Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch 25C 125.6 Proof

Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch 25C is an unfiltered barrel-strength bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery — Batch 25C of the Stagg series (formerly George T. Stagg), bottled at 125.6 proof (62.8% ABV) without chill filtration, carrying the full, undiminished barrel character that makes each Stagg batch one of the most anticipated annual releases in American whiskey.

The Stagg series takes its name from George T. Stagg, one of the most significant figures in American bourbon history — the man who built the distillery now bearing his name into one of the largest distilling operations in 19th-century Kentucky. Each annual Stagg batch reflects the specific barrel entry proof, warehouse position, and aging conditions of that year's selection — Batch 25C's 125.6 proof is the result of those specific variables, producing its particular depth of caramel, dark chocolate, toasted oak, and molasses character. Unfiltered release at barrel strength means nothing has been removed between the barrel and the bottle: full viscosity, full proof, and the complete expression of years in new charred American oak without any dilution or chill-filtration that would strip congeners and reduce character.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich caramel, dark chocolate, toasted oak, molasses, and deep spice — the full barrel-strength aromatic intensity
• Palate: Full-bodied — brown sugar, roasted nuts, vanilla, dark fruit, and peppery cinnamon spice across a complex, layered palate
• Finish: Long and warming — oak, dark chocolate, tobacco, and robust spice persisting through an extended close

Specs

• Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky
• Series: Stagg (formerly George T. Stagg)
• Batch: 25C
• Style: Unfiltered Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• ABV: 62.8% (125.6 Proof)
• Size: 750ml

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What makes Stagg different from standard Buffalo Trace? Stagg is released unfiltered at full barrel strength — no chill filtration, no water addition. Standard Buffalo Trace is diluted to 80 proof and chill-filtered. Stagg's 125.6 proof carries the complete, undiminished character of the barrel including full viscosity and congener profile.
• Why does each Stagg batch have a different proof? Each batch reflects the specific barrels selected for that release — different barrel entry proof, warehouse position, and aging conditions produce different amounts of evaporation over time, resulting in a different proof at bottling. Batch 25C came out at 125.6 proof; other batches vary.