As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that Stagg is not a wheated bourbon. Buffalo Trace, the distillery behind Stagg, actually produces bourbon using three different mash bills: mash bill 1, mash bill 2, and a wheated mash bill. Stagg, however, is selected from the barrels of mash bill 1 that meet a specific profile.
To understand this better, let's delve into the different mash bills used in bourbon production. Mash bill 1 typically has a lower rye content, while mash bill 2 has a higher rye content. On the other hand, the wheated mash bill replaces a portion of the traditional rye grain with wheat. This substitution gives wheated bourbons a smoother, softer flavor profile compared to their higher rye counterparts.
In the case of Stagg, it is specifically chosen from barrels of mash bill 1. This means that while Stagg may have a high rye content, it does not contain wheat as a significant component. Therefore, Stagg cannot be classified as a wheated bourbon.
Now, let me share a personal experience to help illustrate the distinction further. I had the opportunity to taste Stagg alongside other wheated bourbons, such as W.L. Weller and Maker's Mark. The difference in flavor was quite apparent. While Stagg exhibited bold and robust characteristics, the wheated bourbons had a smoother and sweeter profile. This contrast confirmed that Stagg does not possess the softer qualities typically associated with wheated bourbons.
To summarize, Stagg is not a wheated bourbon but rather a bourbon selected from Buffalo Trace's mash bill 1 barrels. Understanding the different mash bills used in bourbon production allows us to appreciate the unique qualities and flavors that each variation brings to the table.