We Got A Stagg 22A... But Was It Worth What We Paid?

We haven't had a Stagg or Stagg JR bourbon release in years. We had the chance to get this Stagg 22a and figured it was worth a shot to see if we were still in love with them.
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[@Shootsmith]

Stagg 22A: 132.2 Proof (formerly Batch 20) Stagg 22B: 130 Proof (formerly Batch 19) Batch 18: Stagg 131 Proof Batch 17: Stagg Jr. 128.7 Proof Fall 2021 (last batch to officially include Jr. in the label)

[@shankdrummer06]

Thank for this. The commentary at the beginning had me cringing lol.

[@69CamaroSS]

So 22B (batch 19) comes BEFORE 22A (batch 20)? 🤯🤷‍♂️

[@69CamaroSS]

Clarification please??

[@k.johnson2722]

@@69CamaroSS22b was released before 22a

[@skags81]

I recently bought a bottle share bag and it is absolutely incredible. Worth the price for sure. Thanks guys.

[@damoncrutchfield3018]

Great video as all ways. I lucked up and got 22A also, and man, yall hit it on the nose with this review. I paid 150 for mine, and it's worth every penny.

[@HuskyHops]

I just found Stagg Jr. 22A in NC today. Wouldn’t have known about it without channels like y’all. Excited to crack it open and sip sparingly real soon!

[@WombatAnnihilator]

Reddit said there was a label issue with 22a so they released 22b first since it’s label was ready, and then they released 22a second. Next year, the a-batch will be the first release again. Thankfully i got mine here in Utah for $50. 🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@michaelrodgers940]

That’s an awesome price, I love Utah, going to have to make a Road Trip ✌️🖖

[@WombatAnnihilator]

@@michaelrodgers940 oh i was just lucky. They’re only releasing a case at a time. So far, only 12 bottles have been released. I just happened to be close enough to grab one.

[@Jeepmen103]

I heard the delay of 22A was due to the change of distribution last year. 22A was stock at the old distributor (RNDC) and it took this long to reroute to the new distributor.

[@WombatAnnihilator]

@@Jeepmen103 sounds slightly more plausible. I have no clue, so if there’s a definitive answer, I’ll gladly change my story. Dont wanna lead anyone astray

[@VicKinikin]

I’ve seen both of those on the shelf, but most stores are wanting $300-$350 for them. CRAZY! Then I found a store pick at a great price just slightly over MSRP and grabbed it. Unfortunately, I’m not sure many people out side of state ran stores will see it at MSRP with as crazy as the bourbon market has gotten. Thanks for the review! Definitely will be on the lookout for one of these, probably 22A. Have a good one!

[@InfinityVRX]

Cookie looking at it thinking "I can't wait to knock a glass of this off of the counter." 😅

[@zoolander221]

I got myself a bag, looking forward to using it often. Cheers Junkies

[@karl0318]

Great review! As much as I would love to have that bottle, I will pass and anything over $150, which would be a lot more than I personally like to pay with all the great options in the $70-100 range in my area (not including allocated abd something like Bardstown Discovery Series).

[@mrjiggs8]

I love 22B for me it was the most dark fruit forward, for me like black cheery, StaggJ that i've had in a long time. Love it, got a back up. Also have 22A but haven't cracked it yet, can't wait cause I love fruit forward Bourbon. Also those bags are bangers, I use mine a couple times a week and love it.....Go buy yours today you'll love it. Have a Great week everyone.

[@atlandrew8744]

Opened my first Stagg ever (22A) for Christmas this evening to share with family. It was pleasant raisin, tobacco, and dates on the nose to me. Super sweet and savory on the palette. It’s so cool to enjoy a spectacular bottle for a special occasion. Paid $200. Easily worth it. Your videos are super helpful. Will try my batch 18 next and update.

[@joshc3054]

I'm picking up a 22A tomorrow. I can't wait to try it!

[@DannyStilesShow]

Suuuuuper pumped on this review. My 22A is phenomenal, enjoy! Thanks guys!

[@anthonyhubbard2226]

Just picked this up, batch 23b. Paid $200 for it. Only one on the shelf. Waiting for a special occasion for the first pour. Looking forward to it! Thanks for helping me salivate over it early!

[@CruiserDawg]

I really love your reviews. I'm new to Bourbon and will be trying to find the 22A Batch. Thank you

[@djbeacon6895]

Great to hear the notes on the 22A. Stopped at local store a couple of weeks ago for some wine and they pulled out a bottle of the 22A from the back. Checking out and it rang up under $55. UFR!!

