Some cocoa. FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (July 25, 2013) At long last, Buffalo Trace Distillery releases Stagg Jr. Stagg Jr. All I can really say is that they’re both very dense, intense, and oily bourbons that pack a lot of flavor and heat. Since the first released in 2002 the series has been going strong. A year later, Batch 14 reaches similar high marks, completely nailing what it means to be a “Stagg… Batch 2:  Sweet, toffee, caramel. So, that’s curious here because it’s the same recipe, although I assume Colonel EH Taylor Jr Barrel Proof is a bit older and perhaps that’s what makes all the difference. Stagg Jr, the younger version of George T Stagg, is one of one Buffalo Trace’s small batch cask strength bourbons. Finish is a little astringent and a bit acrid-bitterness. Since the first released in 2002 the series has been going strong. A Kentucky chew has a fiery cherry for sure. Cinnamon. Users have rated this product 4 out of 5 stars. STAGG JR. KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY. Brown sugar. As of this posting in 2019, 11 batches have been released, with each having a different proof. I think Stagg Jr caught a lot of flack because it got hyped it up as an alternative to George T Stagg, and when it disappointed, it kind of bombed. Nose: Bright cherry, and other red fruit. While there is no age statement on the bottle, Stagg, Jr. is typically a blend of eight- and nine-year-old barrels distilled from Buffalo Trace’s #1 low-rye mash bill. Time does wonders to higher proof Bourbon, so the big question is whether all things equal, assuming that’s the case here, how will a younger Stagg be? Hot cinnamon. I’ve been lucky enough to have reviewed batch 7 (from Fall 2016) and batch 10 (from Spring 2018), giving them both “Top Shelf” ratings for their deep, complex, and intense characteristics. After the first several sips, my mouth waters each time the Glencairn is brought to the nose and mouth which makes me want more! The first batch came in at a stout 134.4-proof. Bourbon, an uncut and unfiltered bourbon whiskey with a renowned family name. The highest was Batch 1 at 134.4°. If you want to try Stagg Jr, keep looking for the second batch. I thought I preferred Stagg Jr. over ECBP, but then I had ECBP Batch 9 and Stagg Jr batch 5 side to side. I still really like Stagg Jr. though and would easily pick up one of the new batches if I found it around (probably going to be a while in the VA). The second batch is a different story. Batches are released twice a year, each with a different proof and potential differences in scents and flavors. Read more for tasting notes, and to see how much of this you need to buy. While this batch may not show Stagg Jr. at the best of its batches, it remains a top shelf offering that’s worth picking up. The following notes were put together after two tastings that I had in the past week. The most current release, Batch 11 (Fall 2018), weighs in at 127.9° and is the second-lowest proof of all releases. Having ranted and raved against Batch # 1 of Stagg Jr I am now convinced that most batches of Stagg Jr are perfectly OK and desirable to drink and to own. This is one is much more enjoyable both out of the bottle and cut to the a lower proof. George T. Stagg 2019 was barreled in the spring of 2004 and bottled 15 … The Bourbon Finder compares Stagg Jr. Batch 15 and Batch 12. Batch #2 – Try a Glass – 2.5/5.0 Rating, (My 5 point scale: Pass, Try a Glass, Buy a Bottle, Buy Again, Shut Up and Take My Money – Bottle price is taken into consideration for recommendations.). Because the … Continue reading "Stagg Jr. Batch 9 (131.9 proof) Review" Bulleit Bourbon Blenders’ Select No. Cheers!