Review by: Raygun

Needs no introduction, I suppose. This is the first batch I’ve had since they dropped the Jr. from the name. I’ve been seeing it around a little more often, though still at pretty inflated prices. Always happy to have a sample though. It’s good stuff, Reviewed from a sample. Rested about 10 minutes. 

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Distillery: Buffalo Trace  

Bottler/Brand: Stagg  

Region/style: Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey

ABV: 62.95%. Barrel proof. 

Age: Not stated, but reputed to be 7-9 years. Released in 2023.  

Cask type: New oak

Color: 1.6 mahogany

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Nose: Cherry and raspberry right off, and the latter is a new one for me. Vanilla custard with some spice. Sarsaparilla root.       

Palate: Not too hot. Cherry, caramel corn, and some orange zest. A spicy side turns up. Not too heavy on the cinnamon, fortunately. A little anise. Waffles with maple syrup.   

Finish: More warm spice, with cinnamon and cloves. Cherry and a bit of cocoa. Waffles with caramelized brown sugar. More vanilla and root beer.       

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Conclusion: Fairly low proof for Stagg, but not lacking in flavor. Spicier than I remember, too. Still a very tasty pour. My only complaint is the inflated price. Better than it used to be, but at this point Four Roses PS offer a better value. 

Score: 86

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel)
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Stagg Jr batch 12)
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (new))
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Pikesville Rye)
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Wild Turkey 101)
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Maker’s Mark)
• 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Grandad 114)
• 0-49: Blech. (High West Yippee-ki-yay)