Christmas and Hanukkah have finally come and gone. It’s now time to relax and assess the casualties of our yearly Christmas party, while getting ready for the new year. When you own a centuries-old home, it’s only fitting it be appointed with a complement of antiques appropriate to its heritage; however, you come to learn that “everything” has a shelf life. I find this is especially true when you congregate 18 children under 7 together without adult supervision. Parents’ good intentions seem to wane relative to alcoholic intake, and, frankly, we would have it no other way. Family get-togethers are precious and no better time to observe the rambunctious cycles of life; a heavenly mix of young and old all blending in perfect harmony. Holidays are also a period of overindulgence. A moment when a flake of this or a small piece of that just won’t do. This is a time for Stagg Jr; a bold and uncompromising creation that bites hard at 63.2% ABV. Despite its fangs, it’s amazingly smooth once you survive the first onslaught of anesthetizing ethanol. Dark amber in color, the spirit is a mix of bourbon having spent 8-10 years in new-charred American white oak. This amount of aging gives the wood ample time to imprint its rich vanilla properties into the liquid. Buffalo Trace uses the same mashbill for this whiskey as big brother, George T. Stagg. The recipe calls for less than 10% rye, but its impact is noticeable. A heat-dried palpate is mixed with cinnamon, caramel, and cherries jubilee. The finish is peppery hot with more baking spices and a splash of oak. Nothing about this dram is subtle; it’s rich, abundant, and undaunted. A true American treasure and perfect for the holidays. 4.25 stars.