Nose – Sweet and strong. This is the 12th Batch of Stagg Jr - a ten-ish year old barrel proof release from Buffalo Trace featuring mashbill 1. A grade of a “B” today may very well be a “B+” or even a “B-” on another day, so rather than focusing on a precise score today that may not stand the test of time, we are just sharing our overall grade of that pour for that one tasting. Ardbeg Uigeadail 8.7. Read more for tasting notes, and to see how much of this you need to buy. Distilled at Buffalo Trace, each batch ⦠MASH BILL â Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 . Stagg Jr, the child / younger brother of ~15-year-old George T Stagg, is a small batch ⦠We use a simple grade school system to apply a grade to the whiskeys we review because we feel it is indicative of the whiskey’s grade for us on that particular day. The Bourbon Finder reviews the Spring/Summer release of Stagg Jr. (batch 12) at 132.3 proof. Can't go wrong snagging one of these. So for this battle I’ll be comparing a release that has been held in extremely high regard with a brand new release in the same family. Stagg Jr Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch #12 A historic distillery, Buffalo Trace was built in 1812 Harrison Blanton. A bit of dark chocolate really brings this around to more of a candy flavor. This comes across drier and spicier on the nose. Even though the release allegedly happens twice per year, batch 12 didnât hit shelves until sometime around October, although I hear batch ⦠Stock Image. Stagg Jr. Batch 15 Review! Batch 12 is particular got a lot of hype as potentially being better than the low proof GTs release that year. Batch 12: $150 Batch 13: $150 Batch 14: $100 Not interested in trades and prices are firm. I forgot how fruity and delicious this was. To get back on topic, Buffalo Trace did a strange thing with Batch 12. 1792 ⦠The batches ⦠The masterminds at Aged & Ore have created a travel decanter to revolutionize the way you sip your favorite drink when you travel. Use discount code 10PERCENT-BOURBONFINDER at checkout. Read more to see how many bottles of this whiskey to buy. This is the 14th batch since Stagg Jr. was first announced in 2013. Stagg Jr. Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch 13 from Buffalo Trace is bottled at 128.4 proof. The oak structure is noticeable and firm, and brings a touch of that dusty warehouse with it. NAS. The rich and complex flavors of each batch really showcase this brand extension and it’s constant evolution. Heavy ethanol along with super rich cherry and caramel. I got into bourbon for the flavor and experiences associated with it. As George T. Stagg struggles to reach the consistently high ratings it once did, Stagg Jr. has picked up its slack. Long, a bit of heat but rich with coffee, toffee, cherry cordial and vanilla bean. 12 has a leathery richness/depth to it that's missing in Batch 9, but Batch 9 taste like fuckin Cherry Coke and Dr Pepper even mimicking that ⦠Review #269: Stagg Jr Batch 12⦠Buffalo Trace Antique Collection: William Larue Weller 2020, Buffalo Trace Antique Collection: Eagle Rare 17yr 2020, Buffalo Trace Antique Collection: Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye 2020, Buffalo Trace Antique Collection: George T. Stagg 2020, Buffalo Trace Antique Collection: Sazerac Rye 18yr 2020, Buffalo Trace Charges Past 150,000 Visitors Despite Covid Closures in 2020, Our in house critic rates spirits on a scale of 0-10 (10 best) and is aggregated the same as external sources. Stagg Jr.Limited Edition Barrel Proof Batch #12 132.3 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Tasting Notes. With that said, this Stagg Jr review covers batch 10, the most recent batch ⦠Bottles will remain in my collection otherwise. Moving forward I’ll continue doing side-by-side battles like the previous Elijah Craig “B Battle”. This is a non age-stated and unfiltered Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that is understood to be around ten years old. The Bourbon Finder compares Stagg Jr. Batch 15 and Batch 12. Compared to Batch 12 and GTS 2020! 