Buffalo Trace Stagg Jr. Batch 14 (Spring 2020)
65.1% ABV - Kentucky, United States
Nose: Cherry syrup and brown sugar, with cedar chips, an orange citrus-vanilla, and spices.
Taste: Initially drying, flavours of old teak, wood oil, cherries, oak and citrus emerge.
Finish: Lots of oak, dark fruits, brown sugar, and spices. Long.
Delicious! This will remain one of my favourite bourbons. I previously had a bottle of Batch 7 (Fall 2016)—read my review here.
I didn’t have a chance to side-by-side to compare differences… but according to my Batch 7 notes, this Batch 14 has a more complex nose and is more rounded overall (across nose, taste, finish). By chance, I rated them the same: 93! So if anything this tells me the batch differences, while there, are really nuanced and there is no reason for batch envy.
Unfortunately, bottles of Buffalo Trace’s Stagg Jr. are not easy to come by, but that won’t stop me from enjoying and sharing this one—no dribble drams here! I’ve been lucky to get these in draws or pre-orders but my luck is surely to dry out one day. Not the worst, as in the past few years there have been so many good alternatives to hit the market.
Details: Batch 14. Released in Spring 2020 at 130.2 proof.
Tasted 14 April 2024. (Posted 15 April 2024.)
93/100
Detailed Rating Information...
90+: Fantastic whisky; highly recommended.
My favourite whiskies – I might have more than one bottle if the price is right and the supply is limited! The higher values in this range will reflect a stronger balance and consistency between components.
85-89: Great whisky; recommended.
Whiskies that tick the flavour boxes and you'll likely hear about these from me. An easy decision to order at a bar/restaurant and one to consider buying a bottle of.
80-84: Very good whisky; recommended, but still consider trying before you buy.
Most of these whiskies I was really happy to have the opportunity to taste, but, apart from a dram here and there, I don’t think I would buy a bottle.
75-79: Good whisky; consider trying before you buy.
These are whiskies that I did enjoy drinking, but likely would reach for another bottle or select something different to order.
65-74: Average; consider trying before you buy, but not recommended.
There is nothing that stood out about this whisky and I might be inclined to mix it with soda or in a cocktail, instead of trying to enjoy its own flavours.
50-64: Bad; not recommended.
I didn’t like this and would sooner pass on another opportunity and order a beer instead than have it again… but never say never.
