The Ultimate Guide to Stagg Bourbon: From Jr. to GTS

🥃 Stagg Bourbon: The High-Proof Legend from Buffalo Trace

If you’re a fan of bold, barrel-strength bourbon that doesn’t hold back, Stagg should be on your radar. Once known as Stagg Jr., this high-octane powerhouse from Buffalo Trace has exploded in popularity in recent years, earning cult status among enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone chasing a true flavor punch.

Let’s take a deep dive into the history, evolution, and releases of Stagg bourbon—and what makes each batch worth the hunt.

📜 The Origins: From George T. Stagg to Stagg Jr.

The Stagg line traces its heritage back to George T. Stagg, a 19th-century bourbon pioneer and one of the most influential figures in Kentucky whiskey history. The legendary George T. Stagg Bourbon, part of the annual Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC), is one of the most coveted limited releases in the world—typically aged 15+ years and released at barrel proof.

In 2013, Buffalo Trace introduced a more accessible version: Stagg Jr., designed to deliver the uncut, unfiltered power of George T. Stagg but at a younger age and with multiple batches released annually. It quickly built a loyal following.

In 2022, Buffalo Trace officially dropped the “Jr.” and rebranded it simply as Stagg, solidifying its place as a mainstay in their core high-proof lineup.

🔥 What Makes Stagg Special?

• Barrel Proof: Every batch is uncut and unfiltered—bottled straight from the barrel, with proofs often ranging from 125–135+.

• Mash Bill: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (low rye, same as E.H. Taylor and George T. Stagg).

• No Chill Filtration: Preserves oils and texture for a richer mouthfeel.

• Robust Flavor: Known for big notes of dark fruit, chocolate, spice, oak, and heat.

🥃 The Stagg Bourbon Lineage: Stagg vs. George T. Stagg

While they share a name, Stagg and George T. Stagg are not the same bourbon—but they do come from the same distillery (Buffalo Trace), the same mash bill, and the same unfiltered, barrel-proof style. The difference comes down to age, rarity, and purpose.

🔴 George T. Stagg

• Proof: Varies by year, usually between 115–144

• Age: Typically 15 to 18 years

• Mash Bill: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (low rye)

• Release: Once per year in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC)—every Fall

• Availability: Extremely Rare / Allocated

• Retail Price: ~$120 (but usually sells for $800–$1,200+ on secondary)

• Flavor Profile: Deep oak, dark chocolate, tobacco, burnt caramel, layered complexity

• What Makes It Special: It’s one of the most prestigious and respected bourbons in existence. Released once a year and aged significantly longer than regular Stagg, it represents the pinnacle of the barrel-proof category.

Notable Batches:

• 2020 (130.4 proof) – Considered one of the best of the decade.

• 2021 – Skipped entirely due to the barrels not meeting quality standards, which increased the hype for the 2022 release.

• 2022 (138.7 proof) – A monster of intensity, yet still balanced.

• 2023 (135.0 proof) – Smooth heat, classic GTS depth and richness.

🔵 Stagg (formerly Stagg Jr.)

• Proof: Varies (typically 126–135)

• Age: Around 8 to 9 years

• Mash Bill: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (same as GTS)

• Release: Twice per year (Spring and Fall)

• Availability: Allocated, but more accessible

• Retail Price: ~$60–$80 (Secondary: $200–$400)

• Flavor Profile: Bold and punchy with cherry, brown sugar, baking spice, and heat

• What Makes It Special: It offers a younger, more aggressive version of what GTS is all about—barrel strength, no filtration, and full flavor.

Timeline Note:

• 2013–2021: Released as Stagg Jr.

• 2022 onward: Rebranded to just Stagg

⚖️ Key Differences: George T. Stagg vs. Stagg

🧠 Which One Should You Try?

• If you’re just getting into barrel-proof bourbon, go for Stagg—if you can find it. It’s an outstanding pour for the price and less oaky or tannic than George T. Stagg.

• If you’re a serious collector or enthusiast, and you get the chance to try George T. Stagg, don’t hesitate. It’s a bucket-list bottle for a reason.

• Some experienced drinkers actually prefer certain batches of Stagg to GTS, especially when factoring in availability and cost.

📝 Final Pour

The Stagg lineage—from the firepower of the modern Stagg to the aged elegance of George T. Stagg—represents some of the finest expressions in the American bourbon canon. They’re proof (literally) that barrel strength bourbon doesn’t have to sacrifice complexity for power.