{"product_id":"stagg-batch-23a","title":"Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch 23A","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e\n.mw-master-container{\n  --mw-accent: #B84C3B;   \/* metallic foil  *\/\n  --mw-glow:   #9B624C;   \/* power color    *\/\n  --mw-bg:     #120D0C;   \/* deep lowlight  *\/\n  --mw-text:#e0e0e0; --mw-muted:#b8b8b8; --mw-hair:#222;\n  font-family: inherit; background:var(--mw-bg); color:var(--mw-text);\n  line-height:1.7; padding:24px; margin-bottom:60px;\n}\n.mw-master-container .mw-h3{ color:var(--mw-accent); font-weight:bold; text-transform:uppercase;\n  font-size:0.9rem; letter-spacing:2px; margin-top:40px; display:block;\n  border-bottom:1px solid var(--mw-glow); padding-bottom:8px; margin-bottom:20px; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-accent{ color:var(--mw-accent); font-weight:bold; text-decoration:none; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-accent:hover{ color:#fff; text-decoration:underline; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-info-box{ background:linear-gradient(90deg, var(--mw-bg) 0%, var(--mw-glow) 100%);\n  padding:25px; margin:25px 0; border-radius:0 4px 4px 0; border:1px solid var(--mw-hair);\n  border-left:4px solid var(--mw-accent); }\n.mw-master-container .mw-grid{ display:grid; grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr; gap:30px; margin:30px 0; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-card{ background:rgba(255,255,255,0.02); padding:25px;\n  border:1px solid var(--mw-glow); border-radius:4px; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-table{ width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; margin-top:15px; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-table td{ padding:14px 0; border-bottom:1px solid var(--mw-hair);\n  color:#ccc; font-size:0.95rem; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-table td:first-child{ font-weight:bold; width:38%; color:var(--mw-accent);\n  text-transform:uppercase; font-size:0.75rem; letter-spacing:1px; }\n.mw-master-container details{ background:rgba(255,255,255,0.03); border:1px solid var(--mw-hair);\n  border-radius:4px; margin-bottom:15px; }\n.mw-master-container summary{ padding:18px; color:var(--mw-accent); font-weight:bold; cursor:pointer;\n  outline:none; list-style:none; display:flex; justify-content:space-between; align-items:center;\n  text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:1px; font-size:0.85rem; }\n.mw-master-container summary::after{ content:'+'; font-size:1.2rem; }\n.mw-master-container details[open]{ border:1px solid var(--mw-accent); }\n.mw-master-container details[open] summary::after{ content:'-'; }\n.mw-master-container .details-content{ padding:0 20px 20px 20px; font-size:0.95rem; }\n@media (max-width:768px){ .mw-master-container .mw-grid{ grid-template-columns:1fr; } }\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"mw-master-container\"\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"speakable\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eBatch 23A opened Stagg's 2023 run as the spring release — a Buffalo Trace Kentucky bourbon bottled uncut and unfiltered, straight from the barrel, at 130.2 proof (65.1% ABV). It is one of the higher-strength recent batches, but reviewers found it fruit-forward and easy-drinking for its proof. The \"Jr.\" came off the Stagg name around 2021, and Buffalo Trace keeps both the grain recipe and the age unstated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cspan class=\"mw-h3\"\u003eThe Elemental Distinction\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"mw-info-box\"\u003e\n    \u003cul style=\"margin:0; padding-left:20px; font-size:0.95rem;\"\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eBottled at 130.2 proof (65.1% ABV) on the 23A label — barrel strength, uncut, and unfiltered.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eThe spring 2023 release — the first Stagg batch of that year, ahead of the fall 23B and winter 23C variants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eOne of the higher-strength batches of the recent run; reviewers nonetheless found it drinks below its 130.2 proof, fruit-led rather than hot.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eFrom the former George T. Stagg Distillery — now Buffalo Trace, in Frankfort, Kentucky (DSP-KY-113), owned by Sazerac — on the low-rye Mash Bill #1, grain split undisclosed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eNo age statement; reviewers estimate roughly eight to nine years, and note its 130.2 proof is shared with the older Batch 14 (distinguished by laser code).\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"mw-grid\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"mw-card\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"mw-accent\" style=\"font-size:0.75rem; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:1px;\"\u003eSensory Profile\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:20px; font-size:0.9rem;\"\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deeply fruited — grape soda, black cherry cola, and stewed cherries, over sweet oak and a vanilla-caramel base. Several reviewers read 23A as a return to the fruit some recent batches had lost. It noses far softer than 130.2 proof suggests.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cp style=\"margin-top:10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Green apple and lightly smoked maraschino over maple and a dusty, gentle funk, with cinnamon and clove for a spicy-dry edge. Full, but not hot for the strength.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cp style=\"margin-top:10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fairly quick for a barrel-proof bourbon — sweet fruit fading to oak and a little spice, part of what makes it so drinkable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"mw-card\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"mw-accent\" style=\"font-size:0.75rem; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:1px;\"\u003eStrategic Position\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"font-size:0.90rem; margin-top:20px;\"\u003e23A is the high-proof end of the recent run at 130.2 — yet it earned a reputation for drinking well below that strength, fruit-forward and balanced rather than hot. As the spring 2023 release it opened the year, and several reviewers read it as a return to the fruit-led profile they felt had slipped. Stagg sets each batch at its own barrel strength, so the number shifts release to release. See \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stagg-batch-23b\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003ethe fall 23B that followed\u003c\/a\u003e at 127.8 proof, or browse \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/whiskey\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003eour other Kentucky bourbons\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cspan class=\"mw-h3\"\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003ctable class=\"mw-table\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDistillery\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBuffalo Trace Distillery (DSP-KY-113), Frankfort, KY\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProducer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSazerac Company\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCategory\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eKentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProof \/ ABV\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e130.2 proof · 65.1% ABV (barrel proof)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBatch\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e23A\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMash Bill\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBuffalo Trace low-rye Mash Bill #1 — exact grain % not disclosed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAge