Malt Advocate reviews 2007 BTAC

[Sijan]

Only two appeared in the WhiskyNotes email, but I assume they reviewed all of this year's releases (and the others scored a bit lower). I imagine the full set of reviews will be up in the Malt Advocate Buyer's Guide shortly.

94 Eagle Rare, 17 year old, 45%, $55

While labeled as a 17 year old, it’s actually 19, distilled way back in 1988. Each year’s release of this whiskey just seems to get better and better. Some of the earlier vintages turned slightly oaky and dry for balance (the 10 year old Single Barrel Eagle Rare whiskeys did too a while back), but Buffalo Trace just keeps on improving the line. Tight, well-balanced notes of molasses, vanilla, candied fruit, and sweet corn, peppered with crisp mint, cinnamon, and polished leather. Eagle Rare 17 is evolving into a whiskey of classic proportion.

93 George T. Stagg, 72.4%, $55

No age statement, but this whiskey was distilled in 1992. At 144.8 proof, this is almost two whiskeys for the price of one. In true Stagg form, this whiskey is dangerously drinkable—even at higher strength (although you will still need to add copious quantities of water to this supercharged whiskey). Its dominant character is chewy toffee sweetness with maple syrup, vanilla fudge, and nougat. Additional notes of berried fruit, tea, spearmint, and suggestions of tobacco. Very soothing. An incredible value, considering its strength.

[sku]

At 144.8 proof, this is almost two whiskeys for the price of one.

Love that quote.

At what point will they be required to stick a "Warning: Highly Flammable" sticker on the stuff?