Stagg Jr. is a limited barrel proof expression, which was matured “for nearly a decade” (so 8 to 9 years, I guess?) and is released twice a year (spring and fall). Compared to its elder counterpart, matured for “more than 15 years” and released once a year as part of the Antique Collection, the price is much more affordable — around $50 in the states or around 90€ to 100€ on my side of the pond. But the really good thing is that Stagg Jr. doesn’t affect the stock of barrels set aside for George T. Stagg releases.

Much to my regret, I didn’t have the chance to sample the legendary George T. Stagg yet, but maybe this is a blessing in disguise for today’s review, because when Stagg Jr. was first released in August 2013 (which is the batch I am reviewing today) the opinions were pretty mixed — to put it nicely. However, the general consensus is that the quality got much better after the 3rd batch. So I guess that I should review one of those newer batches at one point or another as well.

Facts

Stagg Jr. 67.2% (2013)

Nose

Intense and very rich, but needs it’s time to open up. Malt, sweet corn, a little rye and… plastic bags. Kinda weird, but why not. With time, fresh apple wood arrive along with a soft touch of cherries, complemented by vanilla, caramel, pencil shavings and pancakes with maple syrup. The alcohol is definitely noticeable but bearable.

Taste

A short appearance of honey, mint and coconut right before the alcohol burn kicks in. And when I say burn I really mean it. This is definitely not for the ones who are not used to drink (super) high cask strength expressions neat. Then burned caramel, nougat, a whiff of sweet citrus fruits and surprisingly lots of really, really dry oak.

Finish

Very long and dry. Burned oak followed by hints of vanilla, mint and something that I had never before in any whisky… dentist’s disinfectant.

Overall

Pleasant enough, but not wow. The nose is pretty fascinating but the palate is just way too raw and oak infused once you get beyond the heavy alcohol.

Score: 83 / 100

Facts

Blanton’s Silver Edition

Nose

A lot of vanilla and cinnamon to begin with. A distinct appley touch which reminds of apple blossoms at first, but then moves into green apples and finally dried apple rings. Chocolate ice cream with very finely chopped nuts. Freshly chopped wood. Also a bit spicy, probably from the rye.

Taste

Sweet and thick but also pretty strong for 49% ABV. A lot of chocolate cream. Vanilla fudge and dark honey. Salted nuts and dried fruits. Also a strong touch of grassy rye, which is probably my least favorite note in a bourbon.

Finish

Long. Warming and rich. More chocolate cream and spicy rye.

Overall

For me, one of the better Blanton’s I had so far but the grassy rye on the palate is a bit of a deal breaker for me to be honest. My personal bias aside, I would recommend everyone who has the chance to try out this bourbon as I think it has definitely it’s own style compared to the current expressions from Blanton’s.

Score:  88 / 100

In case you want to find out more about Colonel Albert Blanton,the namesake of this bourbon, and what the legendary Warehouse H is all about, then make sure to check out my the Blanton’s Special Reserve.

Facts

Blanton’s Gold Edition

Nose

Dry and vibrant, although the alcohol is hardly noticeable at all. A lot of dried fruits (especially red apples) along with nutmeg and cinnamon. Delicate hints of orange blossom and dry lemon cake. A wooden touch in the background.

Taste

Starts sweet and fruity with red fruits, apricots and honeyed raisins. But also a good portion of white pepper. Then very buttery. A chocolate cupcake with a fudge core. Again hints of oak in the back.

Finish

Long and a bit peppery. Leather, mint and macadamia nuts. Also some bitterness from the oak.

Overall

Indeed very smooth, but also pleasant complex and rich. The high strength blends in perfectly.

Score: 89 / 100  

In case you want to find out more about the namesake of this bourbon and what the legendary Warehouse H is all about, then make sure to check out my the Blanton’s Special Reserve.

Facts

Blanton’s Original Single Barrel

Nose

A bit spicy. Dried citrus peel. Oranges stuffed with cinnamon sticks and cloves. Accompanied with mild hints of vanilla, caramel and floral honey. Traces of fresh oak. Brown sugared mint leaves.

Taste

Incredible smooth and soft. Caramelized oranges and dried vanilla sticks. Again a bit of cloves. Followed by slightly burned sugar. Also a very light bitterness from the oak. Gets more dryer and spicier towards the end.

Finish

Long and clean. Again a bit of oak (although without any bitterness now) followed by butterscotch, grapefruit and nutmeg.

Overall

The great balance between smoothness and complexity makes this accessible yet very rewarding bourbon.

Score: 87 / 100

16-year old Blanton, who was born and raised on a farm nearby the distillery, joined the company in 1897 as an office help. Only three years later, he was appointed as still house, warehouse and bottling manager. By 1921,  he was president of the George T. Stagg distillery (the name of the distillery back then). With him on the helm, the distillery survived Prohibition, the Great Depression, the Great Flood which hit the site in 1937 and World War II. Meanwhile, he occasionally produced and bottled a single barrel bourbon for himself and for a few selected friends,  pretty much like it was done in earlier times when bourbon was sold directly from the barrel. Colonel Blanton passed away in 1959.

After his death, his former trainee Elmer T. Lee found out that Blanton used only stock from Warehouse H for his special selected single barrel bourbon. Built in 1935, Warehouse H is the only metal warehouse on the site which means temperatures get higher than in a brick warehouse thus allowing for more rapid aging.

Blanton was known to be a big horse racing enthusiast (and of course there is also the world famous Kentucky derby) so the bottle stoppers are a special homage to him. Introduced in 1999, the eight different stoppers resembling the different stages of a horse trace. Each stopper is assigned with a single letter and when placed in order, they do spell B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S.

The Blanton’s Special Reserve was originally created for countries with high taxes on alcohol (thus the low strength) and it nowadays the entry level expression of the Blanton’s lineup. It is currently only available in selected markets outside the US and certain duty frees.

The Blanton’s Special Reserve is produced from a sour mash made of corn, rye and malted barley. The spirit is distilled to 70% ABV and has 62,5% ABV when filled into new white oak barrels which were air dried for at least six months and then charred (‘charred treatment number 4′).

Facts

Blanton’s Special Reserve

Nose

Very light. Dried citrus peel. A few Granny Smiths. Hints of vanilla. A light floral touch.

Taste

Rather vibrant given the low strength. A lot of mangoes. Again dried citrus fruits. Hints of vanilla, blossom honey and coffee. A hand full of rose peppercorns. Traces of dried wood.

Finish

Medium. Fresh, clean and a bit spicy with cinnamon and mint.

Overall

This youngish bourbon is a fine entry level expression – nothing more and nothing less.

Score: 81 / 100