A bottle I am thankful to have. I was introduced to George T. Stagg on the 2019 release which was really impressive in it's own right. The first time I opened this 2020 bottle I was almost shocked and disappointed - it was too hot and weird. These are my notes from my 2nd open of this bottle which was a divine surprise & a complete change from the first open.
Company on Label: Buffalo Trace
Whiskey Type: Bourbon
Mash Bill Percentages: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (Low Rye < 10%)
Proof: 130.4°
Age: 15 years
Further identification: 2020 Release
Leather, cinnamon, cherry & tobacco. Perfection on nose. Candy vanilla, marshmallow. Beautiful char. Anise. Caramel. Pepper. Back to a smooth leather nose. Later nose turns to citrus, light bleached linen. Grass. Smells like sitting in a cool room on a warm summer day. Buttery. On palate there is a thick rising cherry, some citrus coming in early with a thick cream. Easily most complex, layered experience I've ever had. Cherry note is perfect. Caramel lights a fire under all the fruit notes that are perfectly balanced proof wise. All these notes explode up after a sip and rises in waves through the nose with absolutely no sting. Mouth coating is thick but not choking. Later in the glass things turn into thick, herbal chocolate. Raisin and figs. Oak really only shows up late for 15 years in a barrel. Easily the best bourbon I tasted in 2020.
Rating: 5/5