&nbs Sweeter and more caramel-toffee. I don’t think it’s horrible, but I find it needs a lot of water to ease up the harsh edges. Some people say a bottle changes for the better after it’s been opened, and I’ve been sampling the first batch for three months. In early 2020 Stagg Jr. — which is released twice each year — hit batch #13. Your eyes aren’t deceiving you, batch 7 and 10 are incredibly similar and excellent bourbons. Black pepper. It’s a part of the annual Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and arguably the king of the bunch. This is a question that has been asked since Stagg Jr.’s first release in 2013. No Age Statement. George T. Stagg is a bourbon on many enthusiasts’ top 5 list and part of the annual Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) release. Of those you mentioned Stagg Jr would be closer to ECBP in effect than to Booker's. Kentucky is a state in the central-eastern United States with a long history of alcohol productio ... Stores and prices for 'Stagg JR Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon ... ' | tasting notes, market data, prices and stores in USA. Chattanooga Whiskey Tennessee Rye Malt 8.3. Strong cola and cherry note, reminiscent of some early batches of ECBP. I’m traveling back in time to review Stagg Jr batch 7, released in the fall of 2016. Charred oak. When I finally got my hands on a second batch, I wondered how much variance there might be between them. George T Staggbourbon needs no introduction. For $50 or so, I don’t think it’s an unreasonable buy, but I could probably come up with a list of other things to do with $50. Four Roses Warehouse and Bottling Tour at Cox’s Creek, Holiday Gift Guide for Bourbon Drinkers (2015). Even though the release allegedly happens twice per year, batch 12 didn’t hit shelves until sometime around October, although I hear batch 13 … I still prefer ECBP to a good batch of Stagg Jr, but a good batch of Stagg Jr is well worth having. Stagg Jr Batch 7 is in blue, and Batch 10 is in orange. Further out the line indicates a stronger presence of that trait. Just recently the second batch hit the market, which seems on pace for 2 batches in the first year. So strong, Buffalo Trace geared up to launch a Stagg Jr companion product that last August came to age and hit shelves. The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection sets a high standard. The below table outlines key facts and figures for each bourbon. Here's a list of Stagg Jr. Batches. Batch #12 was released in the summer of 2019. NAS. This Buffalo Trace product is called to Baby Stagg, SJR. Specifically I think Stagg Jr is no comparison to the similarly priced Elijah Craig 12 Barrel Proof. Stock image. ... Just got my hands on a bottle of Stagg Jr last night at MSRP from a local shop. Stagg Jr is always a great bottle to get your hands on. The proof weighs in at a whopping 134.4 proof (67.2% ABV). George T Stagg bourbon needs no introduction. 1792 Sweet Wheat Bourbon 8.4. Much more enjoyable in my book. First off, I’d recommending passing on a first batch bottle if you come across it. Some fruitiness. After that, as a high-proof/barrel proof bourbon in this price range, the mentioned Elijah Craig 12 Barrel Proof is a home run. This includes price, review, proof, releases, and ranked. Batch B520 (127.2 Proof) With apologies to Heaven Hill, Batch B of 2020 did not hit like 127-proof whiskey. STAGG JR BATCH #11 REVIEW: Stagg Jr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Batch 11 (Stagg Jr B11) is entirely enjoyable. Definitely similar, but the second batch to me is much better. Slightly fruity solvents kind of dominate over the rest of the subtle stuff. George T. Stagg built the most dominant American distillery of the 19th century, during a time known as the Gilded Age of Bourbon. Bottled at 134.4 & 128.7-Proof. Four Roses Small Batch Select 8.3. A barrel proof bourbon, these are bottled in twice-annual batches and receive a wider and more accessible distribution than their hugely sought-after sibling. Stagg Jr is planned to be released “several” times a year. Still hot, but not brutal. Another good option is tracking down a store selection barrel proof Four Roses Single Barrel. Stagg Jr Batch 12. Batches are released twice a year, each with a different proof and potential differences in scents and flavors. Paid $50 each. Blue Note Bourbon 8.4. Uncut and unfiltered, this robust bourbon whiskey ages for nearly a decade and boasts the bold character that is reminiscent of the man himself. Leather, tobacco. Stagg Jr was the brands first line