Stagg Jr

It is a chilly, rainy, spring day today so I thought I would break out a trusty favorite. Stagg Jr is one of those bourbons we always keep a bottle of on hand. Stagg Jr is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from the Buffalo Trace distillery. It is barrel proof (129.5 proof) and unfiltered. The bottle and website state it is aged for “nearly a decade” - however a quick review of google tells me that most people believe it is aged 7 years. Stagg Jr is a younger, rougher, uncut version of the annual release George T Stagg. It is released in several small batches spread throughout the year. The MSRP is $55, though I’ve seen it as high as $200 in places with high demand.

I let it sit for about 15 minutes after pouring before getting started. It has a very caramelly scent with heavy notes of vanilla and maybe a little burnt lemon. The alcohol scent runs clear through everything, which I would expect considering the proof. It starts off hot making it hard to taste the nuance, however the burn is pleasant leaving a the barest tingle on my lips and a warmth across my palette. It is full and rich, leaving a light coating, and now I am adding an ice cube because it, like everything else this strength, is too strong for me to enjoy straight. It sat for a few minutes and now it smells like a dessert with burnt sugar, like a creme caramel. With the heat from the alcohol tempered by the melting ice cube, there is a rye like spiciness after the initial sweetness, finishing out with a mellow warming burn. There is still a tiny hint of lemony citrus as well. This is a great bourbon for the holidays with its sweet and spicy profile. It knocks my socks off a little with the sheer alcohol content but once its cut a bit with water its a lovely sipping bourbon. It also has big enough flavor and heat to add some serious zip to a hot cup of cider, if you’re interested in mixing. Most people would tell you thats a waste of a good bourbon - and it may be, but I like it either way!