Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch 24B, bottled at a robust 127.8 Proof (63.9% ABV), is a highly sought-after and allocated release from the renowned Buffalo Trace Distillery. This batch was part of the Fall 2024 releases, and like all Stagg expressions, it delivers an intense and unfiltered bourbon experience.
Key Characteristics:
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Barrel Proof & Unfiltered: Stagg is celebrated for being bottled directly from the barrel, without any water added or chill-filtration. This method ensures that the bourbon retains its full natural flavors and robust character, showcasing the raw power of the barrel.
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Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1: Stagg is crafted using Buffalo Trace's proprietary Mash Bill #1, which is a low-rye recipe. This is the same mash bill used for other acclaimed bourbons like Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, and the prestigious George T. Stagg. This recipe typically contributes a profile that balances rich corn sweetness with subtle rye 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 widely understood to be aged for approximately 7 to 10 years. This extended maturation period in 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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2024 Fall Release: Batch 24B was part of the 2024 release cycle, becoming the second Stagg batch designated for that year.
Tasting Notes (Based on General Stagg Profile and Reviewer Consensus for Batch 24B):
Stagg bourbons are known for their intensity and a powerful balance of rich sweetness with a spicy kick. While individual batches can have their unique nuances, here's what to generally expect from Batch 24B:
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Nose: Initially, some reviewers detected a slight "funk" or "dusty/woody cherry" note, alongside cardamom, vanilla, and hints of ethanol which tends to dissipate with air. Classic Stagg aromas like rich oak, sweet caramel, and dark fruit (like strawberry rhubarb pie) often emerge.
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Palate: The palate is bold and presents a delightful interplay of sweetness and spice. Reviewers have noted flavors of sweet tea, watermelon gummy candy, baking spices (cinnamon, allspice), oak, and apricot. While some initially found it surprisingly light or with noticeable ethanol, it often evolves into dark toffee, blackberries, rich caramel, toasted almonds, and cocoa, balanced by a touch of leathery oak. The high proof contributes to a rich and oily mouthfeel.
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Finish: The finish is generally long, warming, and layered. It leaves behind notes of spiced oak, dark chocolate, and sweet tobacco, with some finding a light fruitiness or herbal undertones, and a faint whisper of smoke. Some reviewers for 24B described it as "light fruitiness, herbal and a bit short" compared to other batches, while others found a "lovely sweetness reminiscent of caramel" that lingers.
Overall Impression:
Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch 24B continues the brand's tradition of offering a high-proof, uncut, and unfiltered bourbon that appeals to serious enthusiasts. While some batch-specific reviews for 24B indicate it might be slightly less "composed" or "younger" tasting compared to some of the most lauded past batches, it still delivers the robust character and intense flavors that Stagg is known for. Its rarity and the inherent quality of Buffalo Trace's distillate make it a highly coveted pour, best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to allow its intricate layers to unfold.
