Stagg Jr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Batch 6 132.5 Proof
Stagg Jr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Batch 6 132.5 Proof is a 66.25% ABV (132.5 proof), 750mL barrel-strength bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky — released in spring 2016 and bottled uncut and unfiltered, available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 66.25% (132.5 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Batch: 6 (released spring 2016)
- Mash bill: Buffalo Trace's high-rye Mash Bill #1
- Aging: Roughly eight to nine years in new charred oak
- Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky
- Style: Uncut, unfiltered, barrel proof
Spring 2016's Jammy Powerhouse Batch
Every Stagg Jr batch is its own blend, and Batch 6 — released in the spring of 2016 — is the one enthusiasts remember for its exceptionally jammy profile. At 132.5 proof it sits near the top of the series' proof range, yet the thick molasses and heavy dark stone-fruit sweetness balance that barrel-proof intensity beautifully. This is uncut, unfiltered bourbon preserving its natural oils for a dense, mouth-coating palate weight — a snapshot of early-era Stagg craftsmanship before the brand's demand exploded. Find it alongside other barrel-proof standouts on the Stagg collection page or in our bourbon whiskey aisle.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Deep dark caramel, rich vanilla bean, and well-worn leather layered with brown sugar, seasoned oak, and a hit of dark cherry cola. Palate: Explosive and full-bodied — sweet molasses, rich fudge, toffee, and classic Buffalo Trace stone fruits, building into cinnamon stick, bold rye spice, black pepper, and heavy barrel char. Finish: Exceptionally long and warming, with robust oak dryness, dark chocolate, tobacco, and lingering sweet wood heat.
How to Enjoy
Pour neat in a rocks glass and give it time to open — this is a big, demanding pour. A few drops of water will tame the heat and unlock the jammy fruit layers. Not a cocktail bourbon by design, but a splash in an Old Fashioned turns it into an event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What batch is the 132.5 proof Stagg Jr? The 132.5 proof bottling is Batch 6, released in spring 2016 — proof is the identifier, since the bottle carries no batch number.
Is Stagg Jr the same as George T. Stagg? No. Stagg Jr shares the same high-rye Mash Bill #1 and barrel-proof style as the distillery's legendary George T. Stagg, but it is a separate, twice-yearly release; the "Jr." name was dropped in 2022, making older batches like this one collector items.
Should I add water to barrel-proof bourbon? It's optional — uncut Stagg Jr is bottled to showcase the barrel as-is, but a few drops of water can open up the molasses and cherry notes for many drinkers.
This thunderous 2016 batch won't last forever — secure your bottle online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA, and compare it against the rest of the bourbon whiskey lineup.