131.9 proof. Uncut. Unfiltered. Batch 9 of Stagg Jr — Buffalo Trace's annually released cask-strength bourbon named for the legendary George T. Stagg, released at the same distillery that bears his name.

George T. Stagg was one of the most powerful figures in 19th-century American distilling — a businessman who built the most dominant distillery operation of the Gilded Age of Bourbon. The George T. Stagg Distillery he ran eventually became Buffalo Trace, and the distillery's BTAC expression bearing his name is annually one of the most celebrated cask-strength bourbons in the world. Stagg Jr is the accessible counterpart: a younger, annually released batch expression at natural barrel proof, without the extreme rarity of the BTAC George T. Stagg.

Each Stagg Jr batch is a unique selection of barrels at their natural proof. Batch 9 at 131.9 proof was released in 2019 — one of the higher-proof batches in the series. At this level, the bourbon delivers the full intensity of Buffalo Trace's high-rye mashbill: rich chocolate, brown sugar, rye spice, and cherry in a powerful, long-finishing expression.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep amber from extended barrel contact at high proof.
• Nose: Rich, sweet chocolate and brown sugar with bold rye spiciness — the hallmark Stagg Jr aromatics at 131.9 proof intensity.
• Palate: Rich chocolate, caramel, and brown sugar in perfect balance with rye spice — the 131.9 proof delivering maximum extraction.
• Finish: Long — cherries, cloves, and smokiness persisting through a deeply satisfying close.

Specs

• Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky
• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Proof: 131.9 (65.95% ABV)
• Bottling: Uncut, unfiltered
• Release: Batch 9 (Summer 2019)
• Size: 750ml

Browse all 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 BTAC releases in extremely limited quantities — consistently rated among the world's best bourbons. Stagg Jr uses the same uncut, unfiltered cask-strength approach but is released in broader batches and more accessible quantities.
• How do the different Stagg Jr batches compare? Each batch is a different barrel selection at its natural proof. Proof varies significantly between batches (from around 128 to 134+). Batch 9 at 131.9 is among the higher-proof releases. Collectors often build vertical sets of multiple batches to track the variation.
• Is Batch 9 from the Stagg Jr or Stagg era? Batch 9 was released in 2019, from the original Stagg Jr era. Buffalo Trace dropped the "Jr" designation in 2022, and later releases are labeled simply "Stagg."