132.3 Proof - 66.15% ABV. Bourbon Barrel Proof 750ML Sku: 03931 George T. Stagg built the most dominant American distillery of the 19th century, during a time known as the Gilded Age of Bourbon. Finish – A long finish to be sure. It was then purchased by the legendary Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr in 1870, ⦠Let’s go! It’s really nice and while between the two batches I am choosing Batch 12 as my winner for this tasting, I could totally see this going differently on another evening. If you’re looking for innovative (and kickass) gear, you’ve got to check out the Draft Top, and “drink topless” as they say. The initial batch was released in 2013 and Buffalo Trace Distillery has released two batches every year since. It's intended to have a similar profile to the popular George T. Stagg, and is released in batches twice per year. Our grading system: As mentioned in our About Us page, we’re excited to share bourbon with our friends, family, and readers. Stagg Jr is made in small batches (but no details are given as to how many barrels go into a batch) and released twice-a-year, with each batch exhibiting its own unique characteristics. In an effort to make that choice somewhat easier I’m comparing the famed Stagg Jr. Batch 12 to the latest Batch 15 that has landed in December of 2020. Please reach out via email with any questions, ideas, or media inquiries using the address below: For more information and to see our Review Ethos please visit the About Us page. Save 15% when using our coupon code: CHEERS15-BOURBONFINDER. Personally I preferred the â19 GTS but Jr is no slouch so letâs get to the review. Let’s take a quick look now at the Buffalo Trace Distillery website to see what they say about the younger George T. Stagg product: George T. Stagg built the most dominant American distillery of the 19th century, during a time known as the Gilded Age of Bourbon. Lucky Seven Spirits 12-Year-Old Single Barrel The Proprietor 8.7. Stagg Jr. Barrel Proof Kentucky Bourbon 750ml Bourbon. Buffalo Trace Stagg Jr Batches 9, 12, and 13 Blind Tasting / Review I rank 3 of the highest regarded batches to see which I prefer! Each batch keeps getting better. In a previous comparison review, I found Stagg Jr. Batch 13 to be better than Batch 12. youtube ... a new employee-owned microdistillery producing small-batch spirits exclusively derived from ⦠Buttery toffee and spice are all over this sip and as it moves across the palate it’s coating everything nicely. Stagg Jr Batch 12. Stagg Jr. Barrel Proof Bourbon is uncut (no water added) and unfiltered like its bourbon "father" George T. Stagg. A bit of heat but balanced well against the cherry, toffee and some vanilla bean. Taste – Punchy and strong but with layers of dark and sweet goodness. There are enough critics, cynics, and curmudgeons in the whiskey world as it is, so our goal is to foster the bourbon community in a positive way by bringing fun and entertaining content whenever possible–as such–we decided that applying precise scores to whiskey was simply too serious for us (and didn’t accurately showcase variability in taste from day to day). I think I might like this just a hair less than 13, but we're splitting hairs here. This one rolls on like a revolving door of fruit, a light sweetness that even leans toward maple, oak, and some spice. Nose: Delightful fragrance. Nose: Honey, oak, ethanol, cherry and pepper. The bourbon is uncut and unfiltered, and is matured for eight years. A really nice sip from start to finish. Stagg Jr is Buffalo Traceâs semiannual release of George T Staggâs younger brother. Toffee, oak caramel and coffee. A touch of apple pie. There’s an inviting buttery something in here that keeps changing between caramel and toffee. I’m impressed with how well balanced this is with the layers of vanilla and cherries that mix in with oak and a touch of spice. Batch 14! Stock Image. In fact, we gave Stagg Jr.âs 2019 Batch 12 a stellar review, even naming it ⦠As I found more bourbon I enjoyed, the need to dive deeper into the history, brands, and technical side of things converted me into a total bourbon geek. SBS: Russell’s Reserve (Second Helping) via Columbia Bourbon Collective, Weekly Whiskey: Blending the Future with Penelope Bourbon. There are layers of heavy vanilla, dark cherry, some spice and oak. At 132.3 proof, Stagg Jr Batch 12 offers an exceptionally long and heated finish. Solid and consistent, delightful at every turn even despite the heat. Comparing products in the same family is really fun for me and hopefully the comparison here will help others in their whiskey travels. Buffalo Trace Distillery - Stagg Jr Barrel Proof 128.4 Proof 2019 Batch 13 $ 229.99 Kentucky-based Buffalo Trace announced this week the winter 2020 allocation of its Stagg Jr. bourbon, just in time for the holidays. PRICE â $54 . Raided Score is a conversion from an external site's score, to our in house uniform scoring system. Again I’m reminded of a liquid candy bar here with