George T. Stagg Fall 2005 Edition. It seems to take . . .

forever, like almost to the bottom of the bottle, before I "get" these George T. Stagg offerings. They certainly are unique. They are higher in proof than any other bourbon that's been seen in modern times, and of an unusually high proof for any widely marketed spirit. This one is 141.2 proof and 15 years old.

At that age, it brings not only the staggering heat and capsaicin like blast of "flavor" that comes with a super high alcohol content, but also, an unusually complex flavor profile. The taste is dominated by what I can only describe as a blast of hot pepper extract with sun dried tomatoes, very strong on the latter. It's a very, very weird type of bourbon, as some of the best Stagg offerings are. If you're looking for classic, candy-like flavor in a George T. Stagg bourbon, chances are you'll wind up continually disappointed. So, I try to retain an open mind, but it's hard to always like them.

Buried deep, deep within this mostly capsaicin and sun dried tomato flavor profile, are subtle, but noticeable hints of the classic bourbon flavors, like caramel, wood, candy apple and vanilla. The realization that these flavors can indeed be found in certain sips, and the extra long finish, make for an outstanding overall review. This review however, is based mostly on objectivity, because overall, I couldn't give it a higher placing when it came to the subjective nature, meaning that I just didn't like it quite as much as some of my more subtle, but perhaps pleasant and "classic" tasting bourbons.

Because of its overall complexity, prominent flavors, and pleasantness, despite the thunderous proof, this one went heads-up with The Classic Cask 18 year old for the No. 10 spot and won, in a very, very close decision. The final determining factor is the lack of boldness of The Classic Cask 18 year old, as opposed to its 20 year old stablemate. Therefore, another major earthquake rocks the Bloofingtonian Top 25 of bourbon, as Jefferson's Reserve 15 year old gets kicked out of the Top 25, and the bottles on my basement shelf representing the Top 10 undergo some more shuffling.

Top 25 Bourbon List

1. A.H. Hirsch Reserve 16 year old
2. Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 20 year old
3. The Classic Cask Single Batch 20 year old
4. Vintage 21 year old
5. Booker's
6. W.L. Weller 19 year old
7. Distiller's Masterpiece I - Cognac Finish
8. William Larue Weller 121.9 proof
9. Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 year old, Lot B
10. George T. Stagg Fall 2005, 141.2 proof
11. The Classic Cask Single Batch 18 year old
12. George T. Stagg 2002, 137.6 proof
13. Baker's
14. George T. Stagg 2003, 142.7 proof
15. Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 year old
16. Knob Creek
17. Pure Kentucky
18. Wild Turkey Russell's Reserve (original 101 proof)
19. Old Rip Van Winkle 15 year old
20. The Classic Cask Single Batch 17 year old
21. George T. Stagg Spring 2005, 131.8 proof
22. Basil Hayden’s
23. Noah’s Mill
24. Henry McKenna 10 year old bonded
25. Rowan’s Creek

I just wanted to chime in with results of extensive tasting in another bottle of this wonderful bourbon. There is a lot more wood in the second bottle, which I find very pleasant indeed. The flavor profile overall is retained, but I like the subtle variance. A big thumbs up to this one. The more I drink, the more I actually like it, but no reason to move it out of the No. 10 spot.

Yes Colonel, definitely get yourself a bottle, two or even three if you can get it that cheap. This is goooooood bourbon. I let a couple friends have some on Wednesday night. Both of these guys have drunk more in their lifetimes than certain nations have in their entire history. Well, neither of them could believe that it was 141.2 proof after tasting it. They were bowled over by the smoothness and good taste. Of course, it didn't take long for them to realize it was 141.2 proof. A little delayed reaction there. :rotflmao: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :rotflmao: :cryinlaugh: umpkin: