Stagg Jr. Batch 2 is one of the earliest releases in the entire Stagg Jr. lineup, bottled at 128.7 proof (64.35% ABV) with no chill filtration and no water added. Released in Spring 2014, Batch 2 dates from a time when Stagg Jr. was a relatively unknown commodity, before the broader bourbon collecting community had recognized just how exceptional these twice-yearly barrel proof releases from Buffalo Trace would become. Over a decade later, early Stagg Jr. batches like this one are genuine rarities that surface only occasionally and represent an irreplaceable piece of the lineup's history. Produced using Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1, the same low-rye recipe behind Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, and George T. Stagg, Batch 2 delivers the classic profile of rich corn sweetness, dark caramel, vanilla, and deep oak that defines the series, in a bottle that most collectors will never have the chance to acquire again. Unfiltered, undiluted, and historically significant.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery |
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky |
| Producer |
Sazerac Company |
| Type |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey |
| Batch |
Batch 2 (Spring 2014) — Stagg Jr. era |
| Bottling Style |
Barrel Proof, Unfiltered, No Water Added |
| Mashbill |
Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (Low Rye) |
| Age Statement |
NAS (approximately 8 to 9 years) |
| ABV |
64.35% |
| Proof |
128.7 Proof |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Kentucky |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep amber with warm mahogany and copper tones
Nose: Rich dark caramel, vanilla extract, toasted oak, dried cherries, and brown sugar, with a wave of baking spice and a gentle barrel char rising underneath.
Palate: Full and warming, with dark chocolate, toffee, roasted corn sweetness, cinnamon, and dried fruit building across the palate. The barrel proof heat is assertive and well-integrated, with a satisfying depth that reflects nearly a decade of oak contact.
Finish: Long and gently drying, with charred oak, dark fruit, lingering spice, and a molasses sweetness that fades slowly and cleanly.
FAQ
Why is Stagg Jr. Batch 2 so rare?
Batch 2 was released in Spring 2014, when Stagg Jr. was a little-known barrel proof bourbon with minimal national recognition. Production quantities were modest and collector demand was a fraction of what it is today. A decade on, surviving bottles from the first few batches are exceptionally scarce and highly sought after by serious collectors. This is one of those bottles.
What is the difference between Stagg Jr. and Stagg?
Stagg Jr. and Stagg are the same product line. Buffalo Trace rebranded from Stagg Jr. to simply Stagg beginning with Batch 18 in 2022. Batch 2 is from the very beginning of the Stagg Jr. era, nearly eight years before the rebrand, making it one of the most historically significant bottles in the entire series.
Should I add water to Stagg Jr. Batch 2?
At 128.7 proof this is a serious barrel proof bourbon. Most collectors and enthusiasts enjoy it neat to preserve the full uncut character, but a few drops of water can open up the aromatics without sacrificing the core profile.
Is Stagg Jr. part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection?
No. Stagg Jr. and Stagg are separate from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC), which includes George T. Stagg, William Larue Weller, Thomas H. Handy, Sazerac 18, and Eagle Rare 17. The Stagg line releases twice yearly in batches and is distinct from those ultra-limited annual releases.
Where can I buy Stagg Jr. Batch 2 online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
