Stagg, Jr.

Producer: Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, KY

Distiller: Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, KY

Age: No Age Statement, reportedly 8 years

Bottled: 2021

Proof: 128. 7

Finish: None

Stagg, Jr. is made from the low rye mash bill at Buffalo Trace, and it's always bottled at barrel proof. It's considered the younger version of George T. Stagg from the BTAC. Presumably, the less desirable barrels were pulled early and bottled as Stagg, Jr., while the more desirable barrels were saved for extra aging and bottled in the BTAC. You have to realize, however, that a less desirable barrel at Buffalo Trace is still one of the best barrels of whiskey in the world. After all, it's the most award winning distillery in the world. This bourbon is named after George T. Stagg, who was the one time owner of what became the Buffalo Trace Distillery. In 2022, the name Stagg, Jr. was shortened to Stagg. Rumor has it that the Jr. suffix was dropped when Stagg reached its 18th batch. This bottle is the last batch of Stagg, Jr.  It's allocated and new batches will cost up to $300 on the secondary market.

Color: Copper

Body: Medium to full

Nose: Sweet cherries, powdered sugar, waffle cone, raisin, plum, vanilla icing

Palate: Warm, blast of cinnamon toast, nutmeg, mincemeat, pecan, deep spice, more vanilla, less caramel, brown sugar, water brings back the fruit, cherries

Finish: Medium to long, sweet but less fruity

Score: King

Song: Burnin' For You - Blue Oyster Cult

This is an exceptionally full flavored and potent bourbon. It immediately begs for a comparison to Col. E. H. Taylor Barrel Proof. They are both made from the low rye Mash Bill #1 at Buffalo Trace. They are both bottled at barrel proof. They are both reportedly around 8 years old. Stagg is released twice a year, while Taylor Barrel Proof is released once a year. Vintages may vary slightly. The last batch of Stagg, Jr. is hot, but it burns less than Taylor Barrel Proof. It's much fruitier. The cherry flavor is quite prominent in this bourbon. It comes with sweetness in the form of powdered sugar, brown sugar and vanilla icing. It comes with spiciness in the form of cinnamon and nutmeg. There is a nice waffle cone and toast flavor from the grains. This bourbon pops with a nutty mincemeat and pecan flavor. I think Stagg, Jr. is brighter and more balanced than Taylor Barrel Proof. It's doesn't drink quite as hot. I think the cherry flavor mellows the heat. Skip the water. Take it totally neat and enjoy the Kentucky hug. I recommend pairing it with Burning For You by Blue Oyster Cult. Give this Stagg, Jr. another 7 or so years in the barrel to get more oak, vanilla and caramel, and you might have a "Papa Stagg" from the BTAC. Meanwhile, seek out a new bottle without the Jr. It's cheaper than Taylor Barrel Proof, and it's a whole lot cheaper than its old man.