Stagg Jr Barrel Proof 129.3 Batch 26A

Stagg Batch 26A (129.3 Proof) is the Spring 2026 release of Buffalo Trace Distillery's acclaimed barrel proof bourbon. Distilled from Buffalo Trace's famed low-rye Mash Bill #1 and bottled uncut, unfiltered, and at full barrel strength, Batch 26A continues the modern Stagg legacy of delivering extraordinary richness and intensity while remaining remarkably balanced. Although the "Jr." designation was retired in 2022, many enthusiasts still refer to these annual releases by the original name. Batch 26A is believed to contain bourbons aged approximately 8–9 years and represents one of the most sought-after allocated releases from Buffalo Trace.

On the nose, rich aromas of dark cherry, caramelized brown sugar, vanilla bean, toasted oak, cocoa powder, and baking spices are complemented by hints of leather and black pepper. The palate is dense and mouth-coating, delivering waves of ripe cherry, toffee, dark chocolate, espresso, cinnamon, burnt sugar, and charred oak with an underlying sweetness that beautifully balances the whiskey's formidable proof. The finish is exceptionally long and warming, leaving lingering notes of dark fruit, vanilla, seasoned oak, baking spice, and a touch of barrel char.

Cask Program

Unlike Buffalo Trace's experimental or finishing releases, Stagg is designed to showcase the distillery's signature bourbon in its purest form. Batch 26A is composed of carefully selected mature barrels drawn from Buffalo Trace's traditional rickhouses, bottled directly from the barrel without chill filtration or proof reduction. By preserving the whiskey at its natural barrel proof of 129.3 (64.65% ABV), the full concentration of oils, esters, and oak-derived flavors remains intact, creating the bold, powerful profile for which Stagg has become famous.

Characteristics

• Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery
• Mash Bill: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (Low Rye)
• Release: Spring 2026
• Batch: 26A
• Age: NAS (estimated 8–9 years)
• Cask Type: New Charred American Oak Barrels
• Proof: 129.3
• ABV: 64.65%
• Bottle Size: 750 mL
• Filtration: Non-Chill Filtered
• Bottling: Barrel Proof / Uncut
• Availability: Highly Allocated Limited Release