Stagg Jr. Batch 8 Bourbon

ReviewsAmerican WhiskeyBourbonStagg Jr.Buffalo Trace

Sep 16

Written By David Levine

Stagg Jr. Batch 8 Bourbon: Specs

Classification: Bourbon

Origin: Buffalo Trace Distillery

Mashbill: Buffalo Trace High-Rye Mashbill (#1)

Proof: 129.5 (64.75% ABV)

Age: NAS

Location: Kentucky

Stagg Jr. Batch 8 Bourbon Price: N/A

Official Website

Stagg Jr. Batch 8 Bourbon Review: Tasting Notes

Eye: Manuka honey. Thin rim, splotchy droplets all over the glass.

Nose: There’s some proof here, but it’s within reason. Fiery cherry notes, like a Kirsch-flambeed dessert. White sugar caramel and baking spices take hold with roasted mixed nuts.

Palate: Mexican hot chocolate, creamy, rich, and spiced. Smoky dried fruits, like dates, with great depth. Intense dark chocolate. The proof is a flavor carrier and stays at a pleasant level throughout as a pleasant peppery companion. Mouthfeel is velvety, textured, with heat building on the tip of my tongue with chocolate sitting heavily in the corners of my mouth.

Finish: Heat spikes for a second, then mellows. Coating and medium length, all dates and dark chocolate - just delicious.

Overall: It’s clear to say that Batches 7 and 8 are where Stagg Jr. turned the corner from fire-breathing monster to a flavorful (yet still fire-breathing) gem. Seriously impressive stuff - I’m still tasting chocolate minutes later.

Final Rating: 8.8

10 | Insurpassable | Nothing Else Comes Close (Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel)

9 | Incredible | Extraordinary (GTS, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B518 and B520)

8 | Excellent | Exceptional (12+YO MGP Bourbon, Highland Park Single Barrels)

7 | Great | Well above average (Blanton’s Original, Old Weller Antique, Booker’s)

6 | Very Good | Better than average (Four Roses Small Batch Select, Knob Creek 14+ YO Picks)

5 | Good | Good, solid, ordinary (Elijah Craig Small Batch, Buffalo Trace, Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond)

4 | Sub-par | Many things I’d rather have (A.D. Laws Four Grain, Compass Box “Oak Cross”)

3 | Bad | Flawed (Iron Smoke Bourbon, Balcones)

2 | Poor | Forced myself to drink it (Buckshee Bourbon and Rye)

1 | Disgusting | Drain pour (Virginia Distilling Co. Cider Cask)