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94
George T. Stagg (2nd Edition), 71.35% ABV, mid $40s
The first release of Stagg was our "American Whiskey of the Year" for 2003. I couldn't imagine this one being better, but it is. This is a textbook example of what older, more mature bourbon should taste like: great depth and maturity, yet nicely balanced without excessive woodiness on the palate. It is spicier and creamier on the nose than the first bottling with more vanilla tones and not quite as dry on the finish. Indeed, it hints of a softer, gentler side. But with a name like Stagg, it can be nothing more than a hint. Other flavors you'll enjoy in this bourbon include spearmint, teaberry, candied fruit, leather, and toffee. Given its high proof and reasonable price, it's also a great value. (Like Campbell's soup, just add water.)
(2nd Quarter 2004 Issue-Vol. 13#2)
93
George T. Stagg (15 year old, 68.7%)
Antique amber color. Thick, mature aromas of toffee, leather, candied fruit, and mint. The aromas are tightly bound at cask strength but open up with a bit of water to reveal spicy wood resins and a hint of tobacco. Thick, almost chewy in texture. Its flavors are similar to its aroma (and nicely balanced), with the sweeter notes (toffee, candied fruit) up front and the drier, more spicy notes (mint, wood resins, leather) beginning in the middle and continuing to its finish. A lovely balance of flavors and not one bit too old or woody.
Style: Bourbon. Price: mid $40s. Available nationwide (Buffalo Trace Distillery, 502/223-7641).
This whisky is so smooth, it can be consumed at a higher alcoholic strength than you normally would. But add some water-the whiskey really reveals its subtle complexities when you do. It doesn't express as much youthful zest as some whiskeys, but this is not its style. It is a delicious, soothing, mature bourbon.
(1st Quarter 2003 Issue-Vol. 12#1)
93
George T. Stagg, 65.45%, $47
The fourth limited release Stagg in as many years. While there's no age statement on the bottle, this one is 16 years old. And in the same vein as its three predecessors, this Stagg is an extremely seamless affair. What impresses me most about the annual Stagg releases is the whiskey's incredible drinkability at remarkably high alcohol levels. Be stingy when adding water to this whiskey to appreciate its soothingly smooth, oily texture and lovely notes of maple syrup, vanilla cream, dried corn, candied fruit, polished oak, supple leather, pencil shavings, and subtle mint.
(3rd Quarter 2005 Issue-Vol. 14#3)
92
George T. Stagg, 70.3%, $55
Very clean and polished. A bourbon that actually tastes better at strengths higher than you normally would drink bourbon. I think it's because this whiskey is (and always has been) so drinkable, so graceful. At reduced strengths it's almost too tamed-an enigma in some respects. Bottling this whisky at 40% would ruin it. The flavor profile is classic bourbon-lush caramel and toffee, citrus fruit, sweet creamed corn, creamy vanilla, and minty rye-all wrapped up in a very tight package.
(1st Quarter 2007 Issue-Vol. 16#1)
89
George T. Stagg, 70.9%, $48
These Stagg releases are becoming legendary. This one, while not the best of the bottlings, maintains the Stagg reputation. When compared with the earlier release in 2005, this Stagg expresses a shade less oak. It's also more subtle and creamier on the palate. It's clean, superbly balanced, and very drinkable-even at higher strengths. Light toffee, maple syrup, and caramel corn provide a bed of sweetness. Layered on top are notes of candied fruit, crisp mint, vanilla, and polished oak. Soft finish. Just don't add too much water to it because the flavors seem to lose their cohesiveness at lower strengths. Drink this whiskey at a strength higher than you normally would to fully appreciate it.
(1st Quarter 2006 Issue-Vol. 15#1)
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