Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch 16, bottled at a robust 130.9 Proof (65.45% ABV), was a highly anticipated and notoriously allocated release from the renowned Buffalo Trace Distillery. This batch was released in Summer 2021 and is considered by many enthusiasts to be a very strong entry in the Stagg Jr. lineup.
Key Characteristics:
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Barrel Proof & Unfiltered: As with all Stagg Jr. (and now Stagg) releases, Batch 16 is bottled directly from the barrel, without water dilution or chill-filtration. This commitment to an uncut, unfiltered presentation ensures a powerful, intense, and authentic bourbon experience, showcasing the spirit's raw character.
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Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1: Stagg Jr. is crafted using Buffalo Trace's proprietary Mash Bill #1, a low-rye recipe (speculated to be around 82% Corn, 8% Rye, 10% Barley). This foundational mash bill is shared with other celebrated bourbons like Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, and the older George T. Stagg, contributing a profile that balances rich corn sweetness with subtle spice and malty notes.
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Aged for Approximately 8-9 Years: While Stagg Jr. does not carry a specific age statement on its label, it is generally understood to be aged for approximately 7 to 9 years. This extensive maturation period in new charred oak barrels allows the bourbon to develop significant depth, complexity, and a harmonious integration of flavors.
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Highly Allocated: Stagg Jr. (and now Stagg) remains one of the most in-demand bourbons globally due to its exceptional quality, high proof, and limited availability. Batch 16 was no exception and was highly sought after upon its release.
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Part of the Stagg Jr. Legacy: This batch is part of the "Stagg Jr." era, prior to the rebranding to simply "Stagg" starting with Batch 18. It represents a significant point in the series for collectors.
Tasting Notes (Based on Reviewer Consensus for Batch 16):
Batch 16 was widely praised for its depth, richness, and often noted for its surprising drinkability for its proof. It was perceived by some as tasting "older" than previous batches.
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Nose: Rich, complex, and inviting. Expect prominent notes of sweet oak, rich vanilla, caramel, and dark fruits like raisins, plums, and cherries. Reviewers often found hints of leather, tobacco, cinnamon, black pepper, and sometimes unique notes like "Raisinets" or "caramel crusted popcorn." The ethanol is often noted as well-integrated despite the high proof.
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Palate: Bold, full-bodied, and often described as having a thick, oily, or "thicc" mouthfeel. Flavors include rich vanilla, big caramel, dark chocolate, and pronounced baking spices (cinnamon, ginger, allspice). There's a strong presence of dried dark fruits (dried cherries, figs) and sweet oak. Some reviewers noted a "Dr. Pepper" or "cherry cola" quality, along with "burnt toffee" and "toasted nuts." It's frequently praised for how smoothly it drinks for its high proof, delivering a "Kentucky hug" that is warm but not overwhelming.
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Finish: Long, warm, and sweet, with flavors that continue to evolve. Lingering notes of dark chocolate-covered dried cherries, powdered sugar, spiced oak, and tobacco are common. The warmth of the proof persists, often with a pleasant tingle, leaving behind a complex and satisfying impression of caramel, cinnamon, and subtle fruit.
Overall Impression:
Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch 16 is considered a highly successful and memorable release within the Stagg Jr. lineage. It delivers an intense, complex, and remarkably balanced barrel-proof experience, showcasing rich dark fruit, chocolate, and oak notes. Its robust flavor profile and surprising approachability for its high proof make it a standout. Batch 16 is a top-tier bourbon for seasoned enthusiasts and collectors, best enjoyed neat or with a minimal amount of water to fully appreciate its many layers of flavor. Its scarcity makes it a coveted addition to any serious bourbon collection.
