Complete List of Stagg Jr Batches, Price, Review, Proof, Releases, Ranked by Batch
Buffalo Trace has released Stagg Jr batches twice yearly since 2013. This is the younger statesmen of the iconic bourbon George T Stagg, which is part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. The distillery decided to make the most of its success by introducing the Stagg Jr. Barrel Proof release.
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Stagg Jr. is similar to its older sibling and has many of the same high proof qualities, it’s just younger. Baby Stagg is closer to the 9-year range, while George T Stagg bourbon is a 15-year bourbon. In this Stagg Jr review, we’ll cover the release schedule, pricing trends, and how to identify each batch.
Stagg Batches by Proof, Release Date, MSRP, Secondary Price
| BATCH | PROOF | RELEASE DATE | MSRP | SECONDARY PRICE | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24B | TBD | Winter 2024 | $70 | $250 | |
| 24A | TBD | Summer 2024 | $70 | $250 | |
| 23B | 127.8 | Winter 2023 | $70 | $250 | formerly called Batch 22 |
| 23A | 130.2 | Summer 2023 | $70 | $275 | formerly called Batch 21 |
| 22A | 132.2 | May 2023 | $70 | $185 | formerly called Batch 19 |
| 22B | 130 | Winter 2022 | $70 | $250 | formerly called Batch 20 |
| 18 | 131 | Winter 2022 | $70 | $250 | |
| 17 | 128.7 | Winter 2021 | $60 | $390 | last batch with Jr. on label |
| 16 | 130.9 | Summer 2021 | $60 | $360 | |
| 15 | 131.1 | Winter 2020 | $60 | $265 | |
| 14 | 130.2 | Spring 2020 | $60 | $170 | |
| 13 | 128.4 | Fall 2019 | $60 | $340 | |
| 12 | 132.3 | Summer 2019 | $60 | $250 | |
| 11 | 127.9 | Winter 2018 | $50 | $250 | |
| 10 | 126.4 | Spring 2018 | $50 | $450 | |
| 9 | 131.9 | Fall 2017 | $50 | $275 | |
| 8 | 129.5 | Spring 2017 | $50 | $250 | |
| 7 | 130.0 | Fall 2016 | $50 | $250 | |
| 6 | 132.5 | Spring 2016 | $50 | $275 | |
| 5 | 129.7 | Fall 2015 | $50 | $250 | |
| 4 | 132.2 | Spring 2015 | $50 | $250 | |
| 3 | 132.1 | Fall 2014 | $50 | $250 | |
| 2 | 128.7 | Spring 2014 | $50 | $750 | |
| 1 | 134.4 | Fall 2013 | $50 | $250 | |
| BATCH | PROOF | RELEASE DATE | MSRP | SECONDARY COST | NOTES |
How to tell which batch of Stagg Jr you have?
Being the younger sibling, it has picked up several nicknames since its birth. This product from Buffalo Trace Distillery is commonly called Baby Stagg, SJR, or Stagg Jr, followed by its unique proofing number.
For example, enthusiasts might also refer to Batch 1 as Stagg Jr 134.4, as it was a 134.4 proof bourbon release. Alternatively, enthusiasts could simply refer to it by batch number. The Fall 2021 release would be the 15th batch for example.
Nonetheless, after Stagg Batch 18, it even lost the Jr distinction. The proof on the bottle is the most important clue for figuring out which release you have. You can reference our chart to match your bottle of Stagg proof to the exact batch number, ranging from Batch 1 to Batch 22.
If your bottle of Stagg bourbon does not fit one of these proof ratings, it could also be a Stagg Jr private selection bottle. Typically, those bottles have a sticker that designates who selected the Stagg barrel pick. The last plausible possibility in today’s climate is the bottle of a fake.
Stagg Jr Batches by Proof
Because of the unique style of this Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, each new release varies slightly in proof from the next. Each SJR batch is a limited edition, while also being an uncut and unfiltered barrel proof bourbon. Do not confuse this with a single barrel.
Buffalo Trace blends each small batch using juice that is roughly 8 or 9 years old. Proof numbers are often synonymous with each release, and interchanged by enthusiasts to identify batch numbers. Nonetheless, this bourbon has developed a reputation to be a high barrel proof, which make its way straight to the bottle.
When Stagg Jr bourbon was first release, some whiskey reviewers suggested the barrel proof was too “alcohol forward.” However, that was the strongest of all releases to date at 134.4. Some folks suggest to crack the bottle open and let it sit for a day. They will then re-cork it and put it away for 2 weeks before filling their favorite bourbon tasting glass.
