Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Batch ’23C’ 125.9 Proof

The Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Batch ‘23C’ (125.9 Proof) represents the unfiltered, uncompromising spirit of American whiskey. Produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery, this release showcases raw barrel strength and deep complexity.

Whether you’re exploring George Stagg Bourbon, comparing batches, or looking for George Stagg for sale, this guide covers every essential detail — from history and tasting notes to where you can find it today.

A Legacy of Strength

The Stagg name carries weight in bourbon history. Named after George T. Stagg, one of Buffalo Trace’s founding legends, this bourbon line is synonymous with uncut, unfiltered intensity.

Each release honors Stagg’s 19th-century vision of bourbon made without compromise — bold, authentic, and undiluted. The 2023 “Batch 23C” follows that tradition with a proof of 125.9, striking the perfect balance between power and flavor.

To dive deeper into the distillery’s heritage, visit the Buffalo Trace Distillery website — the official external source for authentic product information.

Key Features

• Name: Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Batch ‘23C’

• Producer: Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort KY

• Proof: 125.9 (62.95 % ABV)

• Type: Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon

• Mash Bill: Corn, rye, and malted barley

• Age Statement: NAS (typically 8–10 years in recent Stagg releases)

• Aroma: Brown sugar, dark cherry, and vanilla bean

• Palate: Bold caramel, oak spice, molasses, and roasted cocoa

• Finish: Long, warm, and layered with charred oak and dark chocolate

• Style: Non-chill-filtered, uncut straight from the barrel

• Availability: Limited release – highly collectible among enthusiasts

Distilling and Aging

The Stagg Bourbon series reflects Buffalo Trace’s expertise in barrel selection. Each batch is aged in new American oak barrels in the warm upper floors of the distillery’s warehouses, where fluctuating temperatures enhance maturation.

Batch ‘23C’ delivers deep color, high viscosity, and concentrated flavor. At barrel proof, it captures bourbon in its purest form — unfiltered, full-bodied, and powerful.

Despite its high proof, it remains surprisingly balanced, a testament to Buffalo Trace’s meticulous blending and aging control.

Appearance and Aroma

In the glass, Stagg 23C gleams with dark mahogany tones. The aroma hits immediately — a rush of brown sugar, dark cherry, vanilla, and baking spice.

As it opens, layers of caramelized oak, tobacco leaf, and cocoa emerge. The nose alone hints at the power waiting within each sip.

Tasting Notes

Palate: Dense waves of caramel and molasses flood the tongue. Notes of toasted pecan, cinnamon bark, and dark fruit follow. The mid-palate builds heat but stays balanced by honey and oak sweetness.

Body: Full and oily, coating the mouth with flavor intensity.

Finish: Long and satisfying — charred oak, vanilla bean, and dark chocolate linger long after each sip.

Add a few drops of water to unlock deeper sweetness and reveal hidden fruit and spice layers. Every glass of Stagg 23C evolves as it breathes.

The Power of Proof

At 125.9 proof, this batch delivers an experience that is both bold and elegant. The alcohol strength amplifies its caramel and spice without overwhelming the senses.

Unlike diluted whiskies, Stagg 23C retains the natural oils and sugars that form during barrel aging. It’s bourbon in its purest form — bottled exactly as nature intended.

Reviews and Recognition

Collectors and enthusiasts consistently rank Stagg releases among the finest barrel-strength bourbons on the market.

Reviewers praise Batch 23C for its “massive depth and refined structure,” noting its seamless balance between oak, sweetness, and spice. Some describe it as “a perfect midpoint between Stagg Jr’s intensity and George T. Stagg’s complexity.”

Whiskey forums report instant sell-outs on release day , a testament to its cult-level demand.

Price and Availability

Stagg Batch 23C originally retailed for around $79 USD, but its secondary-market value often exceeds $250 – $300 USD depending on region.

Because supply is limited, availability varies by state and store. Always purchase from reputable sellers or verified collectors to ensure authenticity.

For premium bourbon listings, visit World of Whiskey Sale — your internal source for verified limited-release bottles and expert bourbon selections.

Serving and Pairing Tips

Serve Stagg 23C neat in a Glencairn or heavy tumbler to appreciate its aroma and heat. For a softer profile, add a few drops of distilled water — it unlocks layers of toffee and cherry sweetness.

Pair it with dark chocolate truffles, smoked meats, or a rich cigar for the ultimate bourbon experience.

Given its strength, one pour is more than enough to savor for an evening.

Why Choose Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon 23C

• Authentic Barrel Strength: Uncut, unfiltered, and true to its origins.

• Rich Heritage: Produced by the legendary Buffalo Trace Distillery.

• Complex Flavor: Combines deep sweetness with oak-driven spice.

• Collectible Release: Limited supply, high secondary-market demand.

• Prestige & Proof: Delivers bold character for serious bourbon lovers.

If you value intensity, tradition, and craftsmanship, Stagg 23C belongs in your collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stagg the same as George T. Stagg?
Stagg derives from the same lineage as George T. Stagg Bourbon, crafted by Buffalo Trace, but bottled as a younger, barrel-strength expression.

What proof is Batch 23C?
125.9 proof (62.95 % ABV).

Is Stagg 23C limited edition?
Yes. Each batch is released only once per year in small quantities.

What does Stagg 23C taste like?
Expect brown sugar, cherry, vanilla, caramel, oak spice, and a long, smoky finish.

Where can I buy George Stagg Bourbon?
Look for verified listings on retail partners or through World of Whiskey Sale for authentic stock.