Buffalo Trace Distillery consistently puts out some of the most sought after bottles of bourbon. Stagg Jr. is no exception. One of the requirements for bourbon is that it must enter the barrel at no more than 125 proof. This expression carries no age statement but according to the labels it is aged for "nearly a decade." In that time more water is lost out of the barrel than alcohol to where the proof rises to 129.5. I'm guessing the reason behind the "Jr." on this label is because the George T. Stagg clocks in at higher age and proof. Which probably means if the barrels were left untouched they would have gone to become bottled as George T. Stagg expression. Lots of charred oak and cinnamon spice on the nose along with citrus notes of orange peel marmalade. On the palate there's heavy punch of alcohol followed by dark cocoa, cinnamon brown sugar, and more charred oak. Very long finish with slight citrus zest and cinnamon brown sugar apple pie filling flavors. The alcohol is very aggressive here and requires very small sips at first. Adding a bit of water helps cut the heat and allows the flavors to open up more. A worthy addition to any shelf!