Stagg Jr. Barrel Proof Bourbon – A Bold Spirit with 65% ABV

If you’re a whiskey lover who seeks intensity, depth, and boldness in every pour, then Stagg Jr. Barrel Proof Bourbon is your perfect match. With a staggering 65% ABV (130 proof), this powerhouse bourbon is not for the faint of heart. It’s big, brash, unapologetic—and absolutely beloved in the bourbon community.

Produced by the legendary Buffalo Trace Distillery, Stagg Jr. is the younger, feistier sibling of the iconic George T. Stagg, one of the most coveted bourbons in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. But don’t be fooled by the “Jr.” in its name—this bottle packs a serious punch in terms of both strength and flavor.

Let’s dive into what makes Stagg Jr. a favorite among high-proof bourbon fans and why this barrel proof beast deserves a spot in your whiskey lineup.

🔥 Alcohol Content: 65% ABV (130 Proof)

Let’s start with what makes this bottle famous—its barrel proof strength.

• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): Varies by batch, typically 63%–67%

• Average ABV: Around 65%

• Style: Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon

• Non-Chill Filtered: Yes

• Aged: 8–9 years on average

Barrel proof means it’s bottled straight from the barrel, with no dilution. That’s as close to tasting whiskey straight out of the rickhouse as it gets. This style preserves maximum flavor, richness, and complexity—but it also demands respect. One pour delivers intense heat, long finishes, and rich texture.

🧬 The Buffalo Trace Legacy

Stagg Jr. comes from one of America’s most prestigious distilleries—Buffalo Trace in Frankfort, Kentucky. Home to brands like Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, and Pappy Van Winkle, Buffalo Trace has a reputation for quality and collectability.

Stagg Jr. uses the same mash bill as George T. Stagg—known as Mash Bill #1, a low-rye bourbon recipe.

• Estimated Grain Ratio:

  • 75% Corn

  • 10% Rye

  • 15% Malted Barley

While George T. Stagg is typically aged 15+ years and released annually, Stagg Jr. (rebranded as simply “Stagg” in 2022) is aged 8–9 years and released in batches several times per year.

🧠 What Does “Barrel Proof” Really Mean?

Barrel proof (or cask strength) bourbon is not watered down before bottling. This means:

• Higher alcohol percentage (up to 67%)

• Bolder flavors

• More control—add your own water or ice to tailor strength

• More variation between batches

Each batch of Stagg Jr. has its own personality, making it a fun bottle for collectors and connoisseurs to compare.

👃 Tasting Notes – Big, Bold, and Beautiful

Every sip of Stagg Jr. is an adventure in flavor. Here’s a typical flavor journey:

👃 Nose (Aroma)

• Brown sugar

• Dark cherries

• Toasted oak

• Cinnamon and clove

• A subtle hint of burnt caramel and leather

You’ll feel the heat on the nose—this is 130+ proof after all—but it’s layered with sweetness and spice.

👅 Palate (Taste)

On the first sip, you’ll get a wave of warmth. Then come the layers:

• Toffee

• Baking spices

• Vanilla custard

• Dark chocolate

• Cherries dipped in syrup

• A bold burst of charred oak and pepper

It’s rich, oily, and full-bodied—a mouth-coating bourbon that doesn’t hold back.

🔥 Finish

Long. Intense. Memorable.

• Peppery spice

• Oak tannin

• Lingering sweetness of maple and molasses

• A final warmth that keeps glowing on the chest

This is the kind of whiskey you sip slowly and savor.

🥃 How to Enjoy Stagg Jr.

Stagg Jr. is incredibly versatile, but due to its strength, how you enjoy it matters.

Best Ways to Serve:

• Neat – If you like bold, uncut whiskey

• With a Splash of Water – Opens up complexity

• On the Rocks – Tames the heat and brings out sweetness

• In a High-End Old Fashioned or Manhattan – Adds intense depth

Because of its proof, even a single ounce packs as much flavor as 1.5–2 oz of standard bourbon.

🧊 Should You Add Water?

Absolutely—if you want to explore the full range of flavors.

Try adding a few drops of filtered water and letting it sit for 5–10 minutes. You’ll notice:

• Less alcohol burn

• Enhanced fruit and spice notes

• A smoother finish

Stagg Jr. is a great reminder that “high proof” doesn’t mean harsh—it means potential.

🍽️ Food Pairings

Due to its boldness, Stagg Jr. pairs well with rich, fatty, and spicy foods.

• Ribeye steak or brisket

• Barbecue ribs

• Dark chocolate desserts

• Aged cheddar or gouda

• Spicy sausage or chorizo

It cuts through big flavors and holds its own.

🏷️ Price, Availability, and Collectability

• MSRP: $60–$70

• Market Price: $100–$200+ (varies by batch and demand)

• Bottle Size: 750ml

• Release: Batches (2–3 times per year)

Stagg Jr. is considered allocated—meaning limited supply and high demand. It often sells out quickly and fetches a markup on secondary markets.

📊 Stagg Jr. vs. Other Barrel Proof Bourbons

Stagg Jr. is often considered one of the best high-proof bourbons under $100, especially if you can find it at MSRP.

🏆 Awards and Acclaim

Stagg Jr. has racked up praise from both professionals and enthusiasts:

• 🥇 Gold Medal – San Francisco World Spirits Competition

• 🥃 “Top 10 Barrel Proof Bourbons” – Breaking Bourbon

• ⭐ Regularly scores 90+ points on Whiskey Advocate

Many even prefer it to George T. Stagg due to its approachability and availability (when you can find it!).

📦 Bottle Design

• Thick, dark glass

• Short neck for better grip

• Minimalist label with batch and proof info

• Cork stopper

It looks bold, feels premium, and stands out on any whiskey shelf.

🔁 Batch Variations

Each release is labeled as a batch, and the proof and flavor can vary. Some highly regarded batches include:

• Batch 12 (132.3 proof) – Rich cherry and spice

• Batch 13 (128.4 proof) – Balanced oak and sweetness

• Batch 15 (131.1 proof) – Big vanilla and cinnamon

• Batch 17B (128.7 proof) – Very limited release, complex and deep

Collectors often trade and rate batches, making Stagg Jr. a fun bottle to explore over time.

✅ Final Verdict: Is Stagg Jr. Worth It?

Yes—if you love bold bourbon.

Stagg Jr. is:

✔️ A flavor bomb
✔️ Powerful yet refined
✔️ Collectible yet enjoyable
✔️ Complex, spicy, and sweet
✔️ Perfect for sipping slowly

Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon hunter or just starting to explore high-proof whiskeys, Stagg Jr. is a bottle that delivers a full experience—and one that keeps evolving with every batch.

📌 Quick Summary