Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon (75cl, 64.2%)

This is a Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 64.2% ABV, uncut and unfiltered, in a 75cl bottle. It was aged for almost a decade and was once known as Stagg Jr. It is a dark golden colour, like molasses. The nose brings preserved dates, banana pancakes, molasses, raisins, plenty of wood, burnt tomato, lemon cakes and crème brûlée. On the palate, a pleasant sweetness gives way to the full strength. With a splash of water come chocolate-covered cherries, buttered pecans, smoked meat, a touch of banana and burnt corn. The finish is lingering, with cherries, cloves and smokiness.