Stagg Jr Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch 13

White grape. Buffalo trace cranked up to 128.4. Very reminiscent of EHT BP

Top Shelf

Nose - butterscotch, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, walnut, leather, cherry, bubble gum, floral notes, black pepper, marshmallow, chocolate, graham cracker, rich oak, moderate to high ethanol burn. Taste - rich caramel, creme brûlée, cinnamon, dark chocolate, walnut, cherry, floral notes, orange, leather, black pepper, spearmint, graham cracker, allspice, marshmallow, toasted oak, moderate to high alcohol bite, finishing medium length with caramel, cherry, baking spice, and toasted oak flavors. The last Buffalo Trace product I have in the backlog, and it’s a good one. I found this in a local shop for $90, which is significantly higher than the $50 MSRP, but even more significantly lower than the $300 they appear to be going for online these days. I wasn’t happy to pay the premium, but figured it was probably the best deal I’d ever find short of winning a lottery. The nose hits those classic Buffalo Trace aromas, but they’re much deeper and richer here than on any other BT product I’ve tasted in the past. Granted, I’ve never tried GTS or really any of the more mature offerings. I really like when I get a s’mores note on whiskies, and this one has it. The palate brings waves of delicious caramel, cherry, and oak. There’s a subtle nuttiness and a less subtle mintiness as well. The finish is really good, not too long, but the flavors linger nicely and don’t go sour or bitter as I had initially expected. When I opened this bottle a year ago, it was straight fire. I like high proof whiskies, but this one was borderline painful. Time has been very kind to it though. Actually, it’s probably the biggest transformation any of my bottles have made. The fiery heat has been tamed, and I can taste some of the nuances that were completely overshadowed previously by the alcohol. Long story short, this is great. It’s very close to being outstanding, but it’s just slightly too thin and bright to make the grade for me. If I had reviewed it a year ago, the rating would be at least one step lower. I’d say it’s worth the $90 I paid, but it took a year for me to think so.