Stagg Jr

Stagg Jr — Buffalo Trace's annual cask-strength batch expression named for George T. Stagg, the Gilded Age distilling magnate whose Frankfort, Kentucky facility became Buffalo Trace Distillery. Uncut, unfiltered, and bottled at natural barrel proof from barrels aged nearly a decade — the same philosophy as the BTAC George T. Stagg, in broader batches at greater accessibility.

George T. Stagg built the most dominant American distillery of the 19th century during the era known as the Gilded Age of Bourbon. His Frankfort facility eventually became Buffalo Trace, which still operates on the same site and produces both the legendary BTAC George T. Stagg and this annual batch expression bearing his legacy. Where the BTAC release is one of the most allocated and highest-rated bourbons in the world, aged a minimum of 15 years in extremely limited quantities, Stagg Jr delivers the same uncut, unfiltered barrel-strength character at nearly a decade of age in annual batches available to a broader audience.

The batch system is the defining feature of the program. Each batch is a unique barrel selection at its natural proof — no standardization, no target proof, no dilution. Proof varies meaningfully between batches, which is why collectors build vertical sets across multiple releases. The series launched in 2013 with Batch 1 at 134.4 proof — the highest in the series' history — and has released multiple batches annually since. As of 2022, Buffalo Trace removed the "Jr" designation and the product is now released simply as "Stagg," while retaining the same cask-strength, unfiltered philosophy. Wooden Cork carries the most complete Stagg Jr / Stagg batch selection available online, spanning the founding Batch 1 through the current 26-series releases.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stagg Jr Bourbon

• What is Stagg Jr bourbon? Stagg Jr is Buffalo Trace's annual batch cask-strength expression, uncut and unfiltered, named for George T. Stagg — the Gilded Age distilling magnate whose Frankfort, Kentucky facility became Buffalo Trace Distillery. Each batch is a separate barrel selection at natural proof, aged nearly a decade. As of 2022 the product is released as "Stagg" but older batches retain the Stagg Jr designation.
• How does Stagg Jr differ from George T. Stagg BTAC? BTAC George T. Stagg is one of five annual Buffalo Trace Antique Collection releases in extremely limited allocation, aged a minimum of 15 years, and consistently rated among the world's finest bourbons. Stagg Jr uses the same uncut, unfiltered barrel-strength philosophy at nearly a decade of age in broader batches — same distillery, same philosophy, significantly greater accessibility at a fraction of the price.
• What proof is Stagg Jr? Proof varies by batch based on natural barrel concentration — no two batches are identical. Historically ranging from approximately 127 to 134+ proof. Batch 1 (2013) reached 134.4, the highest in the series. Current 26-series batches run in the 127–129 range.
• What does the batch number mean? Earlier releases were numbered sequentially (Batch 1 through Batch 13). More recent releases use a year-batch format — 26A, 26B, 26C indicate separate barrel selections within 2026. Each batch within a year is a distinct release at its own natural proof.
• Where can I buy Stagg Jr bourbon? Wooden Cork stocks the most complete Stagg Jr / Stagg selection available online, from founding Batch 1 through current 26-series releases. Order online with fast shipping.