Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch 24C, bottled at a powerful 128.9 Proof (64.45% ABV), is a highly anticipated and notoriously allocated release from the venerable Buffalo Trace Distillery.
Key Characteristics:
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Barrel Proof & Unfiltered: Stagg is celebrated for being bottled directly from the barrel, uncut and unfiltered. This commitment to an unadulterated presentation ensures a robust, intense, and full-bodied bourbon experience that showcases the liquid's natural character.
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Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1: While the precise proportions are proprietary, Stagg utilizes Buffalo Trace's renowned low-rye mash bill, referred to as Mash Bill #1. This mash bill also forms the base for other iconic Buffalo Trace bourbons like Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, and the older George T. Stagg. This recipe typically yields a profile that balances rich corn sweetness with subtle rye spice and malty notes.
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Aged for Nearly a Decade: Though Stagg does not carry an age statement on the label, it is generally understood to be aged for approximately 7 to 10 years. This maturation period allows the bourbon to develop significant depth, complexity, and integration of flavors from the charred oak barrels.
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Highly Allocated: Stagg remains one of the most sought-after bourbons globally due to its exceptional quality, high proof, and limited availability. Each new batch release is a major event for bourbon enthusiasts and collectors.
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2024 Winter Release: Batch 24C was released in the Winter of 2024,
Tasting Notes (Based on the General Stagg Profile and Reviewer Consensus for Batch 24C):
Stagg bourbons are known for their intensity, often delivering a harmonious interplay of rich sweetness and a potent spicy kick. While each batch has its unique nuances, here's what to generally expect from Batch 24C:
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Nose: Expect a rich and inviting aroma of caramel, vanilla, and dark fruits (particularly cherry, plum, or grape). Notes of baking spices (cinnamon, nutmeg), toasted oak, and sometimes hints of leather or tobacco are commonly detected. Some reviewers specifically for 24C noted a "grape" or "cherry cola" element, and a "sweet corn syrup" note emerging as it breathes.
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Palate: Bold and intense, with a full, often viscous or creamy mouthfeel. Flavors typically include sweet chocolate, brown sugar, and molasses, perfectly balanced with a pronounced rye spiciness (cinnamon, black pepper, clove). Hints of cherry, leather, and oak are often present. While powerful, many describe it as having a surprising balance. Some reviews for 24C noted a slight initial "hotness" or a "medicinal cherry" character that evolves into more traditional Stagg notes.
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Finish: Long, warming, and complex, often described as "boundless." It typically lingers with notes of charred oak, dark fruit, sweet spice, and a pleasant peppery kick. Reviewers for 24C specifically highlighted lingering notes of dark cherries, fragrant cloves, and a subtle smokiness, often concluding with a satisfying warmth. Some found the mouthfeel a bit thinner than other batches but praised its quick opening of classic flavors.
Overall Impression:
Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch 24C continues the brand's legacy of delivering exceptional, high-proof, and uncut bourbon. It offers a powerful and complex drinking experience that is a true testament to Buffalo Trace's distilling prowess. While its intensity might be a challenge for some, it is precisely what appeals to seasoned bourbon enthusiasts who appreciate a robust, flavorful, and undiluted spirit. Its consistent quality and extreme scarcity make it a highly coveted addition to any bourbon collection, best savored neat or with a minimal amount of water to unlock its full depth.
