2021 Buffalo Trace Stagg Jr. ( 130.9 Proof 750ml

Stagg Jr. Batch 16 an uncut and unfiltered Kentucky Straight Bourbon, delivers a profoundly bold and complex sipping experience. This high-proof expression, brimming with notes of dark fruit, chocolate, and rich spices, exemplifies Buffalo Trace's commitment to exceptional barrel-strength whiskey. Pour a measure to appreciate the raw power and nuanced flavors of this remarkable bourbon, a true testament to American distilling heritage.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A powerful and inviting aroma bursts forth with rich notes of dark chocolate, robust vanilla bean, and toasted caramel. Underlying layers reveal dried dark fruits like cherry and fig, intertwined with a warm baking spice complex of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of allspice. A subtle leather and oak presence rounds out the bouquet, hinting at its barrel-proof intensity.

Palate: The entry is immediately robust and full-bodied, delivering a concentrated explosion of flavor. Sweet caramel and burnt sugar quickly give way to intense dark fruit — black cherry, plum, and a raisin-like sweetness. A wave of peppery rye spice and cinnamon heats the palate, balanced by creamy vanilla, rich cocoa, and a significant, yet well-integrated, oak char. The high proof is evident but presents as warmth rather than harshness, showcasing remarkable balance.

Finish: The finish is exceptionally long, warm, and lingering. Notes of dark chocolate, roasted nuts, and sweet tobacco persist, fading slowly into a pleasant, drying oak tannin. The baking spices resurface, leaving a gentle heat on the tongue, and a final whisper of dark fruit sweetness. It's a complex and satisfying conclusion that encourages another sip.