extension, and was launched in 2013. Stagg Jr. is a limited edition bourbon release from Buffalo Trace Distillery out of Frankfurt, KY. I somehow found this bottle in December 2018 and was happy to buy it. 132.3 Proof - 66.15% ABV. Batch #1 – Pass – 1.5/5.0 Rating The distillery itself outlines its tasting notes as, “r For this review I tasted these side by side cut with water down to 110-proof. Some ethanol, not a ton. Roasted. Where George T Stagg is aged 15-16 years, the new … Where George T Stagg is aged 15-16 years, the new Stagg Jr is aged 8-9 years, typical of many of the Bourbons reviewed here. I found the ECBP to be pretty far ahead in my tastes. After seven years, we figured it was time for a fresh look at this modern classic, which remains like all Stagg Jr. releases, an 8 year old straight bourbon released at full proof and designed to taste like its daddy, George T. Stagg. Just another reminder to let your own palate decide. This is the 10th Batch of Stagg Jr - a ten-ish year old barrel proof release from Buffalo Trace featuring mashbill 1. It’s a part of the annual Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and arguably the king of the bunch. Cherry syrup. Burn hangs on. Stagg Jr. Batch 14 8.4. FRANKFORT, Ky. — Buffalo Trace Distillery is releasing its winter allocation of Stagg Jr, just in time for the holidays. When comparing these to Colonel EH Taylor Jr Barrel Proof there too is no comparison. As of this posting in 2019, 11 batches have been released, with each having a different proof. Review #1396 – Stagg Jr. Batch 6 By t8ke on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 The Schtick: This is the 6th Batch of Stagg Jr – a ten-ish year old barrel proof release from Buffalo Trace featuring mashbill 1. I’ve had multiple Stagg Jr. Batches before, but this one REALLY comes across as a higher proof version of Eagle Rare – one of my all-time favorite bargain bourbons. At that point I might as well just grab a bottle of Buffalo Trace. In a previous comparison review, I found Stagg Jr. Batch 13 to be better than Batch 12. As George T. Stagg struggles to reach the consistently high ratings it once did, Stagg Jr. has picked up its slack. Solvents. I haven’t seen any improvements for the better. Bourbon 129.5 Proof Batch 8 *Packaging may vary. Or perhaps the second batch just gives us an indication Stagg Jr is still searching for its groove. Very enjoyable. Each batch is known to be very bold and intense, pummeling even the most experienced drinkers. Stagg Jr, the child / younger brother of ~15-year-old George T Stagg, is a small batch bourbon released twice a year that uses the low-rye mash #1, also used for bourbons such as Buffalo Trace. If I had to choose between Stagg Jr and drinking less CEHT-BP, I’d go with a pour of Taylor Jr and drink water the rest of the night. Let’s get into this Stagg Jr comparison between Batch 7 vs Batch 10 to see what happens. Stagg Jr. – how does it compare to George T. Stagg? Stagg Jr is touted as a younger version of George T Stagg. Batches are released twice a year, each with a different proof and potential differences in scents and flavors. I’ve been lucky enough to have reviewed. Buffalo Trace #1 Mash of less than 10% rye. Stagg Jr is touted as a younger version of George T Stagg. For the heck of it, I also poured a similarly cut 110-proof glass of Colonel  EH Taylor Jr Barrel Proof, which uses the same Buffalo Trace #1 mash. I don’t know the age of the CEHT-BP, but I assume it’s older. In fact, we gave Stagg Jr.’s 2019 Batch 12 a stellar review, even naming it our Whiskey of the Year. Batch 1: Roasted, caramel, cocoa, nail polish remover, brown sugar. Stagg Jr. Batch Proofs 1-11. Putting Stagg on the bottle really drove up expectations and the product simply didn’t deliver. So strong, Buffalo Trace geared up to launch a Stagg Jr companion product that last August came to age and hit shelves. If I did this blind, I might notice that there were subtle differences, but I honestly wouldn’t be able to determine which one was which. Stagg Jr, the younger version of George T Stagg, is one of one Buffalo Trace’s small batch cask strength