Brian Stagg Jr Batch #10 Review
written on 25-November-2018
STAGG JR BATCH #10 REVIEW:
The whiskey in this bottle (which is full of high proof bourbon heat) was challenging for me to review however I like this earthy bourbon. The nose and pallet are complex, revealing difficult to discern aromas and flavours on each attempt. But make no mistake, this is an enjoyable sipper.
STAGG JR BATCH 10 VITAL STATS:
– Batch 10* (Released in the Spring of 2018)
– Category: Small Batch Bourbon
– Region: Kentucky, USA
– Distiller: Buffalo Trace
– Mashbill: Buffalo Trace Mashbill #1 (low rye <10% rye)
– Cask: New charred oak
– Barrel Char: #4
– Barrel Entry Proof: 125
– Age: nas (but recognized as a blend of 8- to 9-year-old barrels)
– ABV: 63.2% (126.4 Proof)
– Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered
– Price: $52.95 USD in Idaho
Learn more at https://buffalotracedistillery.com/
*NOTE: Buffalo Trace releases batches of Stagg Jr sporadically throughout the year. Batch numbers are not written on bottles so the only way to tell which batch is on the shelf in your local store is to check the ABV/Proof numbers.
Check the The Bourbon Exchange website for information on other Stagg Jr batches.
ENJOYMENT METHOD:
I drank this spirit neat, from a Glencairn glass.
NOSE:
The nose tickle on this batch of Stagg Jr.’s is pronounced, but not offensive or overwhelming, and is woody and sweet with typical Buffalo Trace spice and dark fruits making this an aromatically aggressive bourbon. There are traces of citrus mixed with raisins and apricot fruit leather before maple sweetness punches through the dark which is then masked by deep charred oak.
PALATE:
Stagg Jr.’s earthy palate is similarly aggressive. Traces of raisins mix with tart pie cherry sweetness and blend well with a light bit of cocoa and elements of toffee. The back and forth struggle gives way to simple and maple syrup, baking spices and graham cracker. When the concentration of flavours melt away, an oaky woodiness remains.
Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
There is decent balance despite the heat, with full body and a silky but not oily mouth feel. Quick legs drip down the inside of the Glencairn to the burnt amber colored bowl.
FINISH:
Batch 10’s lingering flavors become masked by hazy oak-wood char as its heat lingers on for only a moment.
MY RATING: 90/100
Will I seek out this whiskey in the future? Yes
Click to read Brian’s scoring process.
Click 90/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
To access other whiskies from this brand, click Stagg.
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