Stagg Batch 18 2022 Bourbon 131 Proof 750ml

Stagg Batch 18 is the Fall 2022 release of Buffalo Trace's barrel proof powerhouse, bottled uncut and unfiltered at a formidable 131 proof, one of the highest strengths in the modern run. It occupies a genuine transition point in the line's history. Batch 18 was the first release after Buffalo Trace dropped the Jr. suffix, but it still carried a sequential batch number. The very next release switched to the year and letter system as 22B, and the old Batch 19 was retroactively renamed, which is why some sellers refer to this bottle as 22A. The name honours George T. Stagg, who built the most dominant American distillery of the 19th century during the Gilded Age of bourbon, and this label is the younger, more frequently released sibling to the George T. Stagg bottling in the Antique Collection. It is built on Buffalo Trace's low rye Mash Bill #1 and aged close to a decade in heavily charred new American oak in the distillery's metal clad warehouses, then bottled with no water added and no chill filtration. At 131 proof, everything is concentrated. The nose is deep and assertive, with dark caramel, brown sugar and black cherry over charred oak, pipe tobacco and warm baking spice. The palate is thick and mouthcoating, delivering rich chocolate and brown sugar in balance with bold rye spiciness, joined by molasses, leather and cracked pepper with real heat behind it. The finish is boundless, lingering with cherries, cloves and smokiness. At this strength water is genuinely useful, and a few drops or a large ice cube unlock considerable sweetness without dulling the power.

ABV / Proof

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 rich 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 Batch 18?

Batch 18 is bottled at 131 proof (65.5% ABV), uncut and unfiltered.

Why do some sellers call it 22A?

Batch 18 was the last release to use sequential numbering before Buffalo Trace moved to the year and letter system, so it is sometimes listed as 22A for the first 2022 release.

How do I confirm I have Batch 18?

The batch number is printed on the label, and the laser code on the glass reads L22. Batch 15 from 2020 was 131.1 proof, close but not identical, and would read L20.

Is this the same as Stagg Jr.?

Yes, it is the same line. Batch 18 was the first release after the Jr. suffix was dropped.

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 Batch 18 online?

Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.