Whiskey Comparison

Stagg Jr Batch 7 vs Batch 10

     Stagg Jr, the younger version of George T Stagg, is one of one Buffalo Trace’s small batch cask strength bourbons. Batches are released twice a year, each with a different proof and potential differences in scents and flavors. As of this posting in 2019, 11 batches have been released, with each having a different proof. Each batch is known to be very bold and intense, pummeling even the most experienced drinkers. I’ve been lucky enough to have reviewed batch 7 (from Fall 2016) and batch 10 (from Spring 2018), giving them both “Top Shelf” ratings for their deep, complex, and intense characteristics. When I finally got my hands on a second batch, I wondered how much variance there might be between them. Let’s get into this Stagg Jr comparison between Batch 7 vs Batch 10 to see what happens.

 

     The below table outlines key facts and figures for each bourbon.

Stagg jr comparison comparison table

How do they Compare?

stagg jr batch 7 vs 10 radar

How to Read the Chart 

     Stagg Jr Batch 7 is in blue, and Batch 10 is in orange. The center of the circle indicates none of a trait. Further out the line indicates a stronger presence of that trait. 

 

The scale (from inside to out):

     – None

     – Light

     – Light-Moderate

     – Moderate

     – Moderate-Strong

     – Strong

stagg jr comparison winner
     Your eyes aren’t deceiving you, batch 7 and 10 are incredibly similar and excellent bourbons. There may be a 5-10% difference, but I had a hard time definitively picking it out. If I did this blind, I might notice that there were subtle differences, but I honestly wouldn’t be able to determine which one was which. I had to this Stagg Jr comparison twice just to be sure. All I can really say is that they’re both very dense, intense, and oily bourbons that pack a lot of flavor and heat.
     From what I was able to pick out, batch 7 may be a tad sweeter, fruitier, and brighter, and batch 10 a little darker, spicier, more malty, and hot. Batch 10 also has a light salted tortilla-chip taste that I didn’t get in batch 7, but all those differences are easy to miss if you’re not paying full attention. Regardless, both batch 7 and 10 are awesome bourbons that will pulverize your palate and leave you asking for more, and it’s great. If anything, this shows us that Stagg Jr is very consistent, so you can expect future releases to be excellent as well.

Maker's Mark Cask Strength Comparison