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. In 2021, Buffalo Trace announced that Batch 18 would be the first batch to lose “Jr.” from its name and simply be called, “Stagg.” Stagg is released twice a year in waves that can be spread out for a few months with a release date that corresponds to a season rather than a month. The bourbon’s age is believed to hover between 7-9 years old. We awarded Stagg Jr. Batch 12 the Best Whiskey of 2019.

A lush bouquet of ripe cherry and raspberry signals a very fruit-forward nose. Despite this dominance, cigar box and old leather add contrast and complexity to what is already a potent aroma. Subtle hints of barrel char introduce a touch of smokiness, with a trace of cocoa powder adding an essence of bitterness. Underlining all of this is a malbec grape note that grounds the aroma. There’s no denying its richness, but surprisingly it maintains balance. Fleeting traces of ethanol can also be noticed, but the aroma’s full-bodiedness drowns it out. It’s a very well done aroma that few bourbons manage to capture with the exact same richness.

Dry leather and thick charred oak begin the palate with a commanding presence. As you slowly move through it, black forest cake is revealed, offering loads of tart dark cherries and bittersweet chocolate notes. A bit of bootstrap molasses is mixed near the palate’s end, wedging itself in easily thanks to its complementary flavor. Plum also has a strong presence, though the lack of other fruit notes has its drawbacks, as the midpoint is thick and potent, and its flavors are highly concentrated. Regardless, this is a palate that commands your attention.

Charred oak is once again present, resulting in tannic oak as the sip concludes. As the slight bitterness lingers, prune juice notes come rushing in, creating a long-lasting impression until the very end. A touch of peppery spice develops over burnt caramel, which produces a yin and yang type relationship. This helps create a noticeable burst of a warming sensation in your nostrils as the bourbon’s proof comes out in full force. The finish is dense and lingering, leaving a rich, velvety trace.

Over the years, Stagg’s quality has remained very consistent, calming the nerves of any buyer lucky to find one (at a presumably inflated price). While George T. Stagg follows a similar path, it tends to vary a bit more than Stagg does. Typically, the main differentiator of a Stagg release is the variation in its flavor profile, though even that tends to be minor compared to many other limited releases on the market.

This year’s release does omit some of the more pronounced fruit notes found in previous editions. The result is a bourbon that puts more emphasis on its charred oak, leather, bittersweet chocolate, and bootstrap molasses notes. These flavors aren’t new for the brand, but without the layers of fruit to help add contrast, more attention is put on them with Batch 24A. Prune does make an appearance that tastes reminiscent of prune juice, adding a touch of sweetness, but also tangy caramel that the fruit is known for. Few bourbons can manage their proof as well as Stagg does, while also delivering a wealth of flavor and intensity. While all of this isn’t revolutionary for a Stagg bourbon, or other big barrel proof bourbons for that matter, perhaps this bourbon’s most standout aspect is its fullness of flavor, weight, and density of its sip.

Stagg’s $65 MSRP continues to feel impressively low, but a big portion of that feeling comes from its secondary market pricing. Given that it's a Buffalo Trace made bourbon, extra attention is often directed towards it, often resulting in increased demand and prices. Heaven Hill still offers their barrel proof whiskeys, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, Larceny, and Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey at $75. But as an annual barrel proof product, it doesn’t fall into the one-off limited edition pricing we see every year from the major Kentucky distilleries, which many are now nearing $200. Yet with Stagg, there is inherently less risk picking up its latest batch, as constancy remains ever steady. Though it lacks some uniqueness, its pour remains as impactful as ever. At MSRP, a buy recommendation is omnipresent, but even at double that price, it still delivers, which is a great sign that the value is on the consumer side here.

There are no shortages of high proof bourbon nowadays, unlike when Stagg Jr. was first released. It can sometimes feel like big punchy flavor is more common now than expertly balanced bourbons are. But Stagg remains special because of its fullness of flavor, weight, and density of its sip. Its proof isn’t always what sticks out first when you take a sip. The most standout and memorable aspect of a Stagg bourbon is how it overtakes your senses as you sip it. This isn’t unique to Stagg of course, but it is one of the best at it. Batch 24A does omit some of its enjoyable typical fruit notes this year, which results in a more monotone-tasting flavor profile. That isn’t necessarily a negative, but it keeps the bourbon from reaching greater heights. While Stagg is more focused this year, it also lacks an additional dimension to its sip that past batches have highlighted. It remains velvety and mouth coating, resulting in a sip that is as commanding as it's ever been.