Stagg Jr. Batch 7 is a Fall 2016 release from Buffalo Trace Distillery, bottled at 130 proof (65% ABV) with no chill filtration and no water added. One of the earlier and now considerably scarcer entries in the Stagg Jr. lineup, Batch 7 represents the series at a formative moment, before the wider bourbon collecting community had fully locked onto just how special these twice-yearly barrel proof releases were. Produced using Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1, the same low-rye recipe behind Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, and George T. Stagg, this is a bourbon built on corn sweetness, vanilla richness, and deep oak structure rather than rye-forward spice. Now a genuine back vintage collector bottle from the early Stagg Jr. era, Batch 7 is the kind of release that surfaces rarely and disappears fast. Unfiltered, undiluted, and straight from the barrel.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery |
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky |
| Producer |
Sazerac Company |
| Type |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey |
| Batch |
Batch 7 (Fall 2016) — 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 |
65% |
| Proof |
130 Proof |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Kentucky |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep amber with rich mahogany and copper tones
Nose: Rich caramel, dark chocolate, and sweet vanilla lead, with toasted oak, dried cherries, and a wave of baking spice. Classic Buffalo Trace sweetness anchors the aromatics throughout.
Palate: Full and robust, with caramel, dark chocolate, roasted nuts, cinnamon, and dried fruit building over a deep corn sweetness. The barrel proof heat is assertive and warming, well-integrated rather than sharp, with a rye spice backbone that lingers.
Finish: Long and satisfying, with oak, spice, sweet molasses, and a touch of bitterness that rounds out a genuinely complete barrel proof experience.
FAQ
What makes Stagg Jr. Batch 7 a collector bottle?
Batch 7 is a Fall 2016 release from the early Stagg Jr. era, years before the lineup gained its current level of national recognition and allocation pressure. Early batches are now genuine back vintage collector finds that surface only occasionally in the secondary market or in stores that have held inventory. Once it is gone, restocking is not possible.
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 7 is a back vintage bottle from the original Stagg Jr. era, making it historically distinct from current Stagg releases.
Should I add water to Stagg Jr. Batch 7?
At 130 proof this is a serious barrel proof bourbon. Many enthusiasts enjoy it neat to experience the full uncut character, but a few drops of water can open up the aromatics and reveal additional layers of complexity 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 7 online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
