Tastes

Hot and leather and spice shoots to the back & roof of my mouth, initially. There is an ever-presence of warmth that last a long time; however there is very little of a “Kentucky Hug” effects down my throat. The warmth & tastes (surprisingly) remain in my mouth. This Stagg Jr. is a wonderful bourbon to sip & enjoy. If you don’t like the “heat” it brings in it’s pure, uncut, form, might I suggest a couple of drops of water to bring out the true, deeper & richer flavors of the Stagg Jr. This bourbon whiskey is designed to be “explored” by the Taster…… what will be your summation and analysis after tasting & reflecting upon it???

I liked this spirit. The initial taste was a surprise to my mouth. In a word, I would call it “zesty” (even “minty”). The zest was quickly overcome by the sharper spices of black pepper, clove, cinnamon, and a hint of red hots. My mouth was warmed by the flavor profile, and the finish was warm, but relatively short-lived. However, I did notice a subtle, soft, lingering warmth, well after the taste had been completed. This is a BOURBON. I look forward to enjoying again in the near future. Upon adding two drops of water to the Glencarin glass, I found that the small amount of added water really amplified all of the tasting notes, such as the mint, the spices, and especially the taste of red hots.

In short, this is a dang good whiskey!! Now, to the technical side of the Whiskey Review…. Appearance: Dark Copper/Amber in color with nice “legs” smoothly running down the ol’ Glencarin glass. Nose: a scent of apple cider and/or fresh sliced apples greets my nose’s senses, with subordinated hints of alcohol and caramel…kind of like smelling a Caramel Apple on a stick after you take a nice, juicy bit out of it! Mmmmmm! Taste: caramel, vanilla, sweet apples; and Ohhh, so creamy smoooooth!! On subsequent tastes & especially upon execution of the “Kentucky chew”, it reminds me that, at its core, this Whiskey is still moonshine and 110.4-proof (barrel cut). Finish: Warm and smooth…no dryness to it, and no “Kentucky Hug” either! I’ve had the distinct pleasure to visit and tour this wonderful Craft distillery just outside of Hopkinsville, Kentucky (not once, but twice!). This Distillery should definitely be on your “Visit List” of Kentucky distilleries. Also, it is well worth your time researching and reading about the real Casey Jones; his life and his contributions to developing what is now many modern Stills.

Sweet & spicy! I’ve been reluctant to purchase this Mellow Corn for years. Nonetheless, while taking a Tasting and History Tour at Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, I succumbed to the encouragement of the employees and promo videos to taste Mellow Corn. I have to admit this is a VERY solid High Corn whiskey. At 90% corn and the remaining 10% a mix of rye and barley, I submit the Bottled In Bond feature of this whiskey causes it to be a solid corn-forward whiskey at a very reasonable price! I really enjoy it!

NOSE: Alcohol on the nose…. I can’t really discern other flavor notes, due to the alcohol , spice, rye. TASTE: there is an initial “creaminess”, but quickly goes to “hot rye” that ascends to the roof of my mouth, making a statement that is larger than the 21% rye in the mash bill. Also hints of wood/oak and old leather that also tends to accentuate the dryness. There’s also a dryness accompanying rye rye. FINISH: Warm, dry & lingering. Overall…. Not bad. I enjoyed it, overall. It would NOT make my top 10 in every day drinkables, but an OK Bourbon.

COLOR: Rich Copper. NOSE: Not a strong nose. Bananas come through as well as caramel (on subsequent nosings). Also furfural alcohol hints. TASTE: Mmmmm! Rich & Creamy! Banana - Oak - Vanilla, tastes that oscillate amongst the three, with the subtle infusion of furfural alcohol. About into the “tasting - chew”, the flavors turn dry upon the finish. FINISH: Dry and soft.

COLOR: Rich Goldenrod. NOSE: Banana-Cherry, with more ‘nana than cherry. There’s that ever-present nosing of furfural alcohol that is found in most of JD brands. There’s also some oak & leather too. TASTE: The first taste is one of the flavors “rolling” within my mouth; it’s creamy, vanilla dash caramel, with hints of oak and maple woods. But, a very goooood taste and an enjoyable drink! FINISH: Wonderfully smooth, but a very short & “clean” finish. I could drink this neat throughout the day.

COLOR: Soft Goldenrod NOSE: Bananas, Caramel, Leather, and hints of Furfural alcohol. TASTE: Somewhat complex, interesting & fun! I believe the complexity comes from the high rye (60% of the mash bill), but complimented with the infused tastes of honey, sourdough bread/banana nut bread, some oakiness and a dryness brought on by the malt (20%) in the mash bill. FINISH: Average, warm & somewhat dry. It’s an interesting tasting experience & I’d drink it again.

COLOR: Goldenrod. NOSE: Not much! Hints of alcohol and spices. TASTE: A rush of warmth & heat to the roof of my mouth (I’d think it would have much more rye in the mash bill). The taste fades quickly & leaves a lingering warmth ~ underwhelming for sure; especially for a Bottled In Bond! FINISH: Warm….. again, underwhelming for what I was anxiously expecting!

NOSE: Bananas! Also, some vanilla and furfural alcohol. TASTE: Vanilla, caramel, banana, furfural, hints of leather….a soft, warm taste. FINISH: Warm, soft, kind of short…. Nothing down the throat (in other words… No “Kentucky Hug”!)