Stagg Jr. Batch 14 is rated at 130.2 Proof
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 14 from the Frankfurt, Kentucky distillery. This unfiltered bourbon was introduced in 2013, and each Stagg JR Barrel Proof release has its own distinct proofing, and Batch 14 is rated at 130.2.
SEE ALSO: Stagg Jr. Batches: Info by Release
Hence the original Jr. nameplate, it debuted as the little brother of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection George T. Stagg unicorn. Although it is not an age-stated bourbon, it is assumed to be whiskey that is eight to nine years in age.
SEE ALSO: Stagg 23B Bourbon Bourbon Release, Proof, Price, & Review
“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:
The distillery itself characterizes this bourbon as, “vanilla bean and salted caramel front and center on the nose, cherries, cinnamon and oak on the palate, and a long finish of toasted vanilla, pepper, coffee and hints of sweet mint.”
Generally speaking, this product typically shares some similarities with its twice aged brethren, George T. Stagg. Diehard whiskey nerds would even say that Stagg Jr is dropping the junior from its name due to the fact that is has been inching closer to its elder statesman.
Some bourbon collectors prefer one batch over another, and inevitably there has to be some truth to that. This one in particular introduces honey and pecan notes over more prominent cherries of prior batches. Stagg Batch 14, with its 130.2 barrel proof, is right in line with the following two batches which all come in all over 130-proof. The batches before and after these three drop down in the 128-range.
The barrel proof craze continues to amplify hype around this line of whiskey, but that is with good reason. If you can score this bourbon at retail price, it’s certainly a great value. Moreover, even with such a high ABV, it is more palpable than one might think. That is if you’re not just lining up shots down the bar, which is a given for any 60% ABV liquor.
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 16 Bourbon Release, Proof, Price, & Review
Release Date & Availability
Overall, this bourbon has exploded in popularity, like many of the Buffalo Trace products. That runs true, especially the Antique Collection, but most people will never bump into those bottles in the wild. This release hit distribution outlets nationally in the spring of 2020. Nowadays it’s probably only remaining in private collections or on the secondary market. If you are not able to locate this release, you can expect to find Batch 18 on shelves around Spring 2022.
SEE ALSO: Stagg Jr Batch 15 Bourbon Release, Proof, Price, & Review
Batch 14 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 14 has a distinctive proofing of130.2 . 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 Jr130.2 release.
The 130.2 proofing is the equivalent of 65.1% ABV.
SEE ALSO: Stagg Jr Batch 12 Bourbon Release, Proof, Price, & Review
Mash Bill
Stagg Jr. whiskey is made with Buffalo Trace’s Mashbill #1. This is the same mash bill used to make other favorites such as Eagle Rare, mainline E.H. Taylor Jr. bourbon, the brand’s flagship Buffalo Trace bourbon and others.
Stagg Jr. Batch 14 MSRP & Secondary Price
The MSRP of the latest Stagg Jr. release comes in at $60. True bourbon hunters will know the secondary price of this could be inflated immensely. Stagg 14 on the secondary market can fetch upwards of $250, if you first locate a good source where to buy.
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