Stagg (formerly known as Stagg Jr.) is Buffalo Trace Distillery's celebrated cask-strength bourbon series — a more accessible, batched counterpart to the legendary George T. Stagg from the distillery's Antique Collection. Bottled uncut and unfiltered straight from the barrel, Stagg delivers the raw, robust intensity serious bourbon collectors seek, without dilution to a standard bottling strength.
Batch 26C is bottled at a bold 124.6 proof (62.3% ABV), the third barrel selection released under the 2026 batch code. Because Stagg is never cut with water, the proof and character of every batch is determined entirely by the specific barrels selected — how much they concentrated through evaporation in their unique warehouse positions during aging. This is what makes each Stagg batch a distinct expression, prized by collectors who build side-by-side verticals across releases.
Distilled on Buffalo Trace's Mash Bill #1 (a low-rye bourbon recipe) and aged approximately 8–9 years, Batch 26C carries the hallmark Stagg profile: deep sweetness, heavy mouthfeel, and building spice that unfolds as it opens in the glass.
What to Expect
Like every Stagg release, Batch 26C is expected to showcase the series' signature high-proof intensity — typically featuring notes of dark chocolate, brown sugar, caramel, dark cherry, and charred oak, with a long, warming finish and building spice. As with every batch, subtle variations in barrel selection give 26C its own distinct character within the broader Stagg family. We'll update this listing with detailed tasting notes as reviews of this specific batch are published.
How to Enjoy
Best enjoyed neat in a tasting glass — let it rest for several minutes to open up before your first sip. A few drops of water can help soften the heat and reveal more sweetness and spice, while a single large ice cube offers a slower, more relaxed pour for those who prefer it.
Why Collectors Seek This Out
Uncut, unfiltered barrel-proof bourbon from the legendary Buffalo Trace Distillery
Highly allocated, limited-availability release
Distinct batch character — no two Stagg batches are exactly alike
Aged approximately 8–9 years for genuine depth and maturity
A more accessible entry point into the barrel-proof intensity of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection style
Product Details
Type
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Mash Bill
Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (Low-Rye)
Size
750mL
ABV
62.3% Alc. Vol. (124.6 Proof)
Age
No Official Age Statement (Approx. 8–9 Years)
Filtration
Uncut, Unfiltered
Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky
Batch
26C — Third 2026 Batch Release
Please drink responsibly. Must be 21+ to purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the "26C" batch code mean?
Buffalo Trace uses a year-batch code system for Stagg releases: "26" refers to 2026, and "C" indicates this is the third distinct barrel selection released that year, following batches 26A and 26B.
Why does the proof vary between Stagg batches?
Stagg is bottled at natural barrel proof without any water added. Because proof depends entirely on how each barrel concentrated during aging (based on its warehouse position and evaporation), every batch comes out at a slightly different strength and flavor intensity.
How is Stagg different from George T. Stagg?
Stagg (formerly Stagg Jr.) was created to bring the barrel-proof intensity of George T. Stagg — the flagship of Buffalo Trace's Antique Collection — to a wider audience in a more accessible, higher-volume batch release format.
How old is this bourbon?
Stagg does not carry an official age statement, but the series is widely known to be aged approximately 8–9 years in Buffalo Trace's warehouses.
Is this bourbon chill-filtered?
No. Stagg is bottled uncut and unfiltered, preserving the whiskey's full texture, natural oils, and concentrated barrel-strength character.
How should I drink a high-proof bourbon like this?
Most enthusiasts recommend sipping it neat in a tasting glass, letting it rest for a few minutes to open up. A few drops of water can soften the heat and bring out more sweetness and spice if the proof feels too intense at first.
Is Batch 26C a limited release?
Yes. Like all Stagg releases, Batch 26C is a highly allocated, limited-availability bourbon. Availability varies by market and retailer.
