Stagg Jr. Batch 17 is rated at 128.7 Proof
Buffalo Trace Distillery only produces two batches of Stagg Jr. bourbon each year. The bourbon product is now officially just referred to as Stagg, dropping the Jr from its name following the 17th batch release. As noted, the Frankfurt, Kentucky distillery is now on Stagg Jr Batch 17 of this unfiltered bourbon which was introduced in 2013.
SEE ALSO: Stagg 23B Bourbon Bourbon Release, Proof, Price, & Review
Hence the original Jr. nameplate, it debuted as the little brother of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection George T. Stagg unicorn. The standard age statement of this whiskey however is eight years.
SEE ALSO: Stagg Jr. Batches: Info by Release
“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
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. Some rumor this could be the best batch yet, or is that just all the Kentucky bourbon hype building?
Some folks compare some notes of this batch release to Batch 14 with the cherries and its sweetness. One key difference from the prior three batches however is the proofing. Stagg Batch 17, with its 128.7 barrel proof, is slightly lower than the prior three batches which came in all over 130-proof.
Color
Auburn, polished mahogany
Nose
Aroma: Rich, sweet, chocolate and brown sugar flavors mingle in perfect balance with the bold rye spiciness.
Palate
Taste: Notes of cinnamon and oak on the palate.
Finish
The boundless finish lingers with hints of cherries, cloves and smokiness.
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 hits distribution outlets nationally in the fall of 2021. 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 17 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 17 has a distinctive proofing of 128.7. 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 Jr 128.7 release.
SEE ALSO: Stagg Jr Batch 14 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.
SEE ALSO: Stagg Jr Batch 12 Bourbon Release, Proof, Price, & Review
Stagg Jr. Batch 17 MSRP & Secondary Price
The MSRP of the latest Stagg Jr. release comes in at $49.99. True bourbon hunters will know the secondary price of this could be inflated immensely. Stagg 17 on the secondary market can fetch upwards of $250, if you first locate a good source where to buy.
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