The last 2020 batch of Stagg Jr. is a near perfect swan song from Buffalo Trace Distillery.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Notes of caramel, cherry, sweet oak, and vanilla dance out of the glass full of pomp and circumstance. There's a fair amount of heat at first, but if you let the glass sit for a few minutes, it evens itself out nicely. Overall an amazing experience.
Palate: The mouthfeel is pleasantly full and thick. Rich and robust notes of cherry and vanilla grab your attention right away. Followed closely by notes of sweet oak and rye in the mid-to-back palate. Overall an outstanding traditional bourbon taste profile.
Finish: Dark fruit notes and oak spice lead to a warm and soothing Kentucky hug. Each sip is memorable and long lasting.
Availability & Price
At a suggested retail price of under $50 it's hard to think of a better dollar-for-dollar bourbon experience than Batch 15. That's if you can find it. First released in December of 2020, bottles are still available but they're hard to find. Most folks have to resort to Facebook groups or online retail sites to purchase a bottle of Stagg Jr Batch 15. In those spaces prices usually range between $150 to $250 a bottle.
So what's the price point of diminishing returns for a bottle of Stagg Jr. Batch 15? Personally speaking, I'd say $90 would be the highest I'd be willing to pay for another bottle of Batch 15, and that would only be through a reputable online retailer.
With Wild Turkey's Rare Breed, Old Forrest's 1920, and Elijah Craig Barrel Proof all easier to find and at better price points, I think paying above $90 for a bottle of Batch 15 feels a little irresponsible.
Final Thoughts
Stagg Jr. Batch 15 isn't for the faint of heart. Its 131.1 proof statement might be too much to handle for the unacquainted. But if you're patient and spend some time getting acclimated to this absolute beast of a bourbon, its beauty shines through. It provides a stunning bourbon experience that's full of robust and rich tasting notes from noise to finish.
If you're lucky enough to find a bottle of Batch 15 at its suggest MSRP of under $50, there isn't a better dollar-for-dollar "high proof" bourbon on the market right now (that we've reviewed at least).
If you can handle the 131.1 proof statement, Batch 15 is a near perfect traditional bourbon experience from Buffalo Trace.
"If you're patient and spend some time getting acclimated to this absolute beast of a bourbon, its beauty shines through."
Final Score: 355 out of 379 Kentucky Miles (A remarkable bourbon experience)
Stagg Jr. Batch 15 Photo Gallery
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