Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch 22A, bottled at a formidable 132.2 Proof (66.1% ABV), is a highly sought-after and allocated release from the renowned Buffalo Trace Distillery. This particular batch was somewhat uniquely released in Early Spring 2023, notably after Batch 22B (which was released in Winter 2022) due to a labeling issue. This high-proof offering is emblematic of the robust and unfiltered bourbon experience for which Stagg is celebrated.
Key Characteristics:
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Barrel Proof & Unfiltered: Stagg is famously bottled directly from the barrel, without any water added or chill-filtration. This method ensures that the bourbon retains its full, natural flavors and potent character, delivering an unadulterated expression of the aged spirit.
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Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1: Stagg 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 acclaimed 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 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 remains one of the most in-demand bourbons on the market due to its exceptional quality, high proof, and limited availability. Each new batch release is a significant event for bourbon enthusiasts and collectors, often selling out quickly.
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Unique Release Order (2023): Batch 22A's release in early 2023 after 22B (late 2022) was due to a labeling issue, making it a point of interest for collectors.
Tasting Notes (Based on Reviewer Consensus for Batch 22A):
Batch 22A has generally been very well-received, often described as a "fruity" Stagg, with a balance of sweetness, spice, and a pronounced oak influence.
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Nose: Intensely aromatic, offering a robust bouquet of dark caramel, rich brown sugar, and dark fruits (especially black cherries, plums, and berry compote). Hints of vanilla, toasted almonds, leather, tobacco, and subtle cinnamon or apple pie notes are also commonly detected. Despite the high proof, the ethanol is often described as powerful but harmonious, enticing rather than overwhelming.
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Palate: Bold and intense, yet often surprisingly smooth and velvety on the mouthfeel for its high proof. Flavors start with a robust sweetness, featuring notes of brown sugar, toffee, and maple syrup. This sweetness is beautifully balanced by a surge of spice (black pepper, cloves, a hint of chili) and a complex mix of dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans, and a smoky oakiness. Many reviewers highlight a distinct "fruit cocktail" or "fruit punch and cola" character.
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Finish: Long, warm, and enduring, leaving a lasting impression. It concludes with a harmonious blend of oak, spice, and a lingering sweetness that gradually fades into a pleasant dryness. 1 Hints of dark fruit, cocoa, and a whisper of leather make a final appearance, rounding out a complex and well-balanced conclusion. Some describe a "tingly oaky fruit punch" that stays with you.
Overall Impression:
Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch 22A is considered by many to be a stellar example of what high-proof bourbon can offer. It combines intensity with complexity, delivering a rich, multi-layered, and surprisingly approachable experience for its proof. Its distinct fruit-forward profile, balanced by classic Stagg notes of dark sugar, oak, and spice, makes it a highly desirable pour. Its consistent quality and extreme scarcity ensure it remains a prized addition to any bourbon collection, best savored neat or with a minimal amount of water to unlock its full depth.
