Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch 24D, bottled at a robust 127.4 Proof (63.7% ABV), is a highly anticipated and notoriously allocated release from the Buffalo Trace Distillery. This particular batch is notable as the fourth "D" batch released in 2024, a departure from the traditional two to three batches per year for the Stagg line.
Key Characteristics:
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Barrel Proof & Unfiltered: Stagg is renowned for being uncut and unfiltered, bottled directly from the barrel at its natural proof. This ensures a full-bodied, unadulterated bourbon experience.
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Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1: While the exact mash bill is undisclosed, Stagg (formerly Stagg Jr. before Batch 18) utilizes Buffalo Trace's famous Mash Bill #1, which is a high-corn, low-rye, and malted barley recipe. This mash bill is also used for Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, and George T. Stagg.
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Aged for Nearly a Decade: Though Stagg does not carry an age statement, it is generally understood to be aged for approximately 7 to 10 years, contributing to its rich character and depth.
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Highly Allocated: Stagg is one of the most sought-after bourbons on the market due to its exceptional quality and limited availability. Its release is a major event for bourbon enthusiasts and collectors.
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2024 Winter Release: Batch 24D was released in the Winter of 2024
Tasting Notes (Based on General Stagg Profile and Reviewer Consensus for 24D):
Stagg bourbons are known for their intensity and a balance of rich sweetness with a powerful spicy kick. While individual batches can vary, here's what to generally expect from Batch 24D:
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Nose: Expect a powerful and inviting aroma of rich caramel, dark cherries, and toasted vanilla. Hints of brown sugar, spiced oak, and sometimes subtle notes of dried fruit (like pear or apple skin) are often present. Some reviewers for 24D noted a unique "dry candy sweetness" or even a "lemon Pledge" initial scent that evolved into more classic bourbon aromas like "warm cinnamon raisin bagel."
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Palate: Bold and intense, yet often surprisingly smooth for its high proof. Flavors typically include bold waves of cinnamon, dark chocolate, and leather, balanced by a underlying maple syrup sweetness and deep oak char. Notes of vanilla, cherry, and more traditional bourbon flavors will intermingle with the spice. Reviewers for 24D described it as "surprisingly light in flavor, yet potent on the ethanol" initially, but with evolving notes of classic vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a simple cherry.
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Finish: Long, warming, and complex. It often lingers with notes of spiced molasses, toasted oak, and a touch of black pepper. Some notes of clove and brown sugar are also noted for Batch 24D, with a "sticky tingle" and hints of mint and cherry hots.
Overall Impression:
Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch 24D continues the tradition of delivering a high-proof, uncut, and unfiltered bourbon that appeals to serious enthusiasts. It remains a highly coveted bourbon due to its robust character, traditional Buffalo Trace profile, and the sheer power of its barrel-proof presentation. It's a challenging yet rewarding pour, best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to fully explore its layers of flavor. Its scarcity makes it a prize for any bourbon collection.
