Clear, deep burnt orange. Fruity nose with cinnamon applesauce, orange oil, and dried cherries, along with dark chocolate, toffee, and some char. Robust, penetrating palate with cedar, sweet pipe tobacco, and concentrated chai tea. Long finish, with oak-driven vanilla. The 127.9 proof makes itself known, but is balanced with the full-throttle palate and aromatics. Hard to believe this bourbon could be better--except as Stagg "Sr."