Stagg Jr.

[squire]

Yeah Gary, what's the word?

[GaryT]

I didn't get to try them side by side, but I think I prefer the ECBP. The maturity of that I think gives it an edge. I like the mouthfeel better on the ECBP, and think it is more balanced. Although, I could sense the family resemblance between Stagg Jr and Sr. While both are high proof, I think they're very different animals. Some days I prefer WLW over GTS, and think that is a fair analogy (might be days when you want that "kick ya in the teeth" abrasiveness that ECBP doesn't deliver as well as Stagg Jr or Sr).

[MyOldKyDram]

Cool, thanks for the notes Gary. Looking forward to trying this again.

[WAINWRIGHT]

Sounds like a fair assessment of the Stagg Jr. and I look forward to trying some for myself in about a week.I hope to find it as enjoyable as I'd previously hoped as more and more on the board seem to be openly welcoming it now.

[Old Dusty]

Dusty, you seeing this stuff in Indiana?

Not yet. But was out of town the last couple of days.

[mbroo5880i]

I didn't get to try them side by side, but I think I prefer the ECBP. The maturity of that I think gives it an edge. I like the mouthfeel better on the ECBP, and think it is more balanced. Although, I could sense the family resemblance between Stagg Jr and Sr. While both are high proof, I think they're very different animals. Some days I prefer WLW over GTS, and think that is a fair analogy (might be days when you want that "kick ya in the teeth" abrasiveness that ECBP doesn't deliver as well as Stagg Jr or Sr).

Yes, thanks for the insight!

[mbroo5880i]

Not yet. But was out of town the last couple of days.

Yeah, I continue to look. I am on the call list at my favorite vendor but who knows. I know I will be a buyer...just because. If I don't like it, I won't buy again. But, my guess is that it will be ok.

[BoyScout]

Well - we tried 2012 Stagg side-by-side with 2013 Stagg Jr. - neat. Definitely taste the oak, then the burn. Jr. is like a good jalapeno or habanero, it clears the sinuses. Both clearly have a strong bite in their natural state. The we added two ice cubes to each. Much mellower, much improved. A bit of ice smooths out the rough edges, sr. took three ice cubes, jr. was ok with two to smooth them out. I won't try this neat again.

Then for fun we opened a Breckenridge bourbon, something that has been on my shelf for a month without a taste. Wow - what flavor! This is dangerous stuff. No ice or water required. It goes down so smooth, tastes so sweet.

Then, since my inhibitions were down we chased it all with Zubrowka vodka and all is well with the world.

and we never got to the cigars!

[ChainWhip]

Yeah, I continue to look. I am on the call list at my favorite vendor but who knows. I know I will be a buyer...just because. If I don't like it, I won't buy again. But, my guess is that it will be ok.

That about sums it up for me too - although, I've been putting a hurt on the wallet hunting ryes lately.

[MJB]

Stagg Jr Vs. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof

The battle of grape koolaid

First thing you need to know both of these are great and are a worthy addition to the bar. I'm happy to sip on either of them, but if you need a winner keep reading....

I mean look at the pictures...

I'm not going to give you any of the bad points so if you are hoping I'm going to tell you that the Stagg Jr. is crap like everyone else then you should stop reading now.

Both are great, I love the ECBP its one of my all time favorites and frankly I'd happily take it as a replacement for all the overhyped PVW stuff. This stuff is magic.

Now the Stagg Jr. Its really good, in my opinion not quite as good as the ECBP but close. Check out the tasting notes to follow.

Nose

Stagg Jr.

More Astringent than ECBP, Honey Dew, Cantaloupe, Toasted Sesame, Leather, Caramel

ECBP

137

Sweet Candied Fruit, Toffee, Caramel, Slight Vanilla,(a taste similar to the smell when you open a payday candy bar)(maybe some cream) (different than 134.5 not much changed on the nose for me)

Color

Stagg Jr.

Lighter than the ECBP but still dark, more like a dark cedar.

ECBP

137

Dark...Very Dark Almost Mahogany

Taste

ECBP

137

Chocolate, Candied Nuts, Dried Fruit, Leather, Cherries, Wood

(Different than 134.5, Heavier on the nut flavor and more of a burn cherry finish

Stagg Jr.

Sawdust, Leather, Brown Sugar, Floral, Melted Butter, Raspberry, Bitters

Feel free to criticize my review. I have certainly been wrong in the past I'm open to hearing what others think or taste.

Conclusion, I would happily buy Stagg Jr or ECBP without a second thought at the $50 dollar price point and not give it a second thought. Both of these liquors belong in your collection.

[hn4bourbon]

Excellent notes Matt! Thanks for sharing. I'll be on the lookout for this.

[MJB]

Excellent notes Matt! Thanks for sharing. I'll be on the lookout for this.

Well I'm not sure if they are excellent I'm more of a drunk than a expert but I hope they are useful.

For me its a buy I've stocked up on ECBP and Stagg Jr, three bottles of each in the cellar. I think its a worth addition to any collection.

[ChainWhip]

Thx Matt! Great notes and I appreciate the break from the group think RE:BabyStagg

Keep the rubber side down!

[mbroo5880i]

Well I'm not sure if they are excellent I'm more of a drunk than a expert but I hope they are useful.

For me its a buy I've stocked up on ECBP and Stagg Jr, three bottles of each in the cellar. I think its a worth addition to any collection.

Thanks for the review! Very well written. It looks like a healthy amount has been extracted from both bottles. Must have been quite the sampling experience! :shocked:

[squire]

Got to admit it's a good marketing plan, keep the price of Stagg high and supply seasonal while selling a lesser version at a lower price year round.

[smokinjoe]

Got to admit it's a good marketing plan, keep the price of Stagg high and supply seasonal while selling a lesser version at a lower price year round.

No Squire, it's a good Business Plan.

[squire]

How the hell would I know the difference, I majored in words.

[Restaurant man]

I'd like to get some stagg jr but you can't buy everthing. Can you?.

[squire]

No we can't but we can dream.

[P&MLiquorsEric]

Landing in Ky this week. Still baffles me that it can be in rhode island last week but the 25 miles from frankfort to louisville takes so long.

Along with OFbday 2013. Brown Foreman keeps its backyard watered before they worry about tending to the neighbors fields.

[Fullbuck]

Purchased in Louisville this morning.

[GaryT]

I'd like to get some stagg jr but you can't buy everthing. Can you?.

Well said sir! I liked the taste I had, but to your point - can't buy it all!

[MyOldKyDram]

Says the man w 4 newly acquired BMH 18s.

[GaryT]

Says the man w 4 newly acquired BMH 18s.

Precisely why I can NOT buy a Stagg Jr Had those sweet babies not walked into my life, I might have been able to swing something else

[MyOldKyDram]

Something tells me you made the right decision.