Stagg Jr.

[GaryT]

I emailed BT when I first heard of this release. They finally got back to me and said it is not being released in New York State. Very disappointed as I thought part of the reason they did this was to make it available to the masses.

Wow - that is a bummer! I wonder if the distributor is partly to blame?

[TunnelTiger]

In my trips to my local stores all of the bottles of Stagg Jr & EC21 are still sitting after a couple of weeks there so if you're traveling down I75 they are available.

[tanstaafl2]

In my trips to my local stores all of the bottles of Stagg Jr & EC21 are still sitting after a couple of weeks there so if you're traveling down I75 they are available.

Haven't seen a lot of Bambi on the shelf in the handful of Atlanta area stores I frequent but can certainly verify EC21 as being pretty regularly available.

[HelluvaEngineer]

Maybe I'm just on the wrong side of Atlanta, but I called 10+ shops just to be able to find the quantity I needed of Stagg Jr. between me and friends. The EC21 you're right on though, picked up my 1 bottle from a shop that has had them sitting there for 2-3 weeks now.

Stagg Jr. definitely a smart move though on Buffalo Trace's part and I have to say it's pretty tasty. Sitting at the same price point as Blanton's and being at least partially reminiscent of the great GTS...I'm in!

[cnybrbnhntr]

Wow - that is a bummer! I wonder if the distributor is partly to blame?

They might be. You would think they every distributor and store owner would know that they can sell this stuff out the day they get it with the way the market is. I did manage to score a bottle from my brother-in-law in Maryland. Will be a month before I get to taste though. Tom Petty said it best..."Waiting is the hardest part..."

[theglobalguy]

Was able to sample it today (store only had the open bottle sadly). Harsh bite, ignoring the name on the bottle and just knowing it was BT product...and it still kicked my butt. Swear it gave some acid reflux even with a fair amount of water. Pass on this one.

Came home and poured a GTS '12 for reference...and to echo many above, worst and best thing they did was pick the Stagg name. It causes it to sell out in minutes, but implies a similar result. And short of the proof being enough to knock you over...it isn't.

[chrisg]

I was able to pick up one bottle today for $55. Really looking forward to this one.

[smknjoe]

I've only had a couple of small pours of this so far. It is HOT (and the nose does not warn you), but a little water helps tame that.

My short and sweet description would be to forget what you know about Stagg and think of a barrel proof AAA or ETL.

[JVande]

I've only had a couple of small pours of this so far. It is HOT (and the nose does not warn you), but a little water helps tame that.

My short and sweet description would be to forget what you know about Stagg and think of a barrel proof AAA or ETL.

Joe, that was my initial thought - ETL barrel proof due to that cheery sweetness I picked up in the nose.

[bourbonfoot]

Finally found a bottle of this in VA in downtown Richmond. Said they'd had it about a week. Can't wait to give it a go.

[Jackinbox]

I've only had a couple of small pours of this so far. It is HOT (and the nose does not warn you), but a little water helps tame that.

i finally found a bottle on Friday and you're right....it is HOT. I think it's better than most of the reviews have given it credit for, but then again I've never tasted the standard Stagg.

Of all the barrel proofs I've tried, I think Booker's is still my favorite.

[smknjoe]

It is good, but there is no comparison to the real Stagg which is a much richer and complex pour. If it was called Buffalo Trace Barrel Proof I think the reviews would be a more forgiving.

[bourbonfoot]

It is good, but there is no comparison to the real Stagg which is a much richer and complex pour. If it was called Buffalo Trace Barrel Proof I think the reviews would be a more forgiving.

This.

This stuff is HOT right off the bat, but goes great with a bit of water. I don't find it bad neat by any means. I still prefer ECBP but this is definitely something I would recommend.

[onewman]

If you live in Florida and are looking for this, it is available through online shopping at ABC Fine Wine and Spirits. They ship to you local store for free and it is selling for $49.99 for a bottle.

[LIQUIDWHEAT]

I heard this was a high corn mash bill. Any thoughts on the % or composition of this and the senior version?

GANBEI

[Tucker]

I heard this was a high corn mash bill. Any thoughts on the % or composition of this and the senior version?

GANBEI

The BT mash bills are listed in the Whiskey Tree. Jr and Sr are the same mash bill. BT owns #1 and Ancient Age owns brands using #2.

http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?15005-Whiskey-Tree&p=285944&viewfull=1#post285944

The BT #1 mash bill is reportedly 80% corn and BT #2 is 75% corn. Don't quote me on that, though.

[compliance]

I like Stagg Jr a lot. It's right up there with ECBP, and to my taste, possibly better. ECBP is more unique, but SJ has a great nose and is easier to drink.

[bourbonfoot]

but SJ has a great nose and is easier to drink.

Wow, never thought I'd see that. Different taste buds I guess, glad you like it! We just got a bunch around here. I got my one bottle, none for bunker. Don't think it'll be as scarce as ECBP.

[LIQUIDWHEAT]

Thanks TUCKER for the tree link. I'll have to study it and post my questions. I hope the senior veteran members don't become frustrated with my well intentioned ?s. The more I spend in this place the more "I DON'T KNOW WHAT I DON'T KNOW"

GANBEI

[mbroo5880i]

My wife bought me a bottle for our anniversary. I don't usually get to drink during the week so I just tried a shot neat and a shot with water. It is hot but the flavor is actually pretty good. I can see some similarities with BT and ER. I thought the nose was unremarkable. However, my youngest son thought that it smelled like a marker. I noticed a distinct caramel and butterscotch flavor. I actually tasted these flavors more neat than with water but the water made the finish smoother. I like it. I can't compare it to other barrel proofs since I haven't spent much time with barrel proofs. Just recent got a bottle of ECBP that I tried last week. The only regular "BP" if you want to call it that that I have experience with is OGD114. I will give this one a more in depth sampling this weekend.

As for value, each person has to make up their own mind. My wife paid MRSP for it which I think is ok. I don't see myself drinking this neat, except maybe a shot here or there, but rather will add water or ice to get it down to 100 to 110 proof. I am more interested in flavor and drinkability than proof. I think $40 would be a great price for this product. $50 brings a lot more options into play.

[VAGentleman]

This just showed up in my neck of the woods in Virginia. $51. I picked up a bottle and I'm pretty impressed. I get lots and lots of cherries out of this. Cherries in the smell and cherries in the actual taste. I like it! It is a little bit hot but adding a couple ice cubes made this extremely enjoyable

[jfw]

I've tried the Stagg Jr. a few more times and it's really grown on me. I think it's a great pour over some ice. It really does have a wonderful nose. A little water or ice seems to cut the heat and bring out the cherry, vanilla and caramel notes.

[TheOakMonster]

Stag Jr finally arrived in central New York today. I picked up a bottle at $44, not expecting much based on reviews and my general dislike of BT products. I actually like this quite a bit and don't find the Stag Jr "hot". Still, not quite in wheel house, but i'm not disappointed.

[Jackinbox]

Just got an email from one of the chain stores in Indy......price is $69.99. Thankfully I already got my bottle elsewhere for $49.99.

[BMartin42]

Grabbed one at Binny's for $49.99. Can't wait to pop it.