Stagg Jr. Batch 11 Review
In-Depth Review
With Stagg Jr. Batch 15 now being released across the country, let’s take a step back and examine Batch 11 – the first Stagg bottle I ever bought.
And because so many people ask online, I have included this handy breakdown of all of the various batches of Stagg and how to identify them. Buffalo Trace releases two batches a year, normally Fall and Spring but occasionally they move to Winter and Summer. It’s important to note that none of the bottles will actually say which batch they are, the only giveaway is the proof listed. So here’s your cheat sheet for all batches of Stagg Jr!
STAGG JR. BATCHES
Batch 15 (Winter, 2020) – 131.1 Proof
Batch 14 (Summer, 2020) – 130.2 Proof
Batch 13 (Fall, 2019) – 128.4 Proof
Batch 12 (Summer, 2019) – 132.3 Proof
Batch 11 (Winter, 2018) – 127.9 Proof
Batch 10 (Spring, 2018) – 126.4 Proof
Batch 9 (Fall, 2017) – 131.9 Proof
Batch 8 (Spring, 2017) – 129.5 Proof
Batch 7 (Fall, 2016) – 130.0 Proof
Batch 6 (Spring, 2016) – 132.5 Proof
Batch 5 (Fall, 2015) – 129.7 Proof
Batch 4 (Spring, 2015) – 132.2 Proof
Batch 3 (Fall, 2014) – 132.1 Proof
Batch 2 (Spring, 2014) – 128.7 Proof
Batch 1 (Fall, 2013) – 134.4 Proof
BATCH 11
Age: Non-Age Stated but reportedly around 9 years
ABV: 63.95%
Cask: New charred oak cask
MSRP: $55
Distillery Name: Buffalo Trace
Review Date: 12/15/20
Nose: First impression: salted crackers. Then comes the sweetness. Fluffy marshmallows and toffee with a dollop of caramel and some roasted nuts. It’s a strong nose with a lot of alcohol burn. Don’t breathe too deep or you’ll fry your nose for the rest of the day. As the whiskey settles in the glass, more brown sugar, oak, and molasses come through. It’s a deliciously mouthwatering nose.
Palate: With this Batch 11, the first sip is dominated by the proof. The alcohol is so overpowering that it’s hard to discern flavors at first. But once your mouth gets acclimated, you’re met with dark cherries, chocolate, and a sprinkling of red hots. Then come the deep vanilla and caramel notes. Drinking this is like a chocolate sundae in a glass – if that sundae was on fire. The mouthfeel is excellent, with good body and viscosity.
After adding a couple drops of water, more brown sugar and softer, lighter caramel notes come through. After the addition of water more oak is also present, and the palate becomes drier and more rounded. The original dark cherries change to more of a sour cherry note, adding some tartness to the palate. Finally, Coca-Cola makes an appearance. The mouthfeel after water is a bit thinner, but is still fantastic, with the high proof holding up well even after a slight proofing down.
Finish: Medium finish with strong oak and more subdued flavors than the nose or palate. The cinnamon and pepper of the palate recedes and leaves more warm vanillas and whipped cream in its place. A dash of coca powder keeps the finish relatively dark. Surprisingly, adding a bit of water adds more fire to the finish.