Statement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNone (non-age-stated)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFiltration\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUnfiltered\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRelease\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBatch 23A — Spring 2023 (first 2023 batch)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNote\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSame 130.2 proof as the older Batch 14 — laser code distinguishes them\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBottle Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e750 ml\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUnited States · Kentucky\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n  \u003cspan class=\"mw-h3\"\u003eCollector Note\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"font-size:0.95rem; margin-bottom:15px;\"\u003e23A holds a couple of footnotes for collectors: it opened the 2023 run as the spring release, and it was widely received as one of the better recent batches, credited with a fruit-forward return to form. Its 130.2 proof also matches the older Batch 14, so the batch and laser codes are how to be sure which you have. For the cellar, the usual applies: cool, dark, upright, unopened.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cspan class=\"mw-h3\"\u003eRecommended Serving\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"font-size:0.95rem; margin-bottom:25px;\"\u003eThis one is approachable enough to enjoy neat despite the 130.2 proof, so begin there to catch the fruit; a few drops of water or a cube will stretch the grape-and-cherry sweetness further. Room temperature is best; cold flattens the fruit and oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eProduction Methodology\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"details-content\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eStagg is Buffalo Trace's barrel-proof bourbon, distilled in Frankfort, Kentucky on the low-rye Mash Bill #1 — the recipe shared with George T. Stagg, grain percentages unpublished. It is drawn straight from the barrel and bottled unfiltered, which is why 23A lands at 130.2 proof and keeps the oils and body a chill filter strips. No age is stated; reviewers estimate roughly eight to nine years, and several singled this batch out for drinking unusually softly at its strength.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eAuthentication \u0026amp; Vault Preservation\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"details-content\"\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eMidnight 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 \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/authentication\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003ehow we verify each bottle\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/vault-concierge\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003ehow we hold and dispatch bottles\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/editorial-standards\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003ethe rules our listings meet\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"details-content\"\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat proof is Stagg Batch 23A?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"margin-bottom:18px;\"\u003eBatch 23A comes in at 130.2 proof — 65.1% ABV — barrel proof and unfiltered, as the 23A label shows, putting it among the higher strengths of the recent run. \"Barrel proof\" means the bourbon is bottled at the strength it reached in the barrel, with no water added. The figure happens to match the older Batch 14, which the batch code and laser code distinguish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy do reviewers describe Stagg Batch 23A as fruit-forward?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eSeveral trade reviews of Batch 23A highlighted a deeply fruited character — grape soda, black cherry, stewed cherries, and green apple — that some called a return to a profile recent batches had lost. Reviewers also noted that, despite its 130.2 proof, it drinks below its strength: balanced and fruit-led rather than hot. Like all Stagg, it is uncut, unfiltered, and non-age-stated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@graph\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Product\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/stagg-batch-23a#product\",\n      \"name\": \"Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch 23A\",\n      \"image\": \"https:\/\/www.midnightwhiskey.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/stagg-batch-23a.jpg\",\n      \"description\": \"Stagg Batch 23A is a barrel-proof Kentucky straight bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery, bottled uncut and unfiltered at 65.1% ABV (130.2 proof); the first 2023 release.\",\n      \"sku\": \"088004018580-23A\",\n      \"mpn\": \"088004018580-23A\",\n      \"brand\": { \"@type\": \"Brand\", \"name\": \"Buffalo Trace\" },\n      \"category\": \"Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey\",\n      \"offers\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Offer\",\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/stagg-batch-23a#offer\",\n        \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/stagg-batch-23a\",\n        \"priceCurrency\": \"USD\",\n        \"price\": \"229.95\",\n        \"availability\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/InStock\",\n        \"itemCondition\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/NewCondition\",\n        \"seller\": { \"@type\": \"Organization\", \"name\": \"Midnight Whiskey\" }\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/stagg-batch-23a#breadcrumb\",\n      \"itemListElement\": [\n        { \"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 1, \"name\": \"Home\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/www.midnightwhiskey.com\" },\n        { \"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 2, \"name\": \"Whiskey\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/www.midnightwhiskey.com\/collections\/whiskey\" },\n        { \"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 3, \"name\": \"Stagg Batch 23A\" }\n      ]\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/stagg-batch-23a#faq\",\n      \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"What proof is Stagg Batch 23A?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Batch 23A comes in at 130.2 proof - 65.1% ABV - barrel proof and unfiltered, as the 23A label shows, putting it among the higher strengths of the recent run. Barrel proof means the bourbon is bottled at the strength it reached in the barrel, with no water added. The figure happens to match the older Batch 14, which the batch code and laser code distinguish.\" }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Why do reviewers describe Stagg Batch 23A as fruit-forward?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Several trade reviews of Batch 23A highlighted a deeply fruited character - grape soda, black cherry, stewed cherries, and green apple - that some called a return to a profile recent batches had lost. Reviewers also noted that, despite its 130.2 proof, it drinks below its strength: balanced and fruit-led rather than hot. Like all Stagg, it is uncut, unfiltered, and non-age-stated.\" }\n        }\n      ]\n    }\n  ]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Buffalo Trace","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45797795659810,"sku":"088004018580-23A","price":229.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0812\/5566\/1602\/files\/image_e7797a85-c170-4f72-ad8b-f2b7fd6c0ae0.jpg?v=1781920858","url":"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/stagg-batch-23a","provider":"Midnight Whiskey ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}