The primary distinction between Stagg and what was formerly known as Stagg Jr. largely lies in their age statement and overall brand positioning, with a significant branding update also contributing to the current naming convention.
Key Distinctions
The Buffalo Trace Distillery produces both lines, which are highly sought-after barrel-proof bourbons. While both offer a robust and rich flavor profile typical of their high proof, their aging duration and historical nomenclature set them apart.
Age and Maturation Period
The most significant difference between the two expressions is the time spent in oak barrels:
- Stagg (formerly Stagg Jr.): This bourbon is typically aged for a shorter period, usually eight to nine years. It is released in multiple batches throughout the year, with each batch having a unique proof point.
- George T. Stagg (the original "Stagg"): This highly premium offering from the distillery undergoes a much longer maturation process, often reaching double-digit years in age, frequently between 15 to 17 years. Its extended aging contributes to a more complex and refined flavor profile.
Evolution of Branding
Understanding the names can be a bit confusing due to a recent change:
- Stagg Jr. was initially introduced as a more accessible, younger, barrel-proof version of the highly coveted George T. Stagg.
- In 2022, Buffalo Trace officially dropped the "Jr." from the name, rebranding Stagg Jr. simply to Stagg. This means that when people refer to "Stagg" today, they are typically referring to the bourbon that was previously known as Stagg Jr., which is the 8-9 year old expression.
- The older, more aged bourbon remains George T. Stagg and is part of the prestigious annual Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) release.
Proof and Production
Both Stagg and George T. Stagg are barrel-proof bourbons, meaning they are bottled at the strength they come out of the barrel, without being watered down before bottling. This results in varying alcohol by volume (ABV) for each release batch, typically ranging from the mid-120s to over 140 proof. While both are high-proof, their individual characteristics are shaped by their distinct aging periods.
Comparison Table
Here's a concise overview of the differences:
| Feature | Stagg (formerly Stagg Jr.) | George T. Stagg (Original Stagg) |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Typically 8-9 years old | Often aged for double-digit years (e.g., 15+ years) |
| Branding | Renamed from Stagg Jr. in 2022 | Part of the annual Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) |
| Proof | Barrel proof; varies by batch (e.g., 125-135 proof) | Barrel proof; varies by batch (e.g., 120-140 proof) |
| Availability | More frequent batches released throughout the year, but still highly allocated | Annual, highly limited release, extremely rare and sought after |
| Positioning | Younger, more accessible barrel-proof bourbon | Flagship, ultra-premium, aged barrel-proof bourbon |
