Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch 26B delivers the uncompromising barrel-strength character that has made Stagg one of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s most sought-after high-proof bourbons. Released at 125.2 proof / 62.6% ABV, Batch 26B is bottled uncut and unfiltered, preserving its concentrated texture, barrel character, and powerful Kentucky bourbon profile.
Buffalo Trace describes Stagg as a barrel-proof bourbon aged in charred white oak barrels for eight years and released without dilution or filtration. The core Stagg profile centers on chocolate, brown sugar, cherry, clove, rye spice, and smoky oak, creating a rich combination of sweetness, spice, fruit, and mature barrel influence.
Batch 26B brings that signature style at a slightly more restrained proof than some previous Stagg releases while remaining unmistakably full-bodied. Contemporary tasting impressions highlight dark caramel, cherry, cinnamon, molasses, gingerbread, black pepper, brown sugar, and dark fruit, making this a compelling bottle for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate intense, uncut Kentucky bourbon.
With its allocated status, recognizable antler bottle design, and batch-specific 125.2-proof bottling, Stagg Batch 26B is an excellent addition to a serious bourbon collection, premium whiskey tasting, or high-end gift.
Key Features
- Stagg Batch 26B
- Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 125.2 proof / 62.6% ABV
- 750mL bottle
- Uncut and unfiltered
- Barrel-proof Buffalo Trace bourbon
- Aged in charred white oak barrels
- Rich chocolate, brown sugar, cherry, clove, caramel, and spice character
- Limited batch release
- Highly collectible Kentucky bourbon
- Produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky
Tasting Notes
Nose: Dark caramel, brown sugar, cherry, molasses, cinnamon, gingerbread, and black pepper with underlying charred oak.
Palate: Full-bodied and concentrated with caramelized sugar, dark fruit, chocolate, cherry, baking spice, clove, and seasoned oak.
Finish: Exceptionally long and warming with lingering cherry, clove, oak, spice, and smoky sweetness. Buffalo Trace’s official Stagg profile emphasizes chocolate, brown sugar, cherry, clove, rye spice, and smokiness.
How to Enjoy
Stagg Batch 26B is best approached neat in a Glencairn or tulip-shaped whiskey glass. Give the pour 10–15 minutes to rest before tasting so the alcohol intensity can settle and the fruit, caramel, chocolate, and spice notes can develop.
At 125.2 proof, adding several drops of water can noticeably open the whiskey, softening the heat and revealing additional sweetness and dark-fruit character. A single large cube works well for a slower sip.
Because of its limited batch nature and barrel-proof intensity, many collectors will prefer it neat, although it can make an exceptionally bold Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
FAQ
What is Stagg Batch 26B?
It is a 2026 batch release of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s barrel-proof Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, bottled uncut and unfiltered.
What proof is Stagg Batch 26B?
Batch 26B is bottled at 125.2 proof, equivalent to 62.6% ABV.
Is Stagg Batch 26B barrel proof?
Yes. Stagg is released at barrel proof and without dilution or filtration.
How old is Stagg Bourbon?
Buffalo Trace currently describes Stagg as aged eight years in charred white oak barrels.
What does Stagg Batch 26B taste like?
Expect an intense profile built around caramel, brown sugar, chocolate, cherry, dark fruit, cinnamon, clove, rye spice, oak, and subtle smoke.
Is Stagg the same as George T. Stagg?
No. Stagg is Buffalo Trace’s separate barrel-proof bourbon expression. George T. Stagg is part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and is typically aged more than 15 years.
Was Stagg formerly called Stagg Jr.?
Yes. The expression was historically known as Stagg Jr. before the “Jr.” designation was removed.
