Stagg Jr. Review

Last Updated on: 29th April 2024, 09:01 pm

Discover everything to know about Stagg Jr. in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions!

Reviewed by: J Highland

Stagg Jr.: A Bold and Flavorful Bourbon for the Adventurous (Top Shelf, Top Contender)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Stagg Jr. is a high-proof bourbon from Buffalo Trace that packs a punch in both flavor and heat. Here’s a breakdown of what makes it stand out:

Strengths:

• Incredibly Flavorful & Bold: Stagg Jr. boasts a rich and complex flavor profile, perfect for those who enjoy a bourbon with plenty of character.
• Impressive Proof Management: Despite its high ABV, Stagg Jr. manages the heat surprisingly well, offering a balanced and enjoyable drinking experience.
• Rewarding Experience: The initial warmth gives way to delicious flavors, creating a truly rewarding exploration for the adventurous bourbon drinker.
• Top Shelf Contender: This bourbon ranks among the finest offerings from Buffalo Trace, a well-respected name in the industry.
• Great Value: Stagg Jr. manages to deliver exceptional quality at a price point that is attractive for serious bourbon enthusiasts.

Who Should Try It:

• Bourbon enthusiasts seeking a bold and flavorful adventure.
• Fans of high-proof bourbons who appreciate a well-balanced heat.
• Anyone looking for a top-shelf bourbon from a respected distillery without breaking the bank.

Verdict:

Stagg Jr. is a fantastic choice for bourbon drinkers who crave a robust and flavorful experience. Its high proof is well-managed, offering warmth that leads to a rewarding exploration of delicious taste notes. As a top contender from Buffalo Trace with a competitive price, Stagg Jr. is a great addition to any bourbon enthusiast’s collection, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

• Related: Best Picks among Single Barrel Bourbons
• Learn more: Stagg Website

What’s unique about Stagg Jr.?

Stagg Jr. is a bourbon produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, utilizing the same mash bill as Benchmark, Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, and E.H. Taylor.

What sets Stagg Jr. apart is its unfiltered and uncut nature, providing a distinct character.

In addition, this bourbon is drawn from a Single Barrel.

This bourbon is aged for approximately 8 to 9 years, allowing it to develop complex flavors and depth.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Vanilla, cherry pie
• Palate: Cherry, cinnamon, baking spice, caramel, pecan
• Finish: Oak, cinnamon, brown sugar
• Alcohol content: 130 proof (65% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Benchmark Full Proof

The nose of Stagg Jr. fills the room with a cherry pie note, along with vanilla.

Upon tasting, its thick and chewy texture provides a bold and warm sensation.

As it unfolds, flavors of cherry, cinnamon, baking spice, and a subtle hint of pecan emerge.

The finish is inviting and warm, highlighting a rich oak character complemented by lingering notes of fine spices and brown sugar.

FAQ

A quick FAQ to address your doubts:

Awards & Accolades

• Jim Murray gave it a 97.5 rating, calling it “Spectacularly mind-blowing!”

How to drink it?

• Add water or a large ice ball: The high proof (130 proof) provides a pleasing burn but is not harsh. Adding water or an ice ball can help tame the heat.

Mash bill

• Around 10% Rye: Buffalo Trace keeps the composition of its mash bills secretive, but Stagg Jr. is known to have a maximum of 10% rye, adding a subtle spicy touch.

Age

• No age statement, but typically aged from 8 to 9 years.

Is it chill-filtered?

• No, it is a non-chill-filtered bourbon, providing a fully flavorful experience.

Alternatives

• Benchmark Full Proof: Bottled at a similar proof, from the same mash, and crafted by Buffalo Trace.
• Booker’s: A robust and punchy whiskey by Jim Beam, bottled at full strength.
• Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Strength: A top-ranked single barrel release from Old Forester.
• E.H. Taylor Single Barrel: A bottled-in bond release, bottled at 100 proof, offering a smoother option.

What is the price of Stagg Jr.?

• Drizly: $120 USD

Alcohol content

• 130 proof (65% ABV), with variations in proof from batch to batch.

Does it expire?

• No, alcoholic beverages do not expire.
• Proper storage in a cool place away from sunlight ensures its longevity.
• I recommend consuming it once the content is down to 25% to avoid awkward notes.

Who was George T. Stagg?

• George T. Stagg was born in 1835 and is one of the founding fathers of what is now the “Buffalo Trace Distillery” in Frankfort, Kentucky.

How did I review Stagg Jr.?

I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller.

My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and whiskey expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.

I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.

Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.

⭐ – Poor, ⭐⭐ – Average, ⭐⭐⭐ – Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent.

Stagg Jr: Specs

Type of Whisky	Bourbon
Age statement	7-9 Years
Proof	130
ABV	65
Is it good?	Yes
Is it top-shelf?	Yes
Does it expire?	No
Sweet?	Yes
Warm?	Yes
Peaty?	No
Good for beginners?	No
Good for cocktails?	Not the best
Good with Coke?	No
Calories per shot	108
Gluten-free	Yes
Keto-friendly	Yes