Stagg Jr Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Uncut. Unfiltered. Stagg Jr Kentucky Straight Bourbon — Buffalo Trace's annual cask-strength batch expression named for George T. Stagg, the Gilded Age distilling magnate whose Frankfort, Kentucky facility became Buffalo Trace Distillery. Aged nearly a decade, bottled at natural barrel proof with no dilution and no filtration.

George T. Stagg built the most dominant American distillery of the 19th century during the era known as the Gilded Age of Bourbon. The distillery bearing his name still stands in Frankfort, Kentucky, now operating as Buffalo Trace. The BTAC George T. Stagg expression is his most celebrated tribute — one of the world's most allocated and highest-rated bourbons annually. Stagg Jr is the accessible counterpart: the same uncut, unfiltered barrel-strength philosophy delivered in annual batches at broader availability than the BTAC allows.

Each Stagg Jr batch is a unique barrel selection at its natural proof, varying meaningfully in proof and character from batch to batch. The series launched in 2013 with Batch 1 at 134.4 proof — the highest in the series' history — and has released annually since. As of 2022, Buffalo Trace removed the "Jr" designation and the product is now released simply as "Stagg." Wooden Cork carries multiple batches spanning Batch 1 through the current 24-series releases.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich chocolate, brown sugar, and bold rye spice — the hallmark Buffalo Trace high-rye character at cask strength intensity.
• Palate: Powerful and full — sweet chocolate and caramel balanced against bold rye spiciness, with a mouthfeel that comes from the natural barrel proof and unfiltered bottling.
• Finish: Long and deeply satisfying — cherries, cloves, and smokiness persisting through an extended close. Jim Murray gave the series a 97.5: "Spectacularly mind-blowing."

Specs

• Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky
• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Uncut, Unfiltered
• Age: Nearly a decade
• Bottling: Cask strength — proof varies by batch
• Size: 750ml

Browse all available George T. Stagg and Stagg Jr batches at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does Stagg Jr differ from George T. Stagg BTAC? George T. Stagg BTAC is one of five annual Buffalo Trace Antique Collection releases in extremely limited allocation — consistently rated among the world's finest bourbons, minimum 15 years aged. Stagg Jr uses the same uncut, unfiltered cask-strength philosophy at nearly a decade of age in broader batch releases for greater accessibility. As of 2022 the product is simply called "Stagg."
• How do different Stagg Jr batches compare? Each batch is a different barrel selection at its natural proof, typically ranging from approximately 127 to 134+ proof. Batch 1 (134.4 proof, 2013) is the highest-proof founding edition. Later batches include 8 (129.5), 9 (131.9), and current 24-series releases (24B at 127.8, 24C at 128.9, 24D at 127.4). Collectors build vertical sets across multiple batches.
• What is the "Stagg" name change? In 2022 Buffalo Trace removed the "Jr" from the label — the product is now released as "Stagg" while retaining the same cask-strength, unfiltered philosophy. Older releases still carry the "Jr" designation.
• Where can I buy Stagg Jr bourbon? Wooden Cork stocks multiple batches — from founding Batch 1 through current 24-series — available online with fast shipping.