A nicely constructed aroma of molasses, brown sugar, and nutmeg. Tasting a few batches since the ⦠Batch 12 doesnât wow you with unique flavors, but with flavor intensity, balance, and its syrupy richness. Uncut and unfiltered, this robust bourbon whiskey ages for nearly a decade ⦠Stagg Jr. was first announced in 2013, and with its junior designation it was expected to be a more widely available version of its counterpart released annually as part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, George T. Stagg. Read more for tasting notes, and to see how much of this you need to buy. If you're not old enough to drink, then you're not old enough to read Breaking Bourbon. Stagg Jr Blind Flight (Batches 12, 13, 14, and 15) - YouTube Stagg Jr. is usually a blend of 8 to 9-year-old bourbons, whereas GTS is usually 12 years plus. The palate is packed with flavor and this is a rare occurrence in which the proof doesnât get in its way. Stagg Jr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Batch 11 (Stagg Jr B11) is entirely enjoyable. Tasting blind, there hasnât been a lot to make Stagg Jr. stand out besides its intense heat. When found without markup, its price generally swings between $55-$65. If you're Kentucky to the core.. The original George T. Stagg has always featured a one-of-a-kind flavor profile that makes it taste distinctly âStagg.â With Stagg Jr., Buffalo Trace didnât seem to set out to replicate this flavor profiles despite the bottleâs namesake. Because the ⦠Continue reading "Stagg Jr⦠Buffalo Trace has slowly rectified this over the years. Where George T Stagg is aged 15-16 years, the new ⦠Buffalo Trace has been playing damage control ever since the first impression the inaugural batch of Stagg Jr. made, which very literally left a bad taste in your mouth. Yet, it quickly gained the attention of enthusiasts as it capitalized on the growing popularity of the Stagg name and barrel proof bourbons in general. Image is a stock image. This is a crowd pleaser of savory flavors that many bourbons try to reach, but few achieve to this impressive degree. Like previous versions, Stagg Jr is uncut, unfiltered, aged over eight years, and with a taste profile similar to its elder statesman, George T. Stagg. Here's a list of Stagg Jr. Batches. A very minor bitter note tries to intrude, but gets quickly drowned out in a delicious wash of rich seasoned oak and vanilla slurry. Suggested retail pricing for Stagg Jr. is $49.99; state taxes will vary per market. Stagg Jr is touted as a younger version of George T Stagg. Stagg Jr. remains what it has always aimed to be: A big and burly mini-me to the brash unicorn that is George T. Stagg. This of course brings with it all of the flavor intensity one would expect, and particularly with some previous batches, an emphasis on heat over flavor.Generally, many Stagg Jr. batches havenât necessarily strayed too far from other barrel proof flavor profiles on the market. At its price, drastically improved flavor profile, and availability - both on store shelves and at bars - it's a more than a worthwhile pour, its a must have. This includes price, review, proof, releases, and ranked. Stagg Jr. Batch 5 Stagg Jr. Batch 4 More Whiskies Barrell by Release Barrell Bourbon 15 Year 91 Barrell Craft Spirits New Year 2021 Bourbon 91 Barrell Dovetail 89 Barrell Rye Batch 003 87 Barrell Craft User ⦠Like the man it honors, the Stagg line is bold and robust, consisting of uncut, unfiltered whiskies – Stagg Jr. and George T. Stagg, part of the Antique Collection. Buffalo Trace blesses us with a new release twice a year: Spring and Fall. The initial batch was released in 2013 and Buffalo Trace Distillery has released two batches every year since. Today its Stagg Jr. baby! Stagg Jr. has more or less maintained its price point over the past six years. Itâs robust without being punchy, and its richness is superb. In fact, we gave Stagg Jr.âs 2019 Batch 12 a stellar review, even naming it our Whiskey of the Year. The Schtick: This is the 13th Batch of Stagg Jr â a ten-ish year old barrel proof release from Buffalo Trace featuring mashbill 1. We tasted Stagg, Jr... because you're probably not going to be able to. This latest batch of Stagg Jr. is an amazing comeback story. I still prefer ECBP to a good batch of Stagg Jr Batch 13 was announced in ⦠Notes of vanilla, caramel, chocolate, brown sugar, and molasses come in like a freight train, nicely balanced, yet forceful, and muting some of the proofâs heat. The palate seamlessly transitions into the finish and crescendos with a burst of tasty brown sugar fueled heat. Overall excellent. While this batch may not show Stagg Jr. at the best of its batches, it ⦠A year later, Batch ⦠The Distillery has won 35 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. A barrel proof bourbon, these are bottled in twice-annual batches and receive a wider and more accessible ⦠Stagg Jr is made in small batches (but no details are given as to how many barrels go into a batch) and released twice-a-year, with each batch exhibiting its own unique characteristics. As George T. Stagg struggles to reach the consistently high ratings it once did, Stagg Jr. has picked up its slack. Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered Straight Bourbon (Batch 29), Kings County Distillery Bottled in Bond Bourbon, Heavenâs Door Tennessee Bourbon 10 Year, Ultimate Valentineâs Day Whiskey Drink Guide. This 15th batch is headed to retailers now. This doesnât come as a surprise as the company has a knack for fine tuning their products. Availability is often spotty, but surprisingly, it does show up from time to time on store shelves. Instead, it was too big, too bold, and too brash. You must be 21 or over to enter this website. Tasting notes describe this barrel proof whiskey with vanilla bean and salted caramel front and center on the nose, cherries, cinnamon and oak on the palate, and a long finish of toasted vanilla, pepper, coffee and hints of sweet mint. Stagg Jr. Batches Deciphered Parkerâs Heritage Collection Edition Tracker High Westâs A Midwinters Night Dram Release Timeline Wild Turkey Limited Editions Colonel E.H. Taylor Release ⦠Stagg Jr Release History Chronologically Batch Year ABV % Proof Shop Batch 1 2013 - Fall 67.2 134.4 Batch 2 2014 - Spring 64.35 128.7 Batch 3 2014 - Fall 66.05 132.1 Shop SJr 3 Batch 4 2015 ⦠FRANKFORT, FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY (Dec. 15, 2020) Buffalo Trace Distillery is releasing its winter allocation of Stagg Jr, just in time for the holidays. Each batch keeps getting better. Review of George T. Stagg Jr. Batch 15 which is 131.1 proof unfiltered bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery In our review, Nick called it, âa hot messâ and âcouldnât find enjoyment with it.â Since its release in fall 2013, there have been 12 batches released to date and its age is believed to hover between 7-9 years old. It was not a George T. Stagg substitute or even a big boy version of Buffalo Trace Bourbon that everyone hoped it would be. Matthew is the founder/owner of Whiskey Consensus and lead whiskey geek for the brand. arrives at a hearty 128.4 proof. Stagg Jr. may forever live in the shadow of George T. Stagg, but that doesnât mean it's a poor alternative. Whereas in previous years, Stagg Jr released a spring batch and fall batch, for 2019 the first batch came out in the fall. Introduced in 2013, Stagg Jr. quickly became a favorite of whiskey reviewers, and won a double gold medal in this year’s San Francisco Worlds Spirits Competition. At least with Stagg Jr. Batch 12âs case, what its competitors price their products at isnât the true gauge to judge Batch 12âs value. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Of those you mentioned Stagg Jr would be closer to ECBP in effect than to Booker's. The most current release, Batch 11 (Fall 2018), weighs ⦠Future Stagg Jr. batches I will certainly buy, when I find them at or near msrpâI would say around $70 is the top price Iâd be willing to pay. Stagg Jr. has more or less maintained its price point over the past six years. Stagg Jr. â how does it compare to George T. Stagg? Despite its explosive start and instant hard-to-find status, the initial batch was far from a home run. George T. Stagg built the most dominant American distillery of the 19th century, during a time known as the Gilded Age of Bourbon. When found without markup, its price generally swings between $55-$65. One where bourbon drinkers knew the potential the brand had, yet were continually given unworthy candidates. Itâs a part of the annual Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and arguably the king of the bunch. Since the first released in 2002 the series has been going strong. Disregarding the wide and unruly range of craft barrel proof bourbons, there are also the price outliers, the sub-$50 Old Ezra Barrel Strength and 1792 Full Proof (basically barrel proof), and over $100 Woodford Reserve Batch Proof. This led many to panic that Buffalo Trace was moving to 1 release per year. Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. In fact, it's the other way around. This of course is all the more noteworthy coming from the distillery known for its hefty allocation. He likes his whiskey served neat at cask strength and always jumps at the chance to learn something new. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com. Check Out the Rest of the Stagg Jr Batches ⦠The latest 128.4 proof batch is available now for $49.99, while the next release, Number 14, ⦠Ingram River Aged Straight Rye Whiskey, Pursuit Spirits Announces Release of Pursuit United, WOODFORD RESERVE RELEASES WINTER 2020 MASTER’S COLLECTION, BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES 1995 VINTAGE O.F.C. This Buffalo Trace product is called to Baby Stagg, SJR. And because it comes out a couple times each year, ⦠I canât believe itâs been seven years since this brand came to market. For its high proof, this is an amazingly tempered sip. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Clearly all barrel proof bourbons arenât created equal and marketing has a lot to do with companies pricing their bourbons. STAGG JR BATCH 11 VITAL STATS: â Batch ⦠Batch 14! I would recommend giving this batch a little time after opening to really taste the complex notes of that Dark Cherry, ⦠Instead, Iâve found it more closely mimics Buffalo Trace Bourbonâs profile except at a sky-high proof (in the range of 126.4-134.4). Previous accolades include being named “tried and true,” and “great value,” from competitions such as Los Angeles International Spirits Competition, New York World Spirits Competition, World Whiskies Awards, and others. The bourbon is uncut and unfiltered, and is matured for eight years. While the first few batches of Stagg Jr. were met with relatively mediocre reviews, and the bottles sat on shelves at least until the next release arrived, like pretty much all of Buffalo Traceâs bourbons Stagg Jr⦠⦠Initially, some commented that it seemed closer to a barrel proof version of Buffalo Trace Bourbon than the original George T. Stagg. Stagg Jr. is named after Buffalo Trace craftsman George T. Stagg, and is released twice a year. Stagg Jr batch 7 immediately shows off dense vanilla, brown sugar, and dark fruits such as plums, raisins, and cherries, that come together to form a cola / root beer base. The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection sets a high standard. The 13th release of Stagg Jr. (how time has passed!) Buffalo Trace Distillery Releases 15th Batch of Stagg Jr. Stagg Jr. Barrel Proof Kentucky Bourbon 750ml Bourbon Stagg Jr. Barrel Proof Bourbon is uncut (no water added) and unfiltered like its bourbon "father" George T. Stagg. Later batches are much better. George T Staggbourbon needs no introduction. The batches are not on the bottle, so the key to identifying each batch ⦠Itâs a welcomed heat as it nicely punctuates the flavor journey this bourbon takes you on. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2018 and its William Larue Weller and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac were named 2nd and 3rd finest whiskeys in the world for 2020. Stagg Jr. finally lives up to its namesake and even goes beyond; it manages to upstage this yearâs George T. Stagg release. Very enjoyable. After the first several sips, my mouth waters each time the Glencairn is brought to the nose and mouth which makes me want more! This is 15th release in the series and weighs in at 131.1 proof. The Stagg line is named after George T. Stagg, one of the legendary craftsmen of Buffalo Trace Distillery, who was responsible for building the most dominant American distillery of the 19th century on the banks of the Kentucky River, now known as Buffalo Trace Distillery. This is a question that has been asked since Stagg Jr.âs first release in 2013. Stagg Jr. remains what it has always aimed to be: A big and burly mini-me to the brash unicorn that is George T. Stagg. Its five members, three bourbons and two rye whiskeys, are each in high demand following their annual release. It's intended to have a similar profile to the popular George T. Stagg, and is released in batches twice per year. 130.2 Proof!! Batch 14 of Stagg Jr is delicious. But in reality, Stagg Jr. is one of the least expensive, barrel proof offerings that is put out by Buffalo Trace. Stagg Jr was the brands first line extension, and was launched in 2013. To download images from Buffalo Trace Distillery visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/media. @ Taco, the first batch of Stagg Jr was way too tannic and bitter. Itâs been six years and 12 batches later, and Buffalo Trace appears to have managed to fine tune this release and it now proudly lives up to its namesake - at least for this release. Itâs not syrupy sweet, ⦠This keeps it comparable with Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style, and drastically less than Bookerâs Bourbon and Barrell Bourbonâs batches. This is a steal at $60. The Bourbon Finder reviews Stagg Jr. (Batch 13). Instead, this particular batch to so well crafted, it could easily justify a high price, but at MSRP, this is a no brainer. This is the 14th batch since Stagg Jr. was first announced in 2013. BOURBON WHISKEY, Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Release of Limited-Edition Heaven Hill 85th Anniversary Bourbon, Elijah Craig Barrel Batch B516 Proof 139.4, Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch (2019 Release), Old Fitzgerald Bottled-In-Bond: 15 Year (Fall 2019). Distilled at Buffalo Trace, each ⦠Only two batches of Stagg Jr. are produced each year. However in 2019, the website Breaking Bourbon voted Stagg Jr. Batch 12 as their ⦠So strong, Buffalo Trace geared up to launch a Stagg Jr companion product that last August came to age and hit shelves. The next release will be late spring 2021. A Kentucky ⦠Stagg, Jr. has come a long way since that initial release in 2013. With that said, this Stagg Jr review covers batch 10, the most recent batch ⦠Stagg Jr. is also not to be confused with George T. Stagg âa much older and more coveted release within the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. Iâve had multiple Stagg Jr. Batches before, but this one REALLY comes across as a higher proof version of Eagle Rare â one of my all-time favorite bargain bourbons. While this batch may not show Stagg Jr. at the best of its batches, it ⦠As the nose opens up, cherry and honey notes develop and beautifully entwine with the heavier darker scents. BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES ITS MUCH…, BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES COLONEL E.H.…, Buffalo Trace Distillery Releases Experimental Wheat Bourbon, http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/media, Belfour Bourbon Whiskey Finished With Texas Pecan Wood, O.H. Celebrate the Holidays with 131.1 proof Bourbon FRANKFORT, FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY (Dec. 15, 2020) Buffalo Trace Distillery is releasing its winter allocation of Stagg Jr, ⦠Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. This keeps it comparable with Elijah Craig â¦