Stagg Jr Batch #9
American Bourbon Whiskey
65.95%
ABV
The Distillery
Stagg Jr is a premium bottling from the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, USA. Each batch of Stagg Jr is barrel proof and has its own distinct bottling ABV, which is how the Batch # is identified. This bottle is from batch #9, known as one of the “unicorn” batches of the Stagg Jr lineup, along with #12 and #15 so far.
George T. Stagg built the most dominant American distillery of the 19th century, during a time known as the Gilded Age of Bourbon. Uncut and unfiltered, this robust bourbon whiskey ages for nearly a decade and boasts the bold character that is reminiscent of the man himself.
The younger brother to the BTAC line’s George T. Stagg, Stagg Jr is a twice yearly release of barrel proof bourbon from Buffalo Trace. Release began in 2013 and the consensus was the first few batches were duds, not living up to the name. Its been a while since I’ve had any of those batches and from memory, not worth revisiting. When batch 9 was released in fall of 2017, Stagg Jr finally started to hit the mark.
The Region
Kentucky, USA
The Whisky Review
Nose 4.3/5
Dark Cherry, maraschino syrup, vanilla, dark brown sugar and molasses, orange peel, leather and milk chocolate. A hint of cherry wood floats around in the background. After adding some water, new notes of coffee, florals and candied cranberry emerge.
Palate 4.5/5
Rich and creamy mouthfeel, great body. Blood orange, maraschino cherries, charred oak. After adding water the distinct taste of fuji apples comes alive into the mix along with cereals, corn husk and PEZ lollies.
Finish 4.1/5
Incredibly long finish, warm and peppery with a healthy dose of charred oak, cinnamon, coffee and macadamia dancing with those sweet cherry notes. Lingers seemingly forever.
The Verdict
A superb Bourbon. This showcases everything the Stagg Jr line has to offer, what an incredible batch. Cherry is the dominant flavour and is prevalent in all stages of the tasting, balanced brilliantly with spicy, woody and sweet notes.
The nose is surpsisingly complex for a bourbon, changing a fair bit with the addition of water, deeply enjoyable with and without water.
The texture and intensity of the palate is top notch with an explosion of flavour delivered by a creamy body.
the finish is the weakest part of the whiskey, but thats more a nod to how good to nose and palate, rather than a slight against the finish; which is incredibly long and tasty.
If you can find this one in the wild under $300 i would recommend grabbing a bottle of this batch for a special bourbon. Remember 65.95% ABV = Batch #9
For those interested, here is a full list of the Stagg Jr’s released so far and their Batch Numbers:
Batch 17 – (2021) – 128.7 proof
Batch 16 – (2021) – 130.9 proof
Batch 15 – (2020) – 131.1 proof
Batch 14 – (2020) – 130.2 proof
Batch 13 – (2019) – 128.4 proof
Batch 12 – (2019) – 132.3 proof
Batch 11 – (2018) – 127.9 Proof
Batch 10 – (2018) – 126.4 Proof
Batch 9 – (2017) – 131.9 Proof
Batch 8 – (2017) – 129.5 Proof
Batch 7 – (2016) – 130.0 Proof
Batch 6 – (2016) – 132.5 Proof
Batch 5 – (2015) – 129.7 Proof
Batch 4 – (2015) – 132.2 Proof
Batch 3 – (2014) – 132.1 Proof
Batch 2 – (2014) – 128.7 Proof
Batch 1 – (2013) – 134.4 Proof
The Price
Retailing at $320 AUD, i snagged this one on special for $260 at Dan’s.
Available at:
Alternatively a far cheaper option is available if you know anybody in the USA, as Stagg JR retails well below the aussie prices over there.
Recent Reviews
1st Place – 2021 MUWC
