Booker’s 2021-02 Vs Stagg Jr. (Batch 15)

As soon as I tasted this newest batch of Booker’s, it instantly reminded me a little of Stagg Jr. 

That is not something I’ve every thought with any other batch of Booker’s before… So this could be interesting!

These are (should) both be in the $80 price range, are both very high proof, and both batched releases that can vary in taste a lot batch-to-batch.

Fancy Glencairn knows she is a fan of Stagg… here we go!

Stagg Jr) $79. Aged 8-9 years, from Buffalo Trace. 131.1 proof.

-The Nose is fairly strong with brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, green apple, dark cherries, and charred oak. 

-The Palate is full-flavored and oily. It starts with some alcohol burn that quickly dissipates to reveal dark cherry, citrus, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, oak, and hints of buttered salt. 

-The Finish is very long with mild cracked pepper spice, more brown sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of tobacco smoke. There is a slight lingering bitterness.

Overall the flavors combine to make this a high-proof Cherry Coke, and batch 15 is one of the better batches I’ve had!

Booker’s) $85. Aged 6.5yrs, from Beam. 127.9 proof.

-The Nose has a hint of that familiar Beam salted peanut, but less here than usual. I get more cinnamon, and a bright green apple citrus note that I’ve never gotten from Booker’s before!

-The Palate is full-flavored and oily. Initially sweet maple syrup, then moves into caramel coated green-apple, citrus, cinnamon and clove, and just a hint of that Beam peanut.

-The Finish is long and pleasant, with more cinnamon and clove spice, sweet vanilla, oak, and as you exhale some big chocolate covered dark-cherry notes!

Overall this is a very enjoyable, super flavorful pour with more fruit brightness, and less peanut than usual. It is my new favorite batch of Booker’s!

VERDICT) This batch of Booker’s has gotten closer than ever, but I still think the Stagg takes the crown today. The bright citrus and fruit is more pronounced in the Stagg, and that hits my palate just right! HOWEVER, you can probably actually find the Booker’s at retail prices… and that makes it the real-world winner to go pick up today!!

Have you guys tried Booker’s newest batch yet?