Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch 17, bottled at a robust 128.7 Proof (64.35% ABV), was the last batch to carry the "Jr." designation before Buffalo Trace officially rebranded the line to simply "Stagg" with Batch 18. This highly anticipated and allocated release hit shelves in Fall/Winter 2021, marking the end of an era for a fan-favorite label.
Key Characteristics:
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The Last "Stagg Jr.": Batch 17 holds significant historical value as the final release under the "Stagg Jr." name. This makes it particularly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts who want to complete their "Jr." collection.
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Barrel Proof & Unfiltered: As with all releases in this esteemed line, Batch 17 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 same mash bill forms the base for other iconic Buffalo Trace 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 Nearly a Decade: 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. This final "Jr." batch is particularly coveted.
Tasting Notes (Based on Reviewer Consensus for Batch 17):
Batch 17 was generally very well-received, often noted for its surprisingly mellow nose for the proof and a rich, complex palate with a distinct dark fruit and chocolate profile, reminiscent of older George T. Stagg batches.
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Nose: Often described as having a mellow and rich aroma despite the high proof, with dominant notes of sweet oak, rich chocolate, and a prominent tobacco/cigar box note. Other aromas include buttery baked goods, caramel, vanilla cake, syrup-soaked raisins, and blackberry jam. Some reviewers also detected "cherry cola" or "dark cherry jam," though some found less prominent cherry notes compared to other batches.
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Palate: Rich, sweet, and typically has a deep, velvety, coating mouthfeel. Flavors are often dominated by chocolate and tobacco, alongside rich wood notes and cinnamon spice. There's a strong presence of dark, seductive fruits (figs, currants, plum, blackberry compote) and often a bright orange peel or citrus pop. Notes of sweet fruit jams, toasted almonds, and dark oak are also commonly found. Many reviewers highlighted how well this batch drinks for its high proof.
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Finish: Long, rich, and satisfying, often described as "boundless." It concludes with notes of Swiss chocolate, honeyed oak, and more tobacco. Lingering flavors of fruit syrup, blackberry, stone fruit compote, and a pleasant warmth that subtly numbs the mouth are also commonly reported, with vanilla and clove peeking through.
Overall Impression:
Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch 17 is a truly exceptional and historically significant release. As the final "Jr." batch, it delivered a powerful, complex, and remarkably smooth high-proof experience that left a strong legacy for the rebranded "Stagg" line. Its rich balance of dark chocolate, tobacco, dark fruits, and sweet oak notes, coupled with surprising approachability for its proof, made it a standout. It's a highly desirable pour for seasoned bourbon enthusiasts and collectors, best savored neat or with a minimal amount of water to fully appreciate its layers of flavor.