[@brianmccarthy5419]

Holy crap! At 3:10, I lost it! That was amazing! Oh yeah...great review.

[@jasono.1629]

Great review guys, this one sounds amazing

[@richmcelmeel5430]

Won a 22b in a store raffle, was able to purchase at MSRP, $70...1st one ever.... Thought of fresh grape jelly on the nose...heaven on the palate...love the depth.

[@drobinson99]

Was "Lucky" enough to run into a bottle of 22a for $199 up here in the PNW. I had to visit it a few times before I finally pulled the trigger. They had 5 on the shelf. Certainly drinks a lot less than 132 proof. It is quite delicious. Will try a tasting while watching this video next weekend to see if I taste what you taste.

[@Abs0lut3_Z3r0]

Managed to recently snag a Stagg pick at a lottery for $75 USD equivalent and it is by far the best bottle I own. It does kinda feel like your notes for 22A in that it’s pretty bright red fruit forward, though part of that brightness could have to do with it being stupid high proof (like 138). Either way, 100% agreed with you guys that this stuff is monster whiskey.

[@stevenhall7012]

got 3 bottles so far this year $52.99 each in va great bourbon one of my favorites

[@ecarson04]

Was finally able to get my first Stagg bottle and I got this one 22a. It’s a great bottle!!!

[@dayzanconfused8102]

iv got one had to pay 189$ but i love it an am glad i found one in the wild.

[@jimhealeymusic]

Just got Stagg 22A for MSRP last night and it is amazing. Really blew me away.

[@joed842]

Having had it twice, it's definitely a bottle I would overpay for, and have paid $25 per pour for. All that proof but no burn, just good heat.

[@CruiserDawg]

Thank you for the great review. I'm glad to hear that you're willing to pay over MSRP. I keep seeing how people pay 60🦌 for this bottle and i consider myself lucky to get one at 120-150🦌.

[@bbrydr331]

$159.99 in Denver but it was definitely a right place at right time kind of a thing! Cheers!!!

[@bradg23]

I actually was able to get 2 22As and a 22b for $55/ea. (yes extremely fortunate local grocery store hook up) Also got extremely lucky and traded a Blantons for a EH Taylor barrel proof batch 10 (127.3proof). I just compared the EHTBP to Stagg 22a last night and the Stagg definitely came out on top.

[@SRVandDtrouble]

You traded a what for a what!!!

[@bradg23]

@@SRVandDtroubleI know, insane trade😳 from a bar that sold way more blantons (that they ran out of) and weren't selling much of the ehtbp at $80/pour. Go figure😂

[@eliwilson8242]

Wow man, helluva trade. Congrats and cheers brother

[@josephpatrow]

You have a goose that lays golden eggs, man!

[@bigcountrybriar9911]

Picked 22A up couple weeks ago. First Stagg I’ve found in the wild

[@scottpearson199]

I finally got my hands on a batch 22A. After comparing it to a few EH Taylor offerings I, personally, liked my single barrel EHT pick (10 y/o age stated) more. Not that I didn’t love the Stagg , but the Taylor felt like it had much more complexity. Having said that I have to say bourbon lines are getting ridiculous and shady. I truly hope the expansion at Buffalo Trace means more bottles on shelves and the end to the secondary market nonsense. People who live to gouge prices on illegal (in most places) liquor resale and don’t enjoy bourbon in the slightest need to find a better hobby. I missed out on the Stagg twice last week: once I had an appointment out of town when they dropped, the second was complete BS. I lined up number 9, the store had 4 cases (only put out 11 bottles total, which many complained about) but I ended up at 11 because a guy called his wife and she showed up 10 minutes before open and cut the entire line and 1 more seemed to appear out of thin air lol. I didn’t make too big a deal because I figured I would still get my bottle. But the old guy in front of me in line grabbed a second (and the last) bottle and tucked it under his armpit and walked it to a guy near the back of the line. I thought people were gonna riot, lots of people, myself included since i was next up to grab one, were PISSED. I can see things getting far worse in the near future, so hopefully output at BT gets itself in gear before it gets that way.

[@richhaff510]

I did get a 22B last December. And still haven’t opened it. But I am going to soon. Probably on my Bday. Good to know it’s really good.

[@terencekezer2380]

Just picked up a bottle at Costco for 45. So stoked to try it.

[@mtallos95favperson]

I just found a 22a and cracked it last night. Best stagg jr I’ve ever tried hands down. It lingers forever and it may be a stretch but it gives me GTS vibes with lower oak profile

[@martyp5976]

Si, great content as always!

