Linn's notes on the Stagg are very good. One point that I thought was interesting was the lack of variation. This Stagg is extremely similar to last falls. This means that if you have last fall's, it is no big deal if you miss getting this spring bottle. As the bottlings progress there will be less demand as everybody realises that they don't have to stock up and hoard 12 bottles because they are afraid they won't be able to get that bourbon.
Birthday bourbon is being done differently with a new flavor profile each time it is released. This creates a brand new demand everytime it is released and if you do really like the flavor profile, you had better stock up while you can.
This makes me wonder if they did the Stagg a little differently each year if it would make for a more interesting product. make the age different each year. Maybe use more than one mash bill when picking the barrels. Leave it with its signature unfiltered barrel proof, but change the profile each year to creat renewed interest each time it is released.
Any other opinions?
Mike Veach