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George T Stagg bottled 2014

BTAC 2014 Part III of III

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@talexanderReview by @talexander

17th Feb 2015

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George T Stagg bottled 2014
  • Nose
    23
  • Taste
    23
  • Finish
    23
  • Balance
    23
  • Overall
    92

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Distribution of ratings for this: brand user

2014's George T. Stagg was distilled in spring 1998 and matured for 16 years and 4 months in 161 barrels until being bottled in, of course, fall 2014. It's worth mentioning (as I didn't before) as the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection bottlings are unfiltered; and only Sazerac 18 rye and Eagle Rare 17 year old are non-cask-strength.

The colour is a very dark reddish amber. On the nose there are lots of cherries, with dark chocolate, mint, freshly ground black pepper, sandalwood and rum-raisin. In the background there are dates, papaya and vanilla. But the oak influence is extraordinary, and all to the good. Water brings out more fruitiness but otherwise doesn't add very much.

On the palate, mouth-drying spice and alcohol with dark raisins, sage, and dark thick leather. The dance of flavours going on in my mouth completely eliminates any other sensory influence. Like the Weller, very chewy with the oak but missing that softness (which occurs with the addition of water.) For better or worse, classic Stagg.

The finish is cigar, more mint and Heering cherry liqueur. The wood is incredible - it just skirts the edge of being overpowering. As I wrote above, this is classic Stagg - big, muscular and hits you in the face with a 2x4. I love it, I really do - but if I had to compare the three 2014 BTACs I'm trying here, my favourite is the Weller - softer, more complex but no less powerful. This one comes from my own bottle and I'm very happy to have it - though I wish I had more Weller!

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3 comments

@Nozinan
Nozinan commented

I think this one had the best mouthfeel of the three. I've only had Stagg twice - this one, and the sample at SOT last year. I hope that won't be the last.

9 years ago 0

@newreverie
newreverie commented

I recently did a side by side with my bottles of 2014 GTS and Col Taylor Jr Barrel Proof. I agree with your assessment of the GTS entirely, and your review and score only enforce my belief that the Col Taylor Jr BP is one of the best bourbons ever made. I hope Jim Murrey never finds this stuff because I want to keep as much of it for myself as possible. If you ever get a chance to try it, check out my review and tell me what you think. connosr.com/reviews/buffalo-trace/…

9 years ago 0

@talexander
talexander commented

Thanks @newreverie - I don't think I've tasted the Taylor Barrel Proof - I'm sure it hasn't made its way to Ontario yet...hopefully one day!

9 years ago 0