries, cinnamon redhots, vanilla, caramel, old leather and polished mahogany furniture. Tasting reveals many of the same notes as the nose with a rich caramel viscous mouthfeel, butterscotch, cherry coke, fried banana, spearmint, apricot, walnuts, milk chocolate, old leather and polished mahogany leading to light barrel spices and a great big caramel, walnut, leather and cherry finish hug. Ok, I get it now, for under 60 dollars retail this one is a mind blowing good whiskey that has almost no alcohol bite at all for the high 128.4 proof. No wonder people line up for these. I would happily line up for an old school black Friday style stampede and grab whatever the new Viking themed Highland Park has out to channel my inner Viking spirit while using it to fight triumphantly through the crowd and come out bloody holding my prize of a Stagg Jr. Thankfully no blood or wounds were required for this tasting due to the generosity of @ctbeck11 for giving me a sample.

Nose: I pick up cherries and dark, sweet syrup. Almost like cherry cola. Vanilla and a slight apple acidity. Call me crazy, but there are hints of grape Big League Chew as well. After reading reviews, I actually pick up spearmint and cinnamon candy — like red hots. Both are undertones, but definitely present! Spearmint shows up towards the top of the glass, while the cinnamon candy note is closer to the whiskey. Palate: The cinnamon candy definitely carries over to the palate, black pepper spice builds slowly, and hits its peak right before the finish. Sweet cherries, and leather are also present. Again, I’m finding notes of grape Big League Chew or grape soda. Finish: Finish is dry, with notes of cinnamon, leather and oak. Slight Kentucky hug, but not quite as pronounced as batch 14. My lips are left delightfully tingly and a little numb. My only complaint is that this batch seems to be missing the bold Kentucky hug I get from batch 14. The finish of batch 13 just leaves a touch to be desired when compared with 14. Still an excellent whiskey on its own, and one I highly recommend for all.

Nose - Beautiful toffee and crème brûlée notes on a proof forward nose that hits you right away. Also includes some orange zest along with oak and spice. Palate - Beautiful flavor. Creamy vanilla and caramel that quickly morphs into great barrel spices toward the end. Little bit of cherry and citrus hiding in the middle too. Finish - Long and lingers around the sides and back of the tongue. Hazelnut and barrel notes hug you all the way down. Mouthfeel - Slightly drying with a proof that will tingle the lips and tongue. Stagg Jr. is easily a must have. It’s one of the best bourbons out there and can even rival its older brother George T. Stagg. It’s a hitter for sure that uses its high proof to deliver beautiful flavors without an overpowering burn. I don’t think you could go wrong with any of the Stagg Jr. batches, that is, if you can find them. Do yourself a favor and get some Stagg Jr., you won’t regret it.

Dynamic nose that really commands your attention, you know you're in for something good. Vanilla, cherry, almond, leather, brown sugar, butterscotch, allspice. The longer it sits the more old musty used bookstore notes and charred oak I pick up. Warmth all around the mouth and throat but it never becomes overwhelming. Great balance of spice and sweet. I get the vanilla, brown sugar and butterscotch I got from those nose. Orange and clove come in after the bakeshop sweets fade. Mint and a little cherry cola on the long finish. Leaves my mouth pretty dry. Mouthfeel is nice and supple but its med + at best. Took a few months for me to review this for whatever reason. It wasn't speaking to me for the first few pours and I wanted to give it some time. It really came into its own. Very nice

Nose of smoke, oak, caramel, maybe leather or tobacco. Very interesting and complex nose. It’s definitely barrel proof but not overly harsh like some. Taste comes in very buttery caramel and sweet with a lot of complexity. Moves into a little heat but the flavor remains into the finish and is enjoyable all the way through. Maybe a bit of orange or cherry on the finish as well. A couple drops of water opened it up a bit and I keep noticing new things on each sip. Exceptional bourbon to me.