We all know Buffalo Trace. Even if you don’t know Buffalo Trace, you’ve had something from Buffalo Trace. The goliath of a distillery produces many labels, and many of those labels are loved by many and sold in the many thousands of cases. They have a rich distillation history and continue to push the envelope of creativity in the whiskey world while carrying some of the most traditional names and styles in their lineup.
There are usually two releases a year, and they tend to sell out pretty quickly. The price point fluctuates a lot depending on where you’re purchasing. In Oregon, a control state, it’s a mere $50. However, secondary markets see it hitting $200 easily. One of the most talked about features is the high ABV, this time reaching 128.4 proof.
With that high proof, these barrels must be coming from higher areas of the rickhouse. I’m curious which rickhouses they use, as this is a really fun talking point when we’re looking at Buffalo Trace. They’ve got a good number of them, and are adding 30 more that each hold 58,000 barrels. More importantly to me though, are the coveted ones that Elmer T. Lee and Blantons tend to come from, which makes me curious if Stagg Jr. barrels have a special place in the grand system that is the Buffalo Trace Distillery.
Quick whisky question
Single malt is everywhere, but what does it mean? We want to know what the word “single” means to you. Three quick questions, under a minute.
Tasting Notes: Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon (13th Release)
Vital Stats: 128.4 proof, low rye mashbill, $50-$150 for a 750mL.
Appearance: Rich, dark golden hue of molasses.
Nose: Preserved dates, banana pancakes and molasses, raisins, plenty of wood like the strained remnants after a barrel is poured off. Burnt tomato, lemon cakes, and crème brulee.
What Will Whisky Look Like in 2027? Voices from Whisky Live Paris
READ THE STORYPalate: Chocolate covered cherries, buttered pecans, smoked meat. Touch of banana and burnt corn. That’s all with a bit of water in it. Without water, you get a pleasant sweetness followed by a full blast of that 64.2% ABV. It then becomes a bit lactic, and lingers on a higher note than the nose would allude to.
It never really seems to go away, but eventually mellows and you find more ‘typical’ bourbon flavors, but also sweet sherry, buttered corn and perhaps a bit of honey covered yogurt.
Latest On The Whiskey Wash
