Tasting Review
George T. Stagg.
Buffalo trace, Kentucky
93/100
01 — Appearance
ColorMahogany
Viscosity / LegsOily and legs that go on forever
Impression
02 — Nose
IntensityHigh
First ImpressionDark, brooding, and aggressively inviting. It opens with a massive, room-filling waft of brandied cherries, rich molasses, and worn leather.
DevelopmentIf a mahogany library caught fire and someone tried to put it out with high-grade maple syrup, this is exactly what it would smell like.
Aroma Notes
Maple syrupToasted oakVanillaDried fruitCaramel
03 — Palate
MouthfeelViscous, oily, and completely unapologetic
ArrivalThe initial sip is a 138.2-proof velvet hammer.
Mid-palateIt delivers dense dark chocolate, heavily roasted espresso, and a massive wave of baking spices—specifically clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
BalanceDespite the staggering ABV, it drinks like a remarkably well-mannered grizzly bear: intimidating and incredibly powerful, but offering a strangely comforting hug of burnt brown sugar and seasoned oak.
Flavor Notes
Toasted oakDark chocolateMaple syrupCloveNutmegLeatherBrown sugar
04 — Finish
Finish LengthVery Long
CharacterEpic and relentless. It coats the mouth with lingering notes of sweet pipe tobacco and deeply charred oak. The "Kentucky hug" is so enduring and warming that it might legally claim residency in your chest. You will still be tasting the echoes of this pour next Tuesday.
Lingering
Oak tanninsCocoaLingering sweetness
A spectacular reminder of why high-proof, well-aged bourbon commands the legendary status it does.