Stagg Jr

A recent sample swap with @SpikeyDog120 delivered an unexpected surprise - a sample of @BuffaloTrace's 3rd batch Stagg Jr.

Beautiful colour!

Distillery : Buffalo Trace Distillery
Whiskey : Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (3rd Batch)
Price : £75

Characteristics : 700ml, 66.05% ABV. The mash bill on this one is 75% Corn, 15% Malted Barley and 10% Rye, it's matured in charred oak for around 8-9 years but is sold with NAS.

Box/Bottle Information : "Rich, sweet, chocolate and brown sugar flavors mingle in perfect balance with the bold rye spiciness."

Colour : Mahogany
Nose : Vanilla, earthy oak, cherries, lemon

Palate : WOW - obviously with this strength it's going to be powerful and I'd been warned so was only taking tiny sips. It was solid, like a spoonful of burning treacle rolling over your tongue! It burned but there were hints of old leather. A little water opened it up a bit - with honey and raisins, over time cherries from the nose came through quite strongly.

Finish : Oak, vanilla and a strong burn! with a lingering taste of spicy (cinnamon?) honey.

Overall : Definitely a sipping whiskey (with a strong burn if that's that you like). The addition of a little water reduced the burn and opened up the flavours - I enjoyed the cherry on the nose and palate giving the whiskey a little sourness. Many thanks to @SpikeyDog120 for the surprise!

Link : Stagg Jr