George T Stagg 2009 141.4 Proof (750ml)

Age: 17 years and 7 months

Eye: Armagnac, aged 20 years or more. Beautiful. Thin stable rims with no legs.

Nose: A touch muted, fruity, barely any proof (reminder: this is 143º). Burnt almond skins, roasted hazelnuts, proof ekes out. Quite vinous, Armagnac-y - this is a very promising nose.

Palate: There’s the heat! But it’s not numbing or overpowering. Lots of roasted mixed nuts with a couple of raisins and dark chocolate chunks thrown in. Not your typical George T. Stagg palate, delicious anyway. Mouthfeel is dry at first without being oaky, with lots of wine-soaked peppercorns, spice, more proof coming out and building. Mouthwatering and coating.

Finish: Medium length, no flavor outshines another and none are lost. Roasted almonds and hazelnuts, chewy cherry chocolate and dried fruits. Heat lingers pleasantly.

Overall: Damn that’s a fine bourbon. Top five batch for sure. For 143 proof, it remains eminently drinkable as the flavors playfully banter back and forth. I truly enjoyed this one, and I’m amazed there’s so little oak for 17 years 7 months old.