Stagg Jr. Batch 16 is the Spring 2021 release of Buffalo Trace's barrel proof powerhouse, bottled uncut and unfiltered at 130.9 proof. It is the second to last release to carry the Jr. name, which Buffalo Trace retired after Batch 17, making it a bottle firmly from the original era of the line. The name honours George T. Stagg, who built the most dominant American distillery of the 19th century during the Gilded Age of bourbon, and the Jr. acknowledged that this whiskey ages for nearly a decade rather than the fifteen to nineteen years of its famous older sibling, George T. Stagg from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. It is built on Buffalo Trace's low rye Mash Bill #1 and rested in heavily charred new American oak in the distillery's metal clad warehouses, then bottled with nothing added and nothing taken away, preserving the natural oils and weight that give the line its reputation. At 130.9 proof it sits near the top of the range for strength. It pours a deep mahogany. The nose is rich and concentrated, with dark caramel, brown sugar and black cherry over charred oak, pipe tobacco and warm baking spice. The palate is thick and mouthcoating, delivering the sweet chocolate and brown sugar flavours the line is known for in balance with bold rye spiciness, joined by molasses, leather and cracked pepper with serious heat behind it. The finish is boundless, lingering with cherries, cloves and a wisp of smoke. A few drops of water or a large ice cube unlock considerable sweetness. As a 2021 Jr. era release now well off shelves, it is an increasingly scarce piece for collectors assembling the series.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
65.45% |
| Proof |
130.9 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Kentucky |
| Type |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Barrel Proof |
| Batch |
16 (Spring 2021 release) |
| Distillery |
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky |
| Producer |
Sazerac Company |
| Mashbill |
Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (low rye) |
| Age |
Approximately 8 to 9 years |
| Filtration |
Uncut and unfiltered |
| Bottling Code |
L21 |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep mahogany.
Nose: Dark caramel, brown sugar and black cherry over charred oak, pipe tobacco and warm baking spice.
Palate: Thick and mouthcoating, with sweet chocolate and brown sugar balanced by bold rye spice, molasses, leather and cracked pepper.
Finish: Boundless, lingering with cherries, cloves and smokiness.
FAQ
What proof is Stagg Jr. Batch 16?
Batch 16 is bottled at 130.9 proof (65.45% ABV), uncut and unfiltered.
How do I confirm I have Batch 16?
The batch number is printed on the label, and the laser code reads L21 for the 2021 bottling. Batch 17 also carries L21 but was bottled at 128.7 proof, so the proof separates them.
Why does this bottle say Stagg Jr.?
Buffalo Trace used the Jr. name until Batch 17. Batch 16 is the second to last release to carry it.
How does it compare to George T. Stagg?
George T. Stagg is the extra aged Antique Collection release. Stagg Jr. is the younger expression at roughly eight to nine years, released more frequently.
How should I drink it?
Try it neat first, then add a few drops of water or a large ice cube to soften the strength and open up the sweetness.
Where can I buy Stagg Jr. Batch 16 online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