bourbons. Stagg Jr. STAGG JR BATCH 11 VITAL STATS: – Batch 11, (Released* in the Winter of 2018) – Category: Small Batch Bourbon Charred oak. However in 2019, the website Breaking Bourbon voted Stagg Jr. Batch 12 as their “whiskey of the year” and now it is no longer a realistic bottle to find on the shelves as secondary prices have doubled to the tune of about $150. It's the younger version of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection's George T. Stagg (GTS). The first batch of Stagg Jr. is comprised of barrels aged for eight and nine years. Knob Creek Single Barrel is another option, as is Booker’s. I was lucky enough to have my wife get this particular one, Batch 14, for me as a birthday gift. Stagg Jr was first released in 2013 and will be continue to be released in small batches at varying proofs unless Buffalo Trace decides to do otherwise. I did not waste any time opening this one up. The 2020 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batches Ranked: 3. Hot alcohol. The second batch is a tamer 128.7-proof. Honey, lots of cocoa, oak and pepper. I had to this Stagg Jr comparison twice just to be sure. Batch 2: Vanilla, caramel, roasted, raisins. As of this posting in 2019, 11 batches have been released, with each having a different proof. Raided Score: 91 Publication: Drinkhacker Excerpt: 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. How likely is my 130.0 proof bottle a Batch 7? Roasted. There may be a 5-10% difference, but I had a hard time definitively picking it out. Stagg Jr is Buffalo Trace’s semiannual release of George T Stagg’s younger brother. Some oak. Chattanooga Whiskey Straight Bourbon Whiskey Barrel Proof 111 8.4. Imagine the first bite of cherry pie (sans pie crust this time) fresh out of the oven and taken without letting it cool. Stagg Jr, the younger version of George T Stagg, is one of one Buffalo Trace’s small batch cask strength bourbons. Bourbon / 64.75% ABV / Kentucky, United States. Ownership: Buffalo Trace Distillery. The center of the circle indicates none of a trait. Bourbon 129.5 Proof Batch 8. Taste: Thick, rich, powerful. 001 8.3. This Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has exploded in popularity since it came out in 2013. Maybe that’s why there hasn’t been many releases so far? It might be interesting to see if Buffalo Trace can hold Stagg Jr back a couple more years and see what happens. Spicy alcohol. The flavors are subdued and this is a menacingly sippable bourbon batch. Batch 10 – (Spring, 2018) – 126.4 Proof. Batch 1: Ample black pepper, cherry, red hot cinnamon. The 2020 Ultimate Spirits Challenge saw Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon — a whiskey that retails for an extremely reasonable $49.99 — was awarded a 98 out of 100. While the Taylor Jr bottle is significantly more expensive, usually $80-$100, I really like. Stagg Jr Batch 7 is in blue, and Batch 10 is in orange. Stagg Jr. barrels would exhibit a profile closer in line with its elder, George T. Stagg bourbon, but would be priced for about half the retail cost (roughly $50). Review of George T. Stagg Jr. Batch 15 which is 131.1 proof unfiltered bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery Each batch is known to be very bold and intense, pummeling even the most experienced drinkers. Hakushu 12 Year Single Malt Whiskey Review, EH Taylor Barrel Proof Bourbon 2020 Review, Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Strength Bourbon Review, 1792 Full Proof Broudy’s Single Barrel Bourbon Review. While slightly off topic, I think it’s also worth noting that in both blind tastings, Stagg Jr. Batch 12 ranked dead last against Batches 8 and 10. Its five members, three bourbons and two rye whiskeys, are each in high demand following their annual release. Batch 11 - (Fall, 2018) a 127.9 Proof. Stagg Jr. bourbon is a barrel proof whiskey from Buffalo Trace's mashbill #1, low-rye (less than 10 percent), that's also used for Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, E.H. Taylor among others. I’ve yet to post my review Colonel  EH Taylor Jr Barrel Proof, but spoiler: it’s going to get my top rating.