Stagg is a brand that requires no introduction to anyone remotely up to speed with the bourbon landscape. In fact, most bottles produced by Buffalo Trace are so strongly established that it feels about as familiar as ABCs. So for the sake of direction, I’ll touch on how this particular batch of Stagg differs from the two Staggs I’ve already reviewed. Spoiler: it’s not much.

The aforementioned reviews were for bottles that still bore the name Stagg Jr. Shortly after the unofficial Stagg Jr. Batch 18 released, Buffalo Trace rebranded Stagg Jr. as simply “Stagg,” along with providing actual batch codes, presumably to better track each release. The delineation was simple: the last two numbers of the year followed by a letter—not dissimilar to how Heaven Hill labels both Elijah Craig and Larceny Barrel Proof lines.

As far as I can tell, two batches came out in 2022, followed by three in 2023, then four for both 2024 and 2025. We’ll likely never know whether the yields for each batch have been similar or not. However, considering demand for bourbon continues to soften while distillery expansions start reaping the benefit of increased supply, this is likely a moot point. Buffalo Trace also updated their website (I’m not a fan), which specifies that Stagg bourbon is aged a minimum of eight years.

Beyond that, details on Stagg 24D (the last of 2024) are about what you’d expect. MSRP is around $65 while secondary commands closer to $150. The bottling strength for 24D is 63.7% ABV.

Nose: Brown Sugar, Dehydrated Apple, Macerated Cherry, Candied White Grapes

Lightly Buttery, Balanced, Lively

Palate: Vanilla, Bubblegum, Green Apple, Cantaloupe

Sweet, Tart, Expressive

Finish: Golden Apple, Vanilla, Brown Sugar, Cherry

Vibrant, Lengthy, Puckery

If you’ve ever tried Stagg bourbon, then batch 24D is the epitome of unsurprising—which is a good thing. Buffalo Trace products always lean on the sweet side, even for a spirit as naturally sweet as bourbon, so the higher proof and slight presence of tart fruit notes give this a more complete profile. I think eight years is a perfect minimum age for bourbon, and this is reflected by 24D’s sound balance between grain and oak.

Although Stagg remains unfortunately subject to secondary premiumization, I think it’s still one of the better bang-for-buck options you might be able to grab in Buffalo Trace’s expansive portfolio. That’s not to say I’d personally spend upwards of $150 on a bottle; I just think it’s a better value proposition compared to most Buffalo Trace products (looking at you, Weller line). Fans of sweeter (and slightly tart) bourbons should definitely be pleased with a purchase of this, provided it comfortably falls within their budget.