the background of vanilla and buttery toffee that mixes with caramel and chocolate. I somehow found this bottle in December 2018 and was happy to buy it. The oak and spice drive this one home. 130.2 Proof!! If you’ve somehow been ignoring Stagg Jr. because you disliked the earlier batches…thank you, that’ll leave a bit more of these batches on the shelf for the rest of us! Iâm traveling back in time to review Stagg Jr batch 7, released in the fall of 2016. Typically released twice a year, the batch ⦠⦠Nice structure with a full mouth feel. Batch 12 and Batch 9 Stagg Jr are standouts. Uncut and unfiltered, this robust bourbon whiskey ages ⦠Today its Stagg Jr. baby! Still Austin Straight Bourbon Whiskey 8.7. The folks at Seelbach’s are truly unlocking craft spirits by tracking down the best bottles around and shipping them straight to your door. AGE â NAS (rumored ~6-8 years) DISTILLERY â Buffalo Trace Distillery . So the difference in proof is minor between these two with Batch 12 clocking in at 132.2 and Batch 15 tipping the scales at 131.1. Vanilla and homemade caramel. It was cumbersome, if I’m honest. Stagg Jr is the younger brother to the legendary George T Stagg and become increasingly hard to find. Something like a candy bar…and it’s basically screaming “drink me!”. Heavy ⦠George T. Stagg built the most dominant American distillery of the 19th century, during a time known as the Gilded Age of Bourbon. Stagg Jr. However in 2019, the website Breaking Bourbon voted Stagg Jr. Batch 12 as their âwhiskey of the yearâ and now it is no longer a realistic bottle to find on the shelves as secondary prices have doubled to the tune of about $150. ... Stagg Jr. Batch 14 8.4. Batch 14 of Stagg Jr is delicious. One thing worth nothing, here, is that I’ve reviewed both of these and scored them both a B+. Taste – Nice dark fruit and a layer of sweetness. STAGG JR. BATCH #12 2019 release . The rating above is similar to my reviews of Bookerâs 2019-01 Teresaâs Batch, Bookerâs 2019-04 Beaten Biscuits, Eagle Rare, Four Roses Single Barrel, Makerâs Mark Cask Strength, Makerâs Mark Private Select â Idaho Directorâs Cut Batch 7, Old Forester 1920, Stagg Jr Batch 10, Stagg Jr Batch 12, and Weller 12 ⦠Review #1388 â Stagg Jr. Batch 12 By t8ke on Thursday, February 20, 2020 The Schtick: This is the 12th Batch of Stagg Jr â a ten-ish year old barrel proof release from Buffalo Trace ⦠This is the 12th Batch of Stagg Jr - a ten-ish year old barrel proof release from Buffalo Trace featuring mashbill 1. I would recommend giving this batch a little time after opening to really taste the complex notes of that ⦠Honey, oak, ethanol, cherry and pepper. Pour a bit and enjoy, friends, these are the good old days of whiskey! So in the past I’ve done a feature called Whiskey King of the Hill where one bottle reigns as champ until dethroned by a new contender. Colonel EH Taylor Small Batch $89 Colonel EH Taylor Rye $110 Colonel EH Taylor Single Barrel $140 Colonel EH Taylor Single Barrel Store Pick $275 Elmer T Lee 100th Anniverary $550 Elmer T Lee Bourbon $199 OFC 1993 Vintage bottle 557 of 822 (Buffalo Trace) $4500 Stagg Jr $125 Weller 12 year 1.75L $325 Weller 12 ⦠I suppose this one won’t be wildly surprising; however, I’d urge anyone who likes a darker (or less fruit-forward) pour to dig this one up. Not interested in hearing offers for combined deals. Tracking down allocated products can be a tough nut to crack, and for some folks it can come down to deciding which bottle is worth the effort of hunting down. Whereas in previous years, Stagg Jr released a spring batch and fall batch, for 2019 the first batch ⦠Batch 13 was announced in January 2020 and the 14th batch ⦠After a good chew, the heat gives the throat a nice warming as its many aromas and flavors blend. Tags: bourbon, rye, whiskey, whisky, weller, blantons, pappy Read more... Stagg batch Jr ⦠Uncut and unfiltered, this robust bourbon whiskey ages for nearly a decade and boasts the bold character that is reminiscent of the man himself. Stagg Jr. is usually a blend of 8 to 9-year-old bourbons, whereas GTS is usually 12 years plus. Nose – This jumps out with some ethanol and oak. Palate: Rich, sweet, chocolate and brown sugar ⦠COLONEL E⦠Please see the FAQ for more. Finish – This qualifies as being a long finish for me–but only just making it across the line to earn the title. Stagg Jr. Batch 12 vs. Batch 13 Comparison Review Mar 23, 2020 â So the fact that they had not reviewed any Stagg Jr. Batches since Batch 1 was a little confusing as this ⦠PROOF â 132.3 .