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July 2, 2009
Kensington Wine Market
Calgary, Canada
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July 17, 2009
Kensington Wine Market
Calgary, Canada
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October 16, 2009
WhiskyFest San Francisco
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November 10, 2009
WhiskyFest New York
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April 23, 2010
WhiskyFest Chicago
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Pricing information is up-to-date at time of review but may have changed: please check local retailers.
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Our whisky reviews are written by
John Hansell
Publisher & Editor, Malt Advocate magazine |
95-100
A classic! All components are balanced appropriately, with the complexity and character expected in a classic.
90-94
Outstanding! One of the best for its style. Distinctive.
80-89
Good to very good. Plenty of character and no identifiable flaws. Worth seeking out.
70-79
Average. No unique qualities. Flaws possible.
60-69
Below average. Major flaws. Avoid.
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94
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George T. Stagg, 2nd Edition, 71.35% ABV Price: $45.00
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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.)
(2004 2nd Quarter (Vol. 13, #2))
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93
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George T. Stagg, 15 year old, 68.7% Price: $45.00
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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.
(2003 1st Quarter (Vol. 12, #1))
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93
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George T. Stagg, 65.45% Price: $47.00
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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.
(2005 3rd Quarter (Vol. 14, #3))
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93
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George T. Stagg, 72.4% Price: $55.00
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No age statement, but this whiskey was distilled in 1992. At 144.8 proof, this is almost two whiskeys for the price of one. In true Stagg form, this whiskey is dangerously drinkable—even at higher strength (although you will still need to add copious quantities of water to this supercharged whiskey). Its dominant character is chewy toffee sweetness with maple syrup, vanilla fudge, and nougat. Additional notes of berried fruit, tea, spearmint, and suggestions of tobacco. Very soothing. An incredible value, considering its strength.
(2008 2nd Quarter (Vol. 17, #2))
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92
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George T. Stagg, 70.3% Price: $55.00
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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.
(2006 1st Quarter (Vol. 15, #1))
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90
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George T. Stagg, 70.9% Price: $65.00
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Stagg is so smooth, it’s quite drinkable at higher proofs. On the other hand, when you bring it down to the strength that you would normally drink your whiskey, it’s almost too easygoing (I made the same comment about last year’s William Larue Weller bottling). The main theme to this whiskey is lush toffee sweetness and, like last year’s expression, some vanilla fudge, nougat, and molasses. Underlying notes of dates, tobacco, dark berried fruit, spearmint, and a hit of coffee round out the palate. Given the higher strength, it’s a true value bourbon—almost like getting two bottles in one. A very nice whiskey but, when brought down to comparable strength, the Eagle Rare 17 has more complexity.
(2009 1st Quarter (Vol. 18, #1))
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