Stagg Batch 26A is the first 2026 release of Buffalo Trace's barrel proof powerhouse, bottled uncut and unfiltered at 129.3 proof. The name honours George T. Stagg, the 19th century bourbon magnate whose name has become shorthand for big proof and big flavour, and who owned the distillery that is now Buffalo Trace. This label is the younger, more frequently released sibling to the George T. Stagg bottling in the Antique Collection, and it was sold as Stagg Jr. until the suffix was dropped after Batch 17. Batch 26A is hand selected from Buffalo Trace's low rye Mash Bill #1 and aged eight years in new charred white oak, then bottled with no dilution and no chill filtration, which preserves the dense texture and concentrated flavour that standard filtration strips away. Because each batch is drawn from a different selection of barrels, the proof shifts with every release, and that variability is a large part of why collectors track the series. Batch 26A pours a deep mahogany. The nose is bold and expressive, rising with rich chocolate, brown sugar and deep caramel over a dark, sweet aroma that hints at oak. The palate is heavy and full bodied, with dark cherry, caramel and vanilla carried by bold spice and a thick mouthfeel. The finish is long and warming, closing on clove, baking spice, charred oak and lingering cherry smoke. It is best treated as a high proof sipping bourbon: pour it neat in a tasting glass and let it rest several minutes before the first sip, then add a few drops of water to soften the heat and draw out more sweetness. It also makes an excellent side by side against other Stagg batches.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
64.65% |
| Proof |
129.3 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Kentucky |
| Type |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Barrel Proof |
| Batch |
26A (Spring 2026 release) |
| Distillery |
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky |
| Producer |
Sazerac Company |
| Mashbill |
Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (low rye) |
| Age |
8 Years |
| Filtration |
Uncut and unfiltered |
| Bottling Code |
L26 |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep mahogany.
Nose: Rich chocolate, brown sugar and deep caramel over a dark, sweet aroma hinting at oak.
Palate: Heavy and full bodied, with dark cherry, caramel and vanilla carried by bold spice.
Finish: Long and warming, with clove, baking spice, charred oak and lingering cherry smoke.
FAQ
What proof is Stagg Batch 26A?
Batch 26A is bottled at 129.3 proof (64.65% ABV), uncut and unfiltered.
How old is it?
Buffalo Trace states eight years in new charred white oak.
How do I confirm I have 26A?
The batch code is printed on the front label, and 129.3 proof is specific to this batch. The laser code on the glass reads L26.
Why does the proof change between batches?
Each batch is drawn from a different selection of barrels and bottled at its natural cask strength, so the proof shifts with every release.
How should I drink it?
Neat in a tasting glass, resting several minutes before sipping, then a few drops of water to soften the heat and reveal more sweetness.
Where can I buy Stagg Batch 26A online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
