Eye: Light amber syrup. Medium rims, slow syrupy droplets.
Nose: Candied cherries, a bit of proof, somewhat tight nose. As it opens, a nice rye bite comes through. Nostril-stinging heat starts to build.
Palate: Great proof heat, starts to numb the tongue before backing down. Dried cherries and dark chocolate, mild astringency. Sweet rye herbs. Mouthfeel is full-bodied and creamy, coating, slightly drying, accentuating the cherry-chocolate combo to a 10.
Finish: Continues the palate, adding a bit of mint and dill. Relatively short finish, though it’s tasty!
Overall: Less of a barn burner than Batch 2, but in an ok way. This keeps the fire at a fantastic, flavor-building level. Could use a bit more punching up with the flavor itself, but a solid Stagg Jr. I’d be happy to drink again and again.
*Image is not a direct representation of the bottle in stock*