Stagg Jr Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch 13

A very Spicy boy that’s finish is complex with lots of barrel character. Straight is pretty hot, a few drops of water really changes the nose. Strongly recommend bribing your local brown dealer to stash one away for you when they get one.

So I must say I had zero intentions on doing a separate review of Batch 13 when I had already reviewed the now infamous Batch 12. (See that review for full tasting notes) “Pffft. The difference between the two is probably imperceptible!” I said. After tasting them on back to back nights, well, what can I say...I was wrong. Bourbon community, you really know your stuff on this one; Batch 12 is the bomb. But what of Batch 13? Batch 13, while still very much Stagg Jr, is fruiter, spicer, and with WAY more barrel char and way less brown sugar/molasses. Is it still delicious? You bet. Still worth the money? Most definitely. Am I buying Batch 14? The moment I can get my hands on it.

2/15/20 Batch 13 - 128.4 proof Nose: vanilla, sweet with baking spice Palate: rich, oily with good mouth feel with vanilla, cinnamon, and baking spice Finish: LONG, full, rich with vanilla and baking spice I have tried both batch 12 & 13 and I prefer 13, because it is richer with more vanilla

Fantastic. A true powerhouse. All kinds of baking spices, dark, deep flavors (caramel, butterscotch, vanilla, oaky nuttiness). If you want a FULL flavor profile, this is it.

Batch 13,128.4 proof. This is a full flavor, punch you in the face bourbon. Dark chocolate, brown sugar sweetness with tons of oak and cherry. High proof makes the tongue tingle, and almost a spicy rye shining through as well. A few drops of water smooth everything out and leads to rich, creamy vanilla. Wow this batch is amazing, and at $50, one of the best value bourbons I've ever had.