Stagg Jr Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch 1

Tasting batch 15. Neck pour. Let mellow for 10 mins before nosing. Drinking out of a glencairn. Color is a rich, dark amber. I can smell this thing from feet away. On the nose I get almost no proof even though this clocks in at 131.1. It smells like apples sprinkled with cinnamon on the dehumidifier in summertime. There's oak here too and some warm leather. Even the bit of ethanol as I nose further is really pleasant - not a burn but a nice tingle. On the palate the proof presents itself at first but then gives way to oak, spice, a hint of dried fruit. Finish presents vanilla ice cream with a bit of caramel sauce. This takes everything I love about eagle to the next level. It's big and complicated and bossing me around a bit. Minutes later the finish persists and mellows into pleasant pipe tobacco, oak, and waffles. I don't have a ton of experience with higher proof. I expected this to drink a lot hotter. Will add a couple drops of water. The water enhances the fruit flavor throughout and maybe even amplifies the proof up front? I had to try it, but the rest of this bottle will be shared with friends to be discussed and appreciated. If I see another, I'll buy it.

Despite the high proof it is still unbelievably smooth. Heavy vanilla and apple notes

Hot, needed an ice cube