Stagg Jr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Batch 1 134.4 Proof

134.4 proof. The founding batch. Stagg Jr Batch 1 — the highest-proof release in the entire Stagg Jr series and the founding edition of one of Buffalo Trace's most celebrated annual programs. Uncut. Unfiltered.

Stagg Jr was introduced by Buffalo Trace as an accessible counterpart to the legendary George T. Stagg BTAC expression — delivering the same uncut, unfiltered barrel-strength philosophy in annual batches at broader availability than the BTAC allows. Each Stagg Jr batch is a different barrel selection at its natural proof. Batch 1 at 134.4 proof is the most powerful batch in the series history — the highest proof ever recorded for a Stagg Jr release. At 134.4 proof it is also a founding edition, produced before the series had developed its current collector following, making surviving bottles significantly rarer than later batches.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep amber with the extraordinary concentration of 134.4 proof barrel strength.
• Nose: Rich chocolate, caramel, and bold rye spice — the Stagg Jr character at maximum intensity.
• Palate: Powerful and full at 134.4 proof — the founding batch delivering the full range of Buffalo Trace's high-rye character uncut and undiluted.
• Finish: Extraordinarily long — cherries, cloves, and smoke persisting through a deeply satisfying close.

Specs

• Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky
• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Proof: 134.4 (67.2% ABV) — highest proof in Stagg Jr series history
• Bottling: Uncut, unfiltered
• Batch: 1 (founding)
• Size: 750ml

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is Batch 1 the most valuable in the series? Batch 1 is the founding edition — produced before the series had its current collector following. Virtually all Batch 1 bottles were consumed as a novelty release rather than saved. Additionally, 134.4 proof is the highest ever recorded for Stagg Jr, adding a records distinction to the founding significance.
• How does Stagg Jr differ from George T. Stagg BTAC? George T. Stagg is among five BTAC annual releases in extremely limited allocation — consistently rated among the world's best bourbons. Stagg Jr uses the same uncut/unfiltered barrel-strength approach in broader batches for greater accessibility. As of 2022, Stagg Jr was renamed simply "Stagg."