Stagg Jr. Batch 13 (Winter 2020)

BourbonReviewsAmerican WhiskeyStaggBuffalo Trace

Nov 10

Written By David Levine

Stagg Jr. Batch 13 (Winter 2020)

Buffalo Trace

64.2% ABV/128.4 Proof

NAS

Eye: Dark maple syrup - this has a fantastic color. Zero rim, few legs, liquid just seeps back to the pool.

Nose: Savory warm spices, clove and cinnamon. Star anise arrives with a hint of salinity. More vanilla and caramel develop - this needs a few minutes to open up but it’s worth it.

Palate: Heat at first that sticks around at a lesser level. Tons of stone fruit and some chocolate that keeps building. Second sip is full-on chocolate covered dark and dried fruits. Mouthfeel is coating and oily.

Finish: Keeps the heat going but allows the fruity and chocolate-y flavors to shine. Long - starts fruity then goes towards the dark chocolate.

Overall: I could drink this all day - complex enough to keep things interesting and keep you wanting more.

Rating: 7.8

10 | Insurpassable | Nothing Else Comes Close (Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel)

9 | Incredible | Extraordinary (GTS, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B518 and B520)

8 | Excellent | Exceptional (12+YO MGP Bourbon, Highland Park Single Barrels)

7 | Great | Well above average (Blanton’s Original, Old Weller Antique, Booker’s)

6 | Very Good | Better than average (Four Roses Small Batch Select, Knob Creek 14+ YO Picks)

5 | Good | Good, solid, ordinary (Elijah Craig Small Batch, Buffalo Trace, Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond)

4 | Sub-par | Many things I’d rather have (A.D. Laws Four Grain, Compass Box “Oak Cross”)

3 | Bad | Flawed (Iron Smoke Bourbon, Balcones)

2 | Poor | Forced myself to drink it (Buckshee Bourbon and Rye)