[@joelhensley5322]

Picked one up for 80 a couple weeks ago... It's gone 😔 so good. Favorite bottle I've owned so far.

[@motorcityb8551]

👀

[@erichartnett41]

Was thrilled to get a bottle of 22A for $50 last week. Had to wait in line 3 hours, but it was well worth it!!!

[@RJR2222]

This is one of the many bottles I won’t be able to get my hands on. I am fortunate in that I have a sample on the way.

[@novasec]

Walked into a random liquor store in CA near me, found a bottle for $150. Easiest decision I’ve ever made, especially considering they had Woodford Masters Collection at $140…. Putting this Stagg away for my 40th bday in a few years. Thanks guys for helping me discover whiskey and finding quality bottles!!

[@BenjiPenjiFPV]

You have no idea how many brownie points you get me every time you show cookie and my girlfriend sees him. Suddenly, bourbon reviews aren’t so bad 😂

[@ajkundrath9661]

I tried mitchers. I didn't mind it. And as well... Evan Williams peach with orange juice

[@cartermayfield]

In my mind, 22A dominates 22B. It’s not close. 22B is fine. 22A may be the best I’ve had and I’ve had every one since batch 10.

[@jackward5204]

Justice for batch 16. Y'all adored that one when you opened it and it has been EHTBP and SJR batch 12 blind for me.

[@sayboo44]

Yep!

[@Corndog4382]

I found a bottle in a normal grocery store here in Washington for $60. I couldn’t believe my eyes.

[@davidlittle6621]

Son got one of those. Hope he will share a taste with dad.

[@adubmatters3584]

I got grape soda pop on 22B. Loved it

[@100puremustard5]

Stagg 22B, got a fat 2oz. pour for $18 and WOW!!! Best batch since Stagg Jr 15 imo. Then found a bottle for $90, easy buy all day!

[@distlledbrewedreviewed]

Solid review my friends.

[@vincerogers6753]

I just bought a 22A for $99. I’m glad I found an awesome bottle.

[@josephpatrow]

S Jr. 22A is UNBELIEVABLY AWESOME! Could be my favorite jug in my collection…right up there with Lock Stock & Barrel 18-year. I paid $230 for it, but I very much enjoy it and I’m dumb enough to pay that again.

[@haroldingmire6768]

My freinds and I picked 4 22A at a Walmart in Florida today fir $55! We are from Louisville Ky and never see it for sale in the state and never at the BT distillery in afrankfort.

[@brendanbedini5595]

Secondary is $399 everywhere I've seen... Just got it at MSRP in Michigan!! (July/23). Couldn't friggin' believe it

[@TheKo88]

Being honest about what you paid for it…you guys are awesome 👏🏼

[@OldFashionedWays]

I think it is interesting how they are numbering and that Stagg 22B (formerly batch 19) came out before Stagg 22A (formerly batch 20) Why? who knows. always love your reviews. noice bag and merch. I am still hunting this 22A and 23A. cheers. Also just for heads up, I did challenge you guys on my last video 5 summer sippers. With your amazing extensive collection really looking forward to what you come up with. cheers.

[@lfeder313]

You got the stagg I got the Taylor barrel proof sound like a trade might be in order.

[@lancerobbins24]

400 doll hairs here in Northern Indiana. I’d consider paying a hundy since I’ve never had one, but I’ll never drop secondary cash on bottles. I refuse to feed the secondary monster

[@ThreeToesofFury]

sigh...in 2019 i happily bought this regularly off the shelf as it was too hot for most folks. ohhh the times they are a changin.

[@dougsowell]

I just won the opportunity to buy at $89. I haven't opened it yet. Can't wait!

[@robertlauck4312]

I have 22b. Got it at retail. It’s the only one I’ve ever got.

[@Flynnster70]

Just got a Safeway/Kroger store pic and it was $59 after $20 Safeway discount, clocking in at 139 proof

[@TheGlazedDoughnutt]

My dream bottle I have yet to find!

[@raymondezell7378]

Got 22a and a Blantons straight form the barrel for $299. A little over msrp for em but I’d do it again.

[@josephdavis823]

I got 22a, and my cousin got 22b, so we're going to blind them soon. Based on this review, I feel like I'm going to like the 22a better

[@eric22361]

I picked up a bottle for $150 from a store I go to regularly and know the owner. I was so pumped he offered it to me I didn't even check the label. Turns out it's release 16. No idea where this bottle has been the past couple years. Happy to have any stagg jr but was hoping to try a new release without the jr. Oh well.

