Review #7 - STAGG Batch 22B (Old Batch #19)

STAGG Batch 22B- What can I say about one of Buffalo Trace’s brands that everyone has on their radar at some point in their bourbon journey? All I can say is “Find One”, you won’t be disappointed. This bottle was released in the Winter of 2022. This is Non-Aged Stated bourbon, but it’s normally around 8 years old. This is Batch 22B but commonly known to many as the old Batch 19. It comes in at a barrel proof of 130. *** Fun Fact*** I was fortunate to snag this bottle from Randall’s Wine & Spirits in a holiday combo pack that included a bottle of Sazerac Rye and Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream for $104. This was my best opportunity for me to grab an elusive bottle for MSRP. They only had six bottles of Stagg available in the store and I was the sixth person in line. Needless to say, I grabbed the last available combo pack. So, where will this Stagg (Jr.) rank among its other predecessors? Well enough talking , let’s Pour, Sniff, and Sip.

Cheers ???? and “Welkome to the Neat Lounge”

Price: $70

My Tasting Notes: I allowed this to rest in a Glencarin glass for 25 minutes before sampling.

Appearance: Dark Forest Red / Amber

Nose: The nose is very pronounced and has a blend of several wonderful notes. The ethanol is definitely noticeable but not overwhelming. There is a nice balance of grape, cherry and other dark fruits intertwined that feel like they are harmonized thoroughly. Along for the ride are waves of vanilla, chocolate and molasses. However, one of the best aromas is this old dusty smell that includes some black pepper spice notes. It smells like an old barnyard with aging barrel wood. Honestly, the juice in this bottle smells like this is an older bourbon. Based on appearance and smell alone I give the nose and 8.8.

Palate: On the first sip, I get tons of sweet chocolate and cherries, but this definitely doesn’t feel like 130 proof. This drinks well below its ABV and is easily crushable. The mouthfeel is nice and has a decent viscosity to it. The sweet oak and dark cherry notes are perfectly balanced. While the grapey sweetness is noticeable, it’s not as pronounced as it was on the nose. The vanilla and cinnamon are detectable, but definitely in the background. On the second sip, the molasses and chocolate are more pronounced. The bourbon remains sweet throughout with the cherry and possibly strawberry flavors leading in the forefront. There are also coats of sweet vanilla and cinnamon. Overall, the palate is pleasant. I give it an 8.5.

Finish: The finish is super super long and this is where this bourbon really shines. The sweet oak, dark cherry and chocolate remain consistent to the very end. I really enjoy the overall flavor and the consistency in this bottle. I can’t say this enough, but the finish is spot on. I’ll give the finish a 9.0.

Summary: This is very approachable and easy sipping Stagg. If you are expecting an overly brash and powerful bourbon, you are in for a surprise with this one. While the 130 proof is still noticeable, as I mentioned earlier, this is a bourbon, that is smooth and scarily crushable. I love how sweet this bourbon stays throughout each sip. At $70 was this worth the purchase? Absolutely ????????. I will savor this one, because I don’t know how long it will be, before I find another one of these in the wild for a fair price.

Rating: This is a solid 8.8 on a 10 point scale.