Review #: 43
Description: Stagg Jr. Batch #10
Spirit: Bourbon
Background: Stagg Jr. comes from Buffalo Trace and their Mashbill #1. Boasting similar stats as George T. Stagg but younger, the Jr. label is fitting. While the age is not disclosed, the internet seems to believe that it is around 8 – 10 years old. Typically released twice per year, each batch is identified by the specific proof. So let’s see how it can stand up to it’s daddy. This is a stock image
Note: Reviews 43 – 46 and 50 – 53 were done as part of a series of semi-blind samples thanks to my Secret Santa. Please keep in mind that I did not know the specifics until after posting my notes. This was labeled “B10” which I read as “BIO” because I lack intelligence at times.
Distillery – Buffalo Trace
Bottler – Buffalo Trace
Brand – Stagg Jr.
Selection – N/A
ABV – 63.2%
Age – NAS
Nose – Rich corn, cherry, baking spices, raspberry, leather
Taste – Strong initial sweetness, chocolate covered cherries, caramel, medium mouthfeel
Finish – Strong heat at first but settles and lingers, cinnamon, cocoa, rye spice
Guess: ~110 proof, maybe 6-8 years? I at first wanted to say a RRSiB, but the spice on the finish as well as a little thinner of a mouth feel from the bottle I have. Maybe a Whistlepig 10 year single barrel? I’m not quite over my cold but was too impatient to wait any longer. Think it might have hindered me a little bit. Regardless, this was quite tasty, I just wish it felt a little heavier/thicker
Score: 6
Would I buy a bottle? Yes, at MSRP
Thoughts: Ah, the chocolate and cherry should have tipped me off! I believe I actually had a pour of this batch at a restaurant a few months before and definitely got lots of cherry. The rye in the finish through me a bit for a loop. The heat on the finish was also a tad much, There are definitely parallels to GTS, but it’s not as well composed. If I could find this for the MSRP of $50, I’d get it, but this batch I wouldn’t try to seek out for any premium.