The recipe behind Batch 18 follows the historic build — Buffalo Trace's low-rye Mash Bill #1 from Frankfort, Kentucky, grain ratio undisclosed — bottled from the barrel, unfiltered, at 131 proof. What changed with this batch was only the label template: "Stagg" without the "Jr.," keeping the same raw whiskey inside. The bottle is non-age-stated, with maturity estimated in the high single digits.

Midnight Whiskey sells only bottles sourced through authorized U.S. distribution; each is checked for fill level, seal, and label integrity before it ships. Orders are packed in protective single-bottle cartons and released to adults only — delivery requires an adult 21-or-over signature. For more on verifying each bottle we sell, keeping and shipping your bottle, and the bar each listing clears.

What proof is Stagg Batch 18?

Batch 18 carries 131 proof — 65.5% ABV — on its label, bottled at barrel strength and unfiltered. The proof is whatever the barrels reached, with no water added to even it out, so it shifts from batch to batch; 131 lands on the higher side of the recent releases. Barrel proof simply means nothing is added to bring the strength down to a set number.

Why is Stagg Batch 18 significant?

Batch 18 was the first release to carry the name "Stagg" without "Jr." — Buffalo Trace dropped the "Jr." designation starting with this batch, with Batch 17 the last labeled "Stagg Jr." It still used the old running batch number; the year-and-letter codes, like 22B, began with the next release. Its launch was also delayed by the 2022 industry-wide glass shortage.