Just the Sip reviews are a more simplified version of the existing scoresheet format with the goal of reviewing more spirits, such as samples, barrel picks, and others that may be more difficult to do full reviews on. Both scoresheet and review formats will exist and be regularly posted. Learn more here.

Buffalo Trace continually enjoys critical and commercial success through its staggering (pun not intended) number of bottlings, with Stagg being among the most revered. Newer bourbon drinkers often hear that George T. Stagg is essentially peak bourbon. This goes doubly so if they gather information (accurate or otherwise) from Facebook groups, where a considerable amount of secondary market transactions take place. Given George T. Stagg’s premium position in Buffalo Trace’s annual Antique Collection, it stands to reason that less affluent shoppers will want the next best thing. This is where the NAS Stagg comes in.

Affectionately referred to as “baby Stagg” in certain crevices of the internet, these bottlings are effectively less mature versions of the aforementioned 15-year beast. Both are barrel proof and forgo filtration, but Stagg gets released 2-3 times per year at a lower suggested retail price, between $50-$80. However, between secondary markets and the hype surrounding Buffalo Trace, it’s common to see a single bottle fetch over $200. Today, I’ll be reviewing batch 14, which was released in 2020, when Stagg was still referred to as “Stagg Jr.” This is also the second time I’ve tried this batch.

Nose: Cinnamon Sugar, Vanilla, Caramel, Cherry

Dense, Sweet, Buttery

Palate: Cherry, Orange, Roasted Corn, Dark Brown Sugar

Medium, Warm, Syrupy

Finish: Black Pepper, Vanilla, Tobacco Leaf, Salted Toffee

Spicy, Balanced, Moderate

It’s easy to be critical toward anything from Buffalo Trace. This largely stems from how much everyone seems to want their stuff, leaving little for everyday drinkers who’d simply like a bottle without overpaying. I’d even speculate that when some people finally try certain Buffalo Trace products, they might be more judgmental simply out of frustration. That or I’m projecting.

In any case, Stagg Jr. Batch 14 is an absolutely unabashed version of the Buffalo Trace many of us probably know. The reputation of initial batches being too hot for their own good doesn’t necessarily track here, but it’s easy to understand said view. The nose becomes increasingly inviting over time with ample brown sugar, cinnamon, and oak notes to go around. Meanwhile, the palate and finish both run through the motions, presenting syrupy sweet notes barely offset by a slightly savory component while the pour sits. It’s an ultimately lopsided balancing act, as with most Buffalo Trace products, but that’s also a huge part of the distillery’s appeal. And I’d be remiss to say this is short of a stellar bourbon that should make any drinker happy, provided they don’t overpay.