George T. Stagg Bourbon (Fall 2017)

From the moment it hits your nose, you know you’re in for a treat. Cherry, raisins, vanilla, and oak. No ethanol burn, despite its lofty proof. I don’t remember it being like this when I first cracked the bottle, but tasting it now after it has breathed for a few months, it is almost syrupy... I recall it being a bit more brash. But now it’s like an energetic puppy that has grown up a little bit and settled down, and it’s truly fantastic in its maturity. Layer upon layer of flavor - starting off sweet, cherry, chocolate, and moving into oak, leather, tobacco, cinnamon spice... it’s rich and full and complex. The heat starts to catch up a little on the back end, and the long finish ultimately winds up at a slightly bitter yet pleasant note - think roasted coffee. It’s unfair how little of this there is to go around because it’s a truly spectacular pour.

very good but a hair below some of the other greats in my book

Amazing

At La Boca. Nose is caramel corn, warm brown sugar, leather, with a touch of fruitiness. Surprisingly smooth with very little heat, even at 129.2. Flavor is rich, butterscotch, caramel, leather, spicy clove and cinnamon. Oak is there, but not overpowering.