George T Stagg bottled 2011

Distilled in the winter of 1993 and bottled in 2011, this Stagg is 18 years old. It has, just like his siblings, a very dark color and is almost syrupy in the glass.

The nose is very sweet and aromatic, yet quite different from the earlier bottlings. I also get vanilla and cherries, but a lot more hints of corn. Pipe tobacco. Pancakes with maple syrup, sprinkled with coconut powder. Whole wheat bread. Mint and something that reminds me of graphite. Toasted oak. Grand!

The high ABV gives a kick upon entry, but immediately your mouth is overcome by flavours like liquorice, coconut, raisins, some cassis and loads of spices. Think cloves, pepper, ginger, vanilla, aniseed and mint. The oak creates a drying effect, more so than on the other bottlings.

The finish is long, but very drying on liquorice and cinnamon.

After the head-to-head of these three Staggs, I do need a break. These are big boys and very much worth your while. Intense, spectacular taste sensations that really test your palate. Thanks, Kris!

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