If you’ve been anywhere near the bourbon Facebook groups lately, you know the feed is absolutely buzzing. It’s that time of year—fall limited release season—where the hunt is fierce, and the “crotch shots” of steering wheel bottle pics are flying left and right. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have secured not just one, but two heavy hitters from Buffalo Trace for the bar this season. There may be more depending on what a particular distributor does with the other half of the BTAC and Pappy collection.

Tonight, we’re throwing a “Stagg Party.” No, not that kind. We are diving into two powerhouses from the Buffalo Trace Distillery: the approachable-yet-mighty Stagg (Batch 25A) and the absolute monster that is the 2025 George T. Stagg.

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Stagg Batch 25A (Summer 2025 Release)

Proof: 126.5
Release: Summer 2025

Ten years ago, before the bourbon boom truly exploded and everyone started camping out for Buffalo Trace products, Stagg Jr. (as it was known then) was a regular on my bar. It was accessible, reliable, and delicious. Fast forward to 2025, and this bottle definitely shows why demand has skyrocketed.

Color:
In the glass, this pours very dark with lots of deep mahogany. It looks brooding and rich.

Nose:
The nose is heavy with tons of caramel, vanilla, and oak. It’s the classic profile you want from a barrel-proof offering. Giving it a swirl, it coats the glass with a big, thick film and stubborn legs that refuse to run.

Palate:
For 126.5 proof, this is dangerously drinkable. Big notes of vanilla hit first, followed by slight candied cherry notes and a heavy dose of big oak. It’s mouth-coating and dense.

Finish:
The finish brings wonderful oak that lingers. It is amazingly smooth for the proof—a fantastic example of why this label has become so sought after that some bourbon nerds refer to this as a unicorn in the wild.

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George T. Stagg (2025 Antique Collection)

Proof: 142.8 (Hazmat)
Age: 15 Years, 4 Months

This year’s “Papa Stagg” is a beast, clocking in at a hazmat proof of 142.8. For those unfamiliar, that means you literally cannot fly with this bottle in your checked luggage—it’s too volatile for the FAA, but perfect for my glass.

Color:
Interestingly, the color here is more reddish than amber, a beautiful hue reflecting its 15 years and 4 months of aging in the Kentucky heat.

Nose:
On the swirl, it leaves a thin film but forms incredibly thick legs. The nose is rich and commanding, dominated by deep vanilla and seasoned oak. It smells like history.

Palate:
Vanilla and oak lead the way here as well, but there is a distinct sophistication to it. Underneath the wood, I get refined notes of Italian maraschino cherry. Despite the hazmat proof, this whiskey is amazingly smooth. It doesn’t burn; it warms.

Finish:
The finish is long—magnificent oak and peppery notes that seem to last forever. That’s really what George T. Stagg does better than any other whiskey – it puts oak front and center but does it in such a way that it is desirable and it no way off-putting.

Verdict:
I consider this bottling to be one of the better releases of George T. Stagg I have had over the last twelve years. It balances that massive proof with an elegance that is hard to find. It is far more complex and delicious compared to last year’s release, despite being higher proof. I have bought one every year for the last twelve years except for 2021, that one year where they didn’t have any and most of the time this bourbon is amazing, but some years have been lacking. I am glad this release lives up to its name and, indeed the hype. The other interesting thing is while the price has risen on this from $125 to $185 over the years, other fall limited release bourbons are now in the $300 range. Sazerac may have limited supply but they do not price gauge. Because they realize this bubble will eventually end, and they want their customers to chose them over others when real competition begins again. It is a good philosophy, from the folks at Buffalo Trace who have told me in person, y’all seem to drink everything we make.

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Thanks for reading this installment of my fall limited release bourbon series on whiskeyjar.blog. If you managed to snag a limited release bottle this season, let me know in the comments—or better yet, crack it open. Whiskey this good is meant to be drunk and shared with friends.