Stagg Jr Proof by Year:
Release Dates
Buffalo Trace releases Stagg Jr batches twice each year. Those bourbon releases will happen either in the Spring/ Summer, as well in the Fall/ Winter.
You will rarely see this highly sought after release sit on the shelves in your local liquor store for long. If you do, we want to know what liquor store you shop at. Moreover, if you do find one, it will most likely only be the most recent batch of Stagg.
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MSPR Price vs Secondary Price
The Stagg Jr. MSRP Price is around $70, while the secondary price can climb over $250-plus. Naturally, older batches are more rare and expensive.
Stagg Jr. Bourbon Review & Whiskey Awards
According to Buffalo Trace’s Master Distiller, Harlen Wheatley, Stagg Jr. bourbon has a perfect combination of flavors. These flavors include rich, sweet chocolate and brown sugar. Additionally, the bourbon has a bold and spicy rye taste. The boundless finish lingers with hints of cherries, cloves and smokiness.”
As for tasting notes, this whiskey has a long finish to say the least. Think Kentucky hug, with long legs forming on your bourbon tumbler.
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- 2018 Gold Medal; Best of Category (Bourbon – Overproof) – Los Angeles International Spirits Competition
- 2018 Double Gold Medal – San Francisco World Spirits Competition
- 2018 Trophy Finalist; “Tried & True” – 96 points – Ultimate Spirits Challenge
- 2018 Gold Medal – Denver International Spirits Competition
- 2017 Silver Outstanding Medal – International Wine & Spirits Competition
- 2017 Gold Medal – International Spirits Challenge
- 2017 Gold Medal – San Francisco World Spirits Competition
- 2017 “Tried & True” – 95 points – Ultimate Spirits Challenge
- 2016 Gold Medal – International Wine & Spirits Competition
- 2016 Best of Category / Gold Medal (92 points) – Los Angeles International Spirits Competition
- 2016 Trophy Finalist; “Great Value;” “Tried & True” – 97 points – Ultimate Spirits Challenge
- 2016 Silver Medal – San Francisco World Spirits Competition
- 2016 Silver Medal, Best Non-Age Statement Bourbon – World Whiskies Awards
- 2015 Silver Medal – New York World Wine & Spirits Competition
- 2015 Best of Division (Whiskey) / Gold Medal (97 points) – Los Angeles International Spirits Competition
- 2015 Double Gold Medal – San Francisco World Spirits Competition
- 2015 Trophy Finalist – 95 points – Ultimate Spirits Challenge
- 2015 BTI International Review of Spirits – “Exceptional” – 95 points
- 2015 Gold Medal – North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition
- 2014 Silver Medal – International Wine & Spirits Competition
- 2015 Silver Medal – Denver International Spirits Competition
- 2014 Silver Medal – Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition
- 2014 Double Gold Medal – San Francisco World Spirits Competition
- 2014 Bronze Medal, American Bourbon Whiskey No Age Statement – World Whiskies Awards
- 2014 Excellent/Highly Recommended – Ultimate Spirits Challenge
Batches Ranked
While every bourbon lover will find their own personal favorites, there are a few consensus standpoints. Whiskey enthusiasts commonly praise Batch 9, while also comparing it to Batch 12. With the Batch 12 craze, comes its own comparison to Batch 13.
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Stagg Jr. vs Booker’s
As far as cask strength bourbons, Stagg Jr. and Booker’s by Jim Beam are some of the more established products. Therefore, they are somtimes compared head-to-head. They are both high heat, uncut and unfiltered.
However, Booker’s bourbon receives four annual releases, twice the frequency of the Buffalo Trace offering. Booker’s ages for 6 to 8 years, while its counterpart utilizes 8 to 9-year-old juice. Booker’s proof is generally in the 121–130.6 range, whereas Baby Stagg has landed in the 126-134 range.
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Overview
Producer: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Release Category: Limited-Edition, Allocated
Release Frequency: 2 Batches Per Year
Release Season: Spring/ Summer and Fall/ Winter
ABV: 66% – 67% – Varies by Release
Bottle Size: 750ml
MSRP Price: $70
Avg. Price Retail: $59
AVG Secondary Price: $250+ (early batches more valuable)
Production Codes: DSP-KY-113, DSP-CA-63, DSP-MD-11, DSP-KY-12, DSP-KY-24
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