Stagg Jr Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch 14

Chasing the elusive staggs.... I have yet to secure a bottle of George T so let's settle down with Jr batch 14. It seems they should have just called this Stagg and left off the Jr as it makes the bottle seem the lesser or a copy of Sr. In any case this one is quite hard to find in my area and I was happy to score one. Nose is quite nice here. Some vanilla and brown sugar notes. Maybe a hint of nuttiness in the background. There is a bit of alchol as well given the sky high proof of this dram. First sip is a bomb of caramel and heat. This one lives up to it's 65% without question. It comes on pretty quick and heavy, but overall stays in the manageable range. I don't see myself rushing for an ice cube here. Interestingly as the heat rolls off I get some cocoa and almost toasted marshmallow on the backend. Almost an adult smores going on with this pour. The finish is a mild cinnamon tail that fades nicely away. Well I have to say I am enjoying this one. It is a bit hot and I might yet give it a few drops of water in future pours. Overall at the regular price this is a great bottle. Unfortunately like many great bottles it is harder and harder to find at suggested retail. I am not dropping $150 on this, but would definitely pay up into the $80s. Hopefully I can get lucky again and score some future batches.

Smooth long finish

Nose is very maple sweet, some fruit like green apple Palate has very bourbon like sweetness, Dr pepper like flavors, some cherry Finish has some spice in the tongue, notes of oak and lightly sweet.