George T. Stagg 2010 Release Bourbon

George T. Stagg 2010 Release

Buffalo Trace Distillery Antique Collection

Barrel-Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

71.5% Alcohol (143.0 Proof)

Now this, this is what whiskey is all about.  This is the 2010 George T. Stagg release from Buffalo Trace as part of their Antique Collection.  Their Antique Collection, as a whole, are some of the best whiskeys a person can buy and at a fantastic value.  I believe I only paid $62 for this bottle, although I have heard that many states are charging considerably more.  Regardless, that's a steal for this quality of bourbon at barrel-proof.  This whiskey is barrel-proof, meaning it is not watered down like most whiskeys.  Barrel-proof essentially lets you taste whiskey the way the master distillers do straight from the barrel.  This is about as in-your-face as a whiskey can get, yet somehow delicate and refined.  I prefer to drink this neat in a Glencairn glass with a splash of water depending on how quickly I plan to sip it.  Generally I drink whiskey neat, but at 143 proof it may be a bit strong to drink without the water for most people.  This whiskey is about as full-flavored as they come, with very prominent notes of very dark maple and brown sugar in both smell and taste.  This mapley taste is not overly sweet like some whiskeys, but just sweet enough to make you want some more.  Don't get me wrong, with the strong maple and brown sugar notes, it will still put hair on your chest, while still being smooth considering the proof.  It does seem a bit more flavorful actually than what I remember of the 2009 release, yet all of them are worth picking up if you can find a bottle.  They are actually quite hard to find in most states unless you can somehow reserve a bottle like I do. 

Drink This: if you love ridiculously awesome full-flavor, hardcore yet balanced bourbon.

Don't Drink this: if you are accustomed to Southern Comfort or other panty-waist wannabe whiskeys, if you think Jack Daniels is "too strong," or if you like to mix your bourbon.  This is NOT a whiskey for mixing.  If you mix this with cola, I will personally fly to your home and steal the bottle.  Then probably punch you in the throat.