Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch 15, bottled at a robust 131.1 Proof (65.55% ABV), was a highly anticipated and notoriously allocated release from the renowned Buffalo Trace Distillery. This batch was released in Winter 2020, just in time for the holidays, and is generally considered a very strong and complex offering in the Stagg Jr. lineage.
Key Characteristics:
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Barrel Proof & Unfiltered: As with all Stagg Jr. (and now Stagg) releases, Batch 15 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 Over Eight 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, with Buffalo Trace specifically stating "aged over eight years" for this batch. 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 15 was no exception and was highly sought after upon its release.
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Pre-Rebrand Release: This batch was released before the official rebranding of "Stagg Jr." to simply "Stagg," which began with Batch 18. This makes it a significant bottle for collectors who wish to have examples from the "Jr." era.
Tasting Notes (Based on Buffalo Trace and Reviewer Consensus for Batch 15):
Batch 15 was generally highly praised for its rich, sweet, and spicy profile, often noted for a distinct dark chocolate and fruit character.
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Nose: Rich and complex, with prominent notes of vanilla bean and salted caramel. Reviewers also found cherries, oak, sweet baked goods with vanilla frosting, dark chocolate, and sometimes a touch of "barn funk" or ethanol that mellows with air. Hints of cinnamon and anise were also detected.
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Palate: Bold, full-bodied, and often described as having a viscous, oily, or "maple syrup" mouthfeel. Flavors include cherries, cinnamon, and oak, complemented by rich dark chocolate, brown sugar, and toasted vanilla cream. Other notes found were caramel, baking spice, amber caramel, creamed corn/grain, and sometimes a surprising "varnish" note that adds complexity. Despite the high proof, many found it "surprisingly smooth" after the initial heat, with flavors that coat the tongue nicely.
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Finish: Long, sweet, and spicy. It often lingers with notes of toasted vanilla, pepper, coffee, and hints of sweet mint. Other common notes include dark cherry, oak, light smoke, and lingering pepper. The finish is typically described as warm and smoldering like a peated Scotch, leaving a pleasant "mint tingle."
Awards & Recognition:
While individual awards for Batch 15 may not be widely publicized, the Stagg Jr. line consistently garnered high praise from critics and competitions. Its reputation as a high-quality, barrel-proof bourbon is well-established, and Batch 15 contributed significantly to that legacy.
Overall Impression:
Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch 15 is a highly regarded 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 made it a standout. Batch 15 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.
