Are you a rare spirits aficionado? Do you want to find and taste the rarest spirits in the world? Looking for Stagg Jr.? You’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’re starting with Stagg Jr. as well as looking at other rare craft spirits worth adding to your must-sample list.

The History of Stagg Jr.

Stagg Jr. has always been made at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Originally called the O.F.C. Distillery (the owners believed the finest whiskey came from old-fashioned wood-fired copper stills, hence the O.F.C.). George T. Stagg purchased this distillery in 1878.

In 1904, the distillery was renamed the George T. Stagg Distillery. Interestingly, during Prohibition, they received one of the very few permits to bottle medicinal whiskey. They were also part of an even smaller group allowed to produce new whiskey from 1930 to 1933.

In 1999, the distiller became Buffalo Trace Distillery, and they launched their flagship brand, Buffalo Trace.

Stagg Jr. is a barrel-proof bourbon whiskey that belongs to the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. It’s named after George T. Stagg. The distillery has released batches only twice a year, and they wait a season between batches. They released the first bottle in 2013, using Buffalo Trace’s Mashbill #1.

Why is Stagg Jr. So Popular?

There are just three reasons Stagg Jr. is popular and sought out by whiskey aficionados. Here they are:

1. It’s made by Buffalo Trace, a world-famous, award-winning distillery known for premium products.
2. Stagg Jr. is barrel-proof bourbon. Bourbon enthusiasts crave its exquisite and powerful flavor profile.
3. It’s only released in small batches twice a year, making it rare.

Bourbon drinkers will appreciate its touch of heat, a savory backbone, and a bit of brown sugar for sweetness. Because it’s such a powerful bourbon, you might prefer it over ice or with a small bit of water.

Finally, Stagg Jr. spends at least eight years in its barrel and rarely more than 10 years. No longer in production, you’ll have to look hard to find this prized bottle.

Meet George T. Stagg

Another rare craft spirit made by Buffalo Trace Distillery and part of its Antique Collection is George T. Stagg.

This hearty whiskey is aged for no less than 15 years in new charred oak barrels. It comes to you straight from the barrel, uncut and unfiltered. The taste is intense. You’d be well advised to drink it with a few drops of water.

You’ll note the sweetness of toffee and dark chocolate with a touch of vanilla, fudge, molasses, and nougat. Its underlying notes include dates, dark berries, tobacco, spearmint, and a hint of coffee.

Find George T. Stagg>

Meet Glenfiddich 50-Year-Old Whiskey

With only 50 bottles of this single malt Scotch whiskey released each year, the price tag isn’t for the faint of heart. Glenfiddich has more than 100 years of experience crafting the best whiskey passed down over five generations. According to Glenfiddich, this whiskey is vibrant and zesty, with hints of vanilla toffee and gentle smoke.

The whiskey was inspired by the first vatting from nine casks and honors the founder’s nine children who helped build Glenfiddich by hand. Distilled in 50-year-old casks, this is certainly a standout whiskey that many can only hope to taste.

Find Glenfiddich 50-Year-Old Whiskey >

Meet Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve

A reasonably priced, 15-year-old whiskey, you’ll appreciate its smooth oak flavor. Another barrel-proof whiskey, the recipe is wheated and comes to you from the heartland of whiskey in Kentucky. It’s unhurried, as you’ll note it has sat in barrels for 15 years. You’ll note its hazy, copper color and immediately taste a rich and decadent, full-bodied whiskey.

With flavors of caramel, toffee, peppery brown spice, and wood notes, it’s at once exotic and seductive to your palate.

Find Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve >

Meet Kentucky Owl Maighstir Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

This 100-proof whiskey is the “master” of whiskies. Its name, Maighstir, comes from the Gaelic word meaning master. When you can find it, you’ll enjoy its warm, spicy sweetness from the rye. You’ll also note a combination of soft tones from the wheat and barley, making it warm on your tongue. As the taste lingers, you taste orange and grapefruit.

At its finish, you note a soft caramel and vanilla flavor that begs this question – is this the best of bourbon or Scotch? You’ll have to try it to make your own decision.

Find Kentucky Owl Maighstir Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey >

Meet Knob Creek 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

This 18-year-old bourbon whiskey is a limited edition release that hits our rare spirits list. Knob Creek ages this twice as long as their flagship bourbon, so you know their dedication to long aging is real. It has a lovely, rich copper color and deep notes of caramelized oak.

Its aroma is all about the brown sugar, aged oak, and notes of char and caramel. You’ll taste the hints of vanilla and the baking spices, too. When it comes to distillation artists, you’ve arrived.

Find Knob Creek 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey >

Frequently Asked Questions About Stagg Jr.

How rare is Stagg Jr.?

It’s so rare it can be hard for even Americans to find. Why? The distiller only sells bottlings for a short period of time on a limited basis.

Why is it hard to find?

This is because Buffalo Trace limits how many bottles are released each year. This is a great way to make them rare and valuable.

What is the last edition of Stagg Jr.?

This is Batch 17, which was released in the winter of 2021. This was the last batch of an era because they rebranded it Stagg in 2022. If you can find it, this is one of their finest barrel-proof bourbons at 128.7 proof.

Final Thoughts on Rare Spirits

If you’re looking for Stagg Jr. and other rare spirits across the world, there’s no better place than Distillerynearby.com. We are your one-stop shop for everything related to the making and tasting of the most rare and best spirits the world has to offer.

If you want more information about the best craft distillery experiences and finest spirits around, please visit Distillerynearby.com. It’s your ultimate guide for sipping and sampling all the best spirits and distilleries in the United States.