Stagg Jr Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch 12

Definitely hot on the first sip. Mellows out after

Down to my last three pours of this guy... man it’s been one hell of a ride. One of the first “oh shit! Scramble down to the liquor store the moment it becomes available bottle” and that was about 2 years ago. Very small pours here and there, appreciating every succulent drop. Big heavy nut, steroid induced corn, and scorched oak are my notes. This is, always has been, and always will be, a bourbon that hits at such a high weight class that it’s basically your free agent next in line to join the BTAC big leagues. There’s a reason it’s called junior because GTS is a monster that can never be caught (easily up there as one of the greatest bourbons to ever exist, second only to William Larue Weller in my palates opinion), but this guy hits way above his msrp. I paid $45, and that’s the greatest investment I have ever made in my bourbon journey. I’d pay stupid amounts for this bottle because what they do aging wise, proof wise, flavor wise, it checks all the boxes and will always be worth it.

Lots of toffee, chocolate, vanilla and cinnamon. Great, oily mouthfeel, and while it has heat, it’s not too hot and it’s not spicy. Definitely a top shelf choice.

This is classic bourbon flavor cranked up to 11. This bourbon makes no apologies and is in your face with notes of cinnamon, vanilla extract, caramel, and tops it off with lovely cherry goodness. It’s not reinventing the wheel in any way, but damn if it didn’t near perfect it.