Stagg JR Batch 22A Bourbon Whiskey Kentucky, USA
$349.99 USD
Please note bottle photo is representative image. For images of actual bottle, please contact the shop.
George T. Stagg built the most dominant American distillery of the 19th century, during a time known as the Gilded Age of Bourbon. Uncut and unfiltered, this robust bourbon boasts the bold character that is reminiscent of the man himself.
Stagg Bourbon is bottled straight from the barrel with no blending from water... that is, barrel proof.
The letters "JR" are no longer displayed on the new bottle designs
"Nose: Brown sugar, leather and browned butter proliferate in a rich nose-feel that jumps right out of the glass. Savory-sweet confectioner's delights abound as delicious aromas of crème brûlée and maple candied bacon continue to pour out of my glencairn. Touches of smoke and black pepper suggest a heavy oak influence to come. Let's have a sip before we keep going.
Coming back to the glass I find bountiful molasses, graham cracker and more brown sugar than the glass started with. A lovely note of cinnamon and warm apple pie cannot be shaken once found. The nose is wonderfully approachable straight through to the end. The empty glass smells of smoky and earthy honey.
Palate: From my first sip I find classic Stagg notes: cherry hots, cinnamon and rich oak. The heft is not shy with this one. It does everything barrel proof Kentucky bourbon should do: it's big & bold, it sizzles in the mouth, and it gives a wonderful chest hug on the way down. Subtle tones of sweet candied apple sit in the linger. Easing back in for another sip shows off leather, plum and raisin. The mouthfeel is a bit drying as all 132.2 proof points creep across the taste buds like black treacle. Late in the glass I find that the heft subsides, but the long linger remains. Browned butter and cinnamon are still the main hallmarks of this fairly reputable profile. As the glass mixes with oxygen over time I find creamy vanilla tones start to layer in. My last sip is loaded with oak and cherry skins. It sinks through me like liquid warmth highlighting raspberry and simple syrup. Overall I'm left feeling like this is a solid sipper, but not overly remarkable."