Stagg Jr Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch 14

Hot fire. Eager to try other batches to compare.

Heat check!

Smooth for the proof. Got some heat on the first couple sips. Good stuff!

This batch just hits perfect for me. This batch goes more classic dark sugar notes. I am relieved that the typical Stagg cherry is nonexistent on this batch. If you dislike cheery notes this is the batch for you.I absolutely love this batch of Stagg jr.

Sweet and fruity nose like all the batches I’ve tried (9-14). Maple syrup, caramel, dark cherry up front with slightly buttery popcorn and a hint of nuttiness in the back ground. Thick and oily mouthfeel with great coating on the tongue. Tobacco and oak notes in the center of the tongue and cherry coming through on the back end. Long, pleasant finish. All in I think this is one of the best bourbons I’ve tried. I think it’s slightly edged out (from memory) by the B13, B10 and B12 but we’re splitting hairs. I think SJR in general would be one of the only bourbons I’d pay secondary for. This is great. Interestingly I get a strong tangy “peach-o” candy note and apricot on the nose after the bottle’s been open a few months. I use the rating scale below. Distiller uses a scale of 5 and I use a scale of 10, but I’m sure you’re not too drunk to do the math! 1. Disgusting - So bad I poured it out. 2. Poor - I wouldn't consume by choice. 3. Bad - Multiple flaws. 4. Below average - Not bad, but many things I'd rather have. 5. Good - Just average. 6. Very Good - Better than average. 7. Great - Well above average. 8. Excellent - In a league of its own. 9. Incredible - An all-time favorite. 10. Perfect

(Let sit for about 5 minutes.) 👀: Deep, dark mahogany wood with heather tones (whatever all that means), at this high of an ABV there is hardly any surface tension; 👃: Extremely corn forward with sweet popcorn, alcohol burns my nose hairs, can smell the spiciness and peppery notes; 👅: Alcohol hits you immediately but subtly gives way to more pleasant kettle corn, very sweet is the theme; 🏁: Spiciness hits you first but doesn't linger, instead it lets you down slowly and comfortably, this is the happy ending that high proof whiskies should aspire to. Bravo! End note: I'm shocked that something this high proof didn't require me to put in a drop of water. Wow.