Stagg Jr. Batch 12 is rated at132.3 Proof
Stagg Jr. was first announced in 2013, and with its junior designation it was expected to be a more widely available version of its counterpart released annually as part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, George T. Stagg. Initially, some commented that it seemed closer to a barrel proof version of Buffalo Trace Bourbon than the original George T. Stagg. Yet, it quickly gained the attention of enthusiasts as it capitalized on the growing popularity of the Stagg name and barrel proof bourbons in general. Here, we outline Stagg Jr. Batch 12 in our bourbon review.
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Buffalo Trace Distillery only produces two batches of Stagg Jr. bourbon each year. The Sazerac Company spirit is now officially just referred to as Stagg bourbon, dropping the Jr from its name for the 18th batch release and beyond. For this review however, we will focus on Stagg Jr Batch 12 from the Frankfurt, Kentucky distillery. Each Stagg JR Barrel Proof release has its own distinct proofing, and Batch 12 is rated at 132.3.
SEE ALSO: Stagg Jr. Batches: Info by Release
Although it is not an age-stated bourbon, it is assumed to be whiskey that is eight to nine years in age. Despite its explosive start and instant hard-to-find status, the initial batch was far from a home run. It was not a George T. Stagg substitute or even a big boy version of Buffalo Trace Bourbon that everyone hoped it would be. Instead, it was too big, too bold, and too brash.
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“George T. Stagg built the most dominant American distillery of the 19th century, during a time known as the Gilded Age of Bourbon. Uncut and unfiltered, this robust bourbon whiskey ages for nearly a decade and boasts the bold character that is reminiscent of the man himself.“
The Buffalo Trace website gives the outline about George T. Stagg himelf.
-Buffalo Trace Distillery
SEE ALSO: Stagg Jr Batch 17 Bourbon Release, Proof, Price, & Review
Review & Tasting Notes:
Buffalo Trace has managed to make waves yet again with the remarkable, high-quality release of Stagg Jr. Batch 12. Despite an unfortunate rocky start on initial releases in terms of taste quality and spotty availability on store shelves (no surprise there!), they have refined it into what is one of its most sought after releases thanks to loyal fans and hefty allocations from the distillery itself. Your search for great flavors ends here!
The latest iteration of Stagg Jr. should come as welcome news for bourbon lovers who have had to contend with subpar releases in the past. After six years and 12 batches, Buffalo Trace has perfected this spirit that pays homage to its lauded ancestor George T. Stagg – offering a stunning flavor profile at an unbeatable price-point. That’s if you could actually find it for MSRP, good luck on that.
SEE ALSO: Stagg Jr Batch 16 Bourbon Release, Proof, Price, & Review
Color
Auburn, polished mahogany
Nose
Aroma: Rich, sweet, honey, pecan, apple, and brown sugar flavors mingle in perfect balance with the thick oak aromas.
Palate
Taste: Notes of dark brown sugar, vanilla, citrus, apple, and oak on the palate.
Finish
The boundless finish lingers with hints of dark chocolate, maple, vanilla and sweet oak.
SEE ALSO: Stagg Jr Batch 15 Bourbon Release, Proof, Price, & Review
Release Date & Availability
The Bourbon boom continues to grow, and Buffalo Trace is leading the charge. Fans of their allocated releases will have a hard time finding bottles with its sudden surge in popularity. However, those lucky enough to get their hands on Batch 12 from 2019 are truly blessed! It’s become quite the collector item these days – an elusive bottle likely found only as part of private collections or through resellers at a steep markup. Therefore, to get this fine juice in your bourbon tumbler, expect a little bit of luck or deep pockets!
For the latest releases, follow our bourbon release calendar for new allocated whiskey.
Batch 12 Proof & ABV
Both Stagg releases from Buffalo Trace are uncut and unfiltered, and bottled at a cask strength in the range above 125 proof. Moreover, like all Stagg Jr. bourbon releases, Batch 12 has a distinctive proofing of132.3. Some bourbon lovers even refer to each batch by it’s designated proofing. With that approach in mind, this batch could be called the Stagg Jr132.3 release.
The132.3 proofing is the equivalent of 66.15% ABV. Nonetheless, expect long legs to form in your bourbon tasting glass when you pour this high-proof bourbon.
Mash Bill
Stagg Jr. whiskey is made with Buffalo Trace’s Mashbill #1. This is the sameincredible mash bill used to create some of Buffalo Trace’s most beloved liquors – Eagle Rare, mainline E.H. Taylor Jr. bourbon, and the brand’s flagship Buffalo Trace bourbon and others.
SEE ALSO: Stagg Jr Batch 14 Bourbon Release, Proof, Price, & Review
Stagg Jr. Batch 12 MSRP & Secondary Price
If you consider yourself a serious bourbon enthusiast, then Stagg 12 is definitely something to add your collection. Its MSRP may be only $60, but on secondary markets it could go for up to four times that! True bourbon hunters will know the secondary price of this could be inflated immensely. Stagg 12 on the secondary market can fetch more than $250, if you first locate a good source where to buy.
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