Stagg Jr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Batch 12 (75cl, 66.2%)

This is Batch 12 of Stagg Jr, the annual cask-strength Kentucky straight bourbon from Buffalo Trace, named for George T. Stagg. It was released in summer 2019. Each Stagg Jr batch is a separate barrel selection bottled at its natural proof. This one comes in at 66.15% ABV, bottled uncut and unfiltered at the distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. It dates from the original Stagg Jr years, before the name was shortened to Stagg in 2022. The palate is rich and sweet, with chocolate and brown sugar balanced by bold rye spice. The finish is long, with cherries, cloves and smoke.