George T Stagg

[swampguy]

I have fled Baton Rouge for air conditioning in Lumberton Ms. In Hattisburg I found several new, to me, bourbons. I have read about Stagg but never have I had it and was wondering what to expect. I pick up Stagg Barrel proof (144 proof) for $49 + tax. I did notice that liquor was about $3 more a bottle here then in Louisiana. Well let me know what y'all think of this Stagg. I would love some tasting notes. Thanks, Tim

PS I did do a search and came up with over a 1000 results. After a few pages couldn't find what I was after and gave up.

[Gillman]

It's very strong (72% or so pure alcohol), so almost twice as strong as your standard 80 proof liquor. It must IMO (except for a couple of very small sips) be diluted with water to a normal drinking strength. I find 100 proof good for me but adjust to taste. It is about 15 years old, a mingling of many barrels which averages to the proof you mentioned. So it has a good woody/earthy/leathery taste. Fine liquor and good value when you factor in the overproof.

Gary

[fishnbowljoe]

I keep a bottle around for those "special" occasions. The price around here is $56.00 + tax, so you got it at a pretty good price Swampguy. I am not very good at describing smells and tastes, but I'll give it a try. The smell is leathery and earthy, with just a hint of vanilla. There's also a mustiness that reminds me of the smell when you're in a aging warehouse. (I love bourbons that have this smell) All that angel's share escaping from the barrels, and all the old wooden beams and ricks that have been soaking that up for years. The taste; woody, slightly bitter, and a bit of an acetone/antiseptc flavor as it first hits the taste buds. At the back of the mouth and down the throat, different flavors seem to come out. The wood flavor is there still, mellowing and warming. A hint of caramel, leather and a semi-sweetness I can't quite put my finger on. To me all in all, a great bourbon. Hope I didn't butcher the smelling/tasting notes too bad.:crazy: I'm getting there, slowly but surely. Joe

[Gillman]

You're not getting there, Joe, you ARE there!

Gary

[swampguy]

Thanks guys. Joe you did very good at a discription. I am going to save this bottle till I get my lights back on. I had W L Weller Special Reserve for the storm. Got drunk enough to go spit in its eye. How about a bourbon called Pritchard, any good?

[swampguy]

All I can say is: Fire in the belly run boy run... Ecellent hooch will b uy again. Tim

[dcb]

Ecellent hooch will b uy again.

yea, that looks about right :cool:

[wildcatdon]

Stagg is excellent bourbon...Great flavor..I think Prichard is just so so..

[amlai]

I love Stagg. By far one of my favorites. I assume that another edition is coming out soon? Or has the 2008 antique collection been released already?

[craigthom]

They just finished bottling the 2008. It will probably be a few weeks before it works its way through the channels to retailers.

[jwrussell]

And the mad rush begins.

Strangely enough, a friend of mine in CO just told me he found Stagg, Handy and Weller all in stock (2007) at a local store.

[Schpyder]

Oh ho ho! Do you happen to know what strength they decided to bottle it at this time?

[lohssanami]

I'm also wondering what strength it will be bottled at this year. I'm sure I'll find out once I purchase a bottle, but I'm impatient.

It might be interesting to be able to check it in baggage on the plane so a 69.99% will be much welcomed, but you will not seem me complain if it is 70 or greater.

As for my impression of the 2006 and 2007 Stagg's, I've found it incredible straight, and the only time I've added water, I felt it took away from the experience.