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Knob Creek 9 Year serves as both an incredible value at $35 and a meaningful journey marker for bourbon enthusiasts seeking authentic whiskey experiences without breaking the bank.

• Knob Creek was established in 1992 as part of Jim Beam's small batch collection created by Booker Noe
• The name pays homage to Abraham Lincoln's childhood home in Kentucky
• After temporarily losing its age statement in 2016 due to inventory shortages, the 9-year age statement proudly returned in 2020
• The classic mash bill consists of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley
• Knob Creek's single barrels come in at a robust 120 proof while the standard 9-year holds steady at 100 proof
• For its modest $35 price point, Knob Creek 9 delivers a flavor profile that rivals bourbons costing substantially more
• The nose presents distinct vanilla ice cream cone notes while the palate offers vanilla frosting that transitions to caramel with leather on the finish
• Jim Beam allows their barrels to age naturally in Kentucky's climate without rushing the process
• The current batch earned an impressive 15/18 rating, demonstrating exceptional quality for its price point

Remember, good friends and good bourbon equal good times. Drink responsibly and live your life uncut and unfiltered.

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The Scotchy Bourbon Boys taste and compare Stagg Jr. and Stagg bourbons, tracing the evolution from the "Junior" designation to simply "Stagg" and examining whether quality changed with the name.

• Stagg described as "the perfect man's bourbon" - barrel-proof with power but exceptionally balanced
• Multiple batches of Stagg released in 2024 (A through D) showing increased availability
• Comparing Stagg Jr. batch 12 (130.9 proof) with newer Stagg batches reveals consistent quality
• Buffalo Trace maintains the signature brown sugar and cherry flavor profile across all batches
• Bourbon availability generally improving with Buffalo Trace products appearing more frequently
• Many bourbon enthusiasts prefer standard Stagg over George T. Stagg despite the price difference
• Stagg represents exceptional value at $59.99 MSRP compared to its secondary market price
• The importance of bourbon community and sharing special bottles creates meaningful connections
• Kentucky Bourbon Festival plans discussed with potential distillery tour options
• Different batches maintain subtle variations while keeping core flavor characteristics

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Stagg bourbon has earned its reputation as what the Scotchy Bourbon Boys call "the perfect man's bourbon" - a barrel-proof powerhouse that delivers without compromise. This episode brings Super Nash back to explore what makes Stagg special and how it's evolved since dropping the "Junior" designation in 2021.

The boys taste multiple batches side-by-side, comparing the last Stagg Jr. (Batch 12 at 130.9 proof) with recent 2024 releases. What emerges is a fascinating portrait of consistency - the signature brown sugar and cherry notes remain intact across batches, proving Buffalo Trace's commitment to maintaining quality while increasing availability. The team discusses how Stagg has become more accessible in Ohio and beyond, with multiple 2024 batches (A through D) hitting shelves this year.

Perhaps most intriguing is the comparison between standard Stagg and George T. Stagg from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. Many bourbon enthusiasts actually prefer the regular Stagg despite the significant price difference, describing it as "the working man's bourbon" versus "the rich man's special bottle." At $59.99 MSRP, Stagg represents extraordinary value compared to secondary market prices of $200-400.

Beyond the tasting, the episode captures the camaraderie that makes bourbon special - sharing bottles, standing in line at releases, and planning adventures like the upcoming Kentucky Bourbon Festival tour. As bourbon availability increases across Buffalo Trace products, the community benefits from greater access to exceptional whiskeys like Stagg.

Have you tried different Stagg batches? Which release is your favorite? Share your thoughts and join us for more bourbon exploration!

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Tonight's episode dives deep into the world of double oak and toasted oak bourbon, exploring the science and flavor differences between various finishing techniques. We examine what sets apart barrel finishing methods and why they create such distinct flavor profiles in your favorite bourbons.

• Woodford Double Oak stands as our benchmark for the category—butterscotch and caramel notes with exceptional availability
• Peerless offers both Toasted and Double Oak expressions with higher proof points and distinct character differences
• French oak versus American oak creates notably different sweetness profiles, with French imparting more butterscotch notes
• Charred barrels serve as both flavor enhancers and natural filters for column-distilled spirits
• The Kentucky Bourbon Festival (Sept 5-7, 2025) will feature exclusive releases with tickets going on sale April 17th
• Old Louisville Whiskey Company's Double Double Oak earned a spectacular 17/18 rating on our barrel bottle breakdown scale

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Ever wondered why some bourbons taste like butterscotch while others lean heavily toward caramel? The secret lies in the oak—specifically whether that barrel was charred or toasted, and whether your bourbon spent time in one barrel or two.

We journey through the fascinating world of barrel finishing techniques, comparing the sweet spot of double-oaked bourbons against their toasted counterparts. From Woodford Reserve Double Oak (the gold standard) to Peerless Distilling's twin expressions and the ultra-premium Old Louisville Double Double Oak, we explore how these barrel treatments transform whiskey from good to extraordinary.

The science behind barrel treatment proves fascinating—charring caramelizes wood sugars and creates a natural filter, while toasting gently warms the wood to release more subtle flavors. We learn why French oak tends to produce butterscotch notes while American oak leans toward vanilla and caramel. Each sip tells a story of time, temperature, and transformation.

Beyond the tasting, we share details about the upcoming Kentucky Bourbon Festival (September 5-7, 2025), where bourbon lovers can sample countless expressions and exclusive releases. Tickets go on sale April 17th, with early access for "Bourbon Insiders" on April 16th—definitely an event worth marking on your calendar if you've fallen in love with these complex, layered whiskeys.

Whether you're new to bourbon or a seasoned enthusiast, understanding the oak behind your pour adds a whole new dimension to appreciation. Which do you prefer—the caramelized richness of charred barrels or the subtle sweetness of toasted wood? Pour yourself something special and join the conversation!

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