Benchmark full proof vs stagg jr9/27/2023 The fervor for Buffalo Trace products has thus proven to be something of a double-edged sword for the industry.Īnd that’s a shame, because the inevitable (and necessary) discussion about the availability and pricing of Buffalo Trace products all too often obscures the ability of bourbon drinkers to objectively discuss and rate the whiskey in any given bottle. The popularity of its products in the last decade has played a major role in bringing countless new drinkers to whiskey as a passion or a hobby, but it’s simultaneously become the central object of interest in a whiskey industry that is now plagued by hype and rampant price gouging, often from retailers in addition to the lawlessness of the secondary market. At its price, drastically improved flavor profile, and availability - both on store shelves and at bars - it's a more than a worthwhile pour, its a must have.It’s safe to say that within the world of American whiskey, for better or worse, no other distillery even approaches the mystique with which Buffalo Trace is viewed by the bourbon community in particular. Stagg, but that doesn’t mean it's a poor alternative. may forever live in the shadow of George T. It’s been six years and 12 batches later, and Buffalo Trace appears to have managed to fine tune this release and it now proudly lives up to its namesake - at least for this release. One where bourbon drinkers knew the potential the brand had, yet were continually given unworthy candidates. ![]() This of course is all the more noteworthy coming from the distillery known for its hefty allocation. Availability is often spotty, but surprisingly, it does show up from time to time on store shelves. This doesn’t come as a surprise as the company has a knack for fine tuning their products. made, which very literally left a bad taste in your mouth. This is a crowd pleaser of savory flavors that many bourbons try to reach, but few achieve to this impressive degree.īuffalo Trace has been playing damage control ever since the first impression the inaugural batch of Stagg Jr. Batch 12 doesn’t wow you with unique flavors, but with flavor intensity, balance, and its syrupy richness. Buffalo Trace has slowly rectified this over the years. Tasting blind, there hasn’t been a lot to make Stagg Jr. batches haven’t necessarily strayed too far from other barrel proof flavor profiles on the market. This of course brings with it all of the flavor intensity one would expect, and particularly with some previous batches, an emphasis on heat over flavor. ![]() Instead, I’ve found it more closely mimics Buffalo Trace Bourbon’s profile except at a sky-high proof (in the range of 126.4-134.4). Stagg has always featured a one-of-a-kind flavor profile that makes it taste distinctly “Stagg.” With Stagg Jr., Buffalo Trace didn’t seem to set out to replicate this flavor profiles despite the bottle’s namesake. ![]() In our review, Nick called it, “a hot mess” and “couldn’t find enjoyment with it.” Since its release in fall 2013, there have been 12 batches released to date and its age is believed to hover between 7-9 years old. Instead, it was too big, too bold, and too brash. Stagg substitute or even a big boy version of Buffalo Trace Bourbon that everyone hoped it would be. Despite its explosive start and instant hard-to-find status, the initial batch was far from a home run. 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. Initially, some commented that it seemed closer to a barrel proof version of Buffalo Trace Bourbon than the original George T. 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.
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