Stagg Jr Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch 15

Only Stagg Jr I can compare to is Batch 13. This is just as good and has some serious bite to it. Lots of notes, maybe I’ve had too much spiked eggnog today but I catch a bit of nutmeg and vanilla. Strong, spicy finish. Absolutely worth the 90 minute wait, 10/10 would wait again.

The latest batch of Stagg Jr starts out like the rest with strong ethanol on the nose. On the first sip you get some heat from the 131.1 proof, but it's surprisingly smooth. The initial heat gives way to that mellow sweetness and vanilla you expect from buffalo trace with the perfect amount of uncut barrel spice and cinnamon to accompany it. The finish is long as the spice smolders like a peated scotch. Dropping a cube of ice in it helps to open up more of the flavors and get past the high proof. I wish this was more readily available.