George T. Stagg Bourbon (Fall 2019)

Nose isn’t as nice as the taste. Finnish lasts forever. Lots of the flavors everyone says, better than the 2018, but not a 98/100 I’m afraid.

Nose: Sweet vanilla, stone fruits - plums, dates. Burnt brown sugar. Crème brûlée. Sweet floral character - honeysuckle. Charred oak. Very balanced, if forward, likely partially due to the proof. Luxardo cherries. Palate: Big brown sugar, vanilla, barrel and char. Tannic - tons of texture and a good bite. Slight creamy mustiness. Bell pepper. Black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice. Barrel bite, but in the best way. Finish starts with a bright pop of ethanol and vanilla with baking spices. As things come down, sweet creamy vanilla shows up. The ending fade has nice depth and length with much of the same. Medium long finish.

A taste with Jerad. Better than the 2018 in a blind taste test. Less proof brought out more flavor. Very good.

Nose is sweet spicy caramel. Taste is sweet spicy oak with a spicy sweet finish. Annually one of my favorites.

Rich chocolate and leather. Dark cherry, hint of smoke. Woody but not bitter. Definitely the best bourbon I’ve ever had, lucky to find at $150.