If you're a bourbon lover, you're probably familiar with Stagg Jr. whiskey. This barrel-proof whiskey is produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, and is well-known for its high quality and unique flavor profile. With its return to shelves in 2022 after being absent last year due to quality issues, now is a great time to learn more about this unique whisky.
Stagg Jr., or “Papa Stagg” as it is sometimes called, is a less mature version of George T. Stagg whiskey. It typically cotains 8-9 year old whiskeys, compared to the older 15-19 year range found in George T. Stagg releases. The flavor of Stagg Jr. has been described as being bold and complex yet smooth, with notes of vanilla, caramel and oak that come together for a truly remarkable taste experience.
The MSRP for the latest release of Stagg Jr. comes in at $60 per 750ml bottle; however, true bourbon hunters know that this price can be significantly inflated on the secondary market where bottles of Stagg 14 can fetch upwards of $250! If you're lucky enough to get your hands on one of these bottles, it will be worth the wait and effort – the taste alone makes it worth every penny!
So if you're looking for an exceptional barrel-proof whiskey experience then look no further than Stagg Jr.. With its unique flavor profile and smooth finish, it's sure to make any occasion even more special!
The Cost of a Stagg Jr.
A bottle of Stagg Jr Bourbon typically costs arond $120 for a 750ml bottle. This is a premium priced bourbon, due to its high quality and unique flavor profile. It has become quite popular in recent years, and is known for its deep, bold flavor and complexity. The cost reflects the skill involved in crafting this unique bourbon.
Difference Between Stagg and Stagg Jr.
The primary difference between George T. Stagg, also referred to as “Stagg Sr” or “Papa Stagg,” and Stagg Jr is the age of the bourbon. While George T. Stagg is aged anwhere from 15-19 years, Stagg Jr is usually aged 8-9 years before being bottled. Another difference between the two bourbons is that Stagg Jr has a lower proof than its older counterpart, usually somewhere in the range of 91-95 compared to 124-140 for George T. Stagg. Finally, while both bourbons are made with Buffalo Trace's high-rye mash bill #2, they may have slight variations in flavor due to differences in aging and proofing.
Is Stagg Jr Bourbon Still Being Produced?
No, Stagg Jr is no longer being made. Buffalo Trace Distillery discontinued the whiskey in 2020 due to quality issues. However, the barrel-proof version of Stagg Bourbon will be returning in 2022.
The Secondary Market Value of Stagg Jr.
The secondary market price for Stagg Jr. varies greatly depending on availability, demand and location. Generally speaking, the MSRP for Stagg Jr. is $60, but due to its popularity aong bourbon hunters, it can fetch upwards of $250 on the secondary market. Prices may be higher or lower depending on individual sellers and current market conditions, so it's important to shop around to find the best deal possible.
Which Batch of Stagg Jr. Is the Most Highly Rated?
When it coes to Stagg Jr, opinions vary depending on the individual's palate. However, many barrel-proof connoisseurs agree that Batch 5 is one of the distillery's best releases. It boasts an indulgent flavor profile featuring rich cocoa, smooth vanilla and subtle hints of cherry, cinnamon and molasses. The intense depth of flavor makes Batch 5 a favorite amongst fans of full-bodied bourbons.
Comparing Stagg Jr to Similar Products
When looking for a bourbon comparable to Stagg Jr., you should consider Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon, Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon, and Woodford Reserve Batch Proof. All three of these bourbons are high-proof and have a robust flavor profile. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is cask strength, full-bodied bourbon with notes of caramel and spice. Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a blend of 6, 8, and 12 year old barrels aged in American Oak, delivering a smooth but powerful flavor. Woodford Reserve Batch Proof is also cask strength, carrying flavors of fruit, oak and spice. All three of these bourbons are excellent choices for those looking for somthing similar to Stagg Jr.
Is Stagg Jr a Product of Buffalo Trace?
Yes, Stagg Jr is a Buffalo Trace product. Originally released in 2013 as the George T. Stagg Jr. Bourbon, Buffalo Trace changed the label to simply “Stagg” with the release of Batch 17. Despite the new name, Stagg is still a product of Buffalo Trace and is produced at their Kentucky distillery usig their traditional methods and recipes. The same high-quality Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that you've come to expect from Buffalo Trace is found in this bottle of Stagg Jr – now just known as “Stagg” – and it will continue to be made with the same care and attention to quality that has made Buffalo Trace one of the most respected names in whiskey.
Is Stagg Jr. Always Barrel Proof?
No, Stagg Jr. is typically bottled at cask strength, meaning it is barrel proof. However, the exact alcohol by volume (ABV) varies from batch to batch. The ABV can range anywhere from 54.2% to 70%. Although the ABV changes between batches, each bottle of Stagg Jr. is always barrel-proof and aged in charred oak barrels for eight to nine years before bottling.
Frequency of Stagg Jr Release
Stagg Jr is released twice a year, in the spring and fall. Each release is bottled uncut and unfiltered and aged for betwen 7 and 9 years. This makes it a younger expression than the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection's George T. Stagg, which is always at least 15 years old.
The Cancellation of George T. Stagg
Due to our commitment to providing the highest quality whiskey possible, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the release of this year's George T. Stagg whiskey. Our blending team determined that the whiskey set aside for this release did not meet our strict quality standards and therefore would not match up to previous years' batches. As such, we have decided not to release this prticular whiskey. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding and patience as we strive to provide only the best products for our customers.
Release Time of Stagg Jr Whiskey
Stagg Jr is released twice a year, typically in the Spring and Fall. The releases usually happen around March or April for the Spring batch, and October or November for the Fall batch. These limited edition batches can be difficult to find due to their high demand, so if you're looking to get your hands on them it's best to keep an eye out around those times of year.
Aging Process of Stagg Jr Whiskey
Stagg Jr. is an award-winning whiskey that is aged for eigt years in charred white oak barrels. It is barrel proof, uncut, and unfiltered, and has been recognized by many whiskey reviewers for its quality. This aging process imparts complex and intense flavors to the whiskey, making it a favorite of many aficionados.
Conclusion
Stagg Jr. Bourbon is an excellent choice for whiskey enthusiasts looking for a high-end bourbon experience. With an average price of around $120 and a release coming back in 2022, Stagg Jr. is a great addition to any collection. Its eight to nine year aging period provides a complex flavor profile that is sure to please and its secondary market prices can reach a maximum of $250 which may be worth it for true bourbon hunters. Overall, Stagg Jr. is an excellent choice for those looking for a unique and high-end bourbon whiskey experience.
