Brian’s Stagg Jr Batch #11 Review
written on 16-June-2019
STAGG JR BATCH #11 REVIEW:
Stagg Jr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Batch 11 (Stagg Jr B11) is entirely enjoyable. After the first several sips, my mouth waters each time the Glencairn is brought to the nose and mouth which makes me want more!
STAGG JR BATCH 11 VITAL STATS:
– Batch 11, (Released* in the Winter 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: 63.95% (127.9 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:
Initially, Stagg Jr B11 presents with an ethanol nose then settles to a light alcohol burn. Subsequent nosings find sweet light fruit and sweet sherry with a hint of crushed mint leaves. The mouth waters when Maraschino cherry cola, cinnamon and light vanilla hit the nose and then blend into an amazingly sweet concoction of brown sugar, caramel, honey, maple syrup, toffee and light molasses. Further nosing coaxes out sensations of pecans and light oak.
PALATE:
After the initial fiery burn in the throat and stomach subsides, a pleasing warmness of light fruit sherry settles in. The mouth salivates to flavours of dark red berries, raisins and more cherry cola. Fitting spices of cinnamon and pepper blend into subtle bittersweet chocolate and light vanilla. The juice’s sweet brown sugar, maple syrup and toffee are a perfect match to the regal woodiness of almonds and toasted sweet old oak.
Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
After the initial swallow, the bourbon’s 128 proof has little burn … but yet just enough to let one know this is not one with which to be trifled. It is at once mouthwatering, viscous on the palate and has a nice effervescent tickle. In the Glencairn short thin legs slip quickly back into the mahogany and henna tinged reservoir.
FINISH:
Stagg Jr B11’s finish is pleasant, exceptionally long and has a lastingly warming bite. The cherry cola sensed on the nose and palate are accompanied by ginger, vanilla and old leather. As the dram is emptied, lingering seasoned oak wafts from the Glencairn.
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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