[@WhiskeyBusinessFL]

Stagg is one of the Buffalo Trace products that has continued to elude me. One day I'll hopefully find one of these in the wild!

[@thazar1877]

I prefer batch 18 over 22B. Still looking for 22A.

[@ssjnimma]

Unreal... I had no idea this was worth so much. I got lucky and my one and only local liquor store (small town) actually had this and got it at MSRP for $70. Haven't opened it yet but I may do so on a good raining cold fall day 😅

[@LeatherDaddy97]

How much its worth is up to the individual. Im not going over $80

[@WeeStrom]

Same here, just lucked into a store pick (allegedly) of this last week for retail in CO. Haven't opened yet, but it's starting to itch. 😅

[@christophermcgraner2984]

Old Route 8 by Augusta. 100% recommend!

[@benleake6334]

I got 22B and love it

[@svt32vdohc]

Michigan here. I've been to 100 stores. Only store to have it had ONE. $299

[@ryanstevens598]

I got 3 bottles at MSRP of this batch. And I even passed up on 2 bottles.

[@ihartwine]

Ah ! I did see you do reviews outside! I'm not crazy! Drunk maybe but not crazy.

[@gobc71]

Just tracked down a bottle of 22A - so good - tastes like a grape/fruit punch

[@hartman601]

I’ve got an old bottle of jr. I remember when I bought it the sales guy said it was terrible. It was $50 give or take. It’s not terrible but it ain’t great. I really like stagg antiquity. Wondering if the new ones are that much better or if the scarcity is driving some hype.

[@jakeizlove]

Haven’t come across it. Picked up 18 and 19 this weekend a little over MSRP.

[@keganmcdaniel1810]

3:09 A+++++ editing

[@curetiamhices289]

Got a batch 18 for $150 back in January. Just got 22A & B for $190 each. Haven’t opened the 22s yet.

[@kilercrab3213]

I've accepted that I'll probably never see stagg jr anytime soon in my life, but I'll always be able to get wild turkey rare breed. Would love to see them blinded and compared

[@krisweaver2050]

Have you tasted Stagg (Jr)? Rare breed is perrty good stuff, no doubt. But even in a blind, Stagg would be the clear winner, easy.

[@frankferrans5791]

Hey here in Atlanta they are selling the Scagg JR. for $299

[@anthonyavila4027]

$300 is the cheapest I can get it here in southeastern Massachusetts , but I can pretty much get them at will .

[@prakoolio]

Stagg Jr (Stagg now) in Australia is $320 AUD standard retail price!!!

[@chadreyes7380]

Need you guys to drop the ashtrays again

[@williamwortham1016]

There’s one more batch between 17 and 22A that drops the Jr. from the label but doesn’t have a batch designation. I blinded it against 22B and it’s better by a considerable Margin. Haven’t tried 22A

[@hard8s]

I've got that same bottle without the batch designation. Haven't cracked it open yet.

[@Kernation]

My buddy saw a bottle of Stagg at the liquor store by us in Michigan for $1000. Just absurd what people try and get for a bottle at secondary

[@croaker4747]

Walked into a VA ABC drop today as they were wheeling it out. Got a Stagg 22A for $56. A very good day :)

[@normlang1994]

Stagg is Bigfoot riding a Unicorn in NC. Cheers Boys. I prefer the old GTS bottle.

[@JT1990]

Just picked up a 23A today. Paid up for it at $129. Almost left the store without but in the wild I’ve only ever seen it at $250-$450 soooo I justified it to myself 😂

[@BourbonJunkies]

At this point I'd pay it, we haven't seen one on a shelf in years

[@MichaelBortner-qk4zl]

I really like the 22A but I paid $200 for it and a backup cost $240 those were the cheapest I have seen it for in Md. most places are asking $350-400 for Jr

[@themilkynipple2801]

Saw a bottle of 22a in some random vegas liquor store for $250. I kinda regret not getting it, but thatd be the most i ever spent on a bottle

[@coreynelson9727]

Picked one up today. Only one on the shelf $99

[@bigh9248]

Yall are so behind. I already have 23A. Love yall

[@BourbonJunkies]

We haven't had the chance to buy one in two years until now.. "Behind" is underselling it lol.

[@PNW_bourbon_buds]

22A is one of the best bottles of Stagg i've ever had.

[@WillWrightTV]

Got three of these at $80 each few weeks back. I’m sure I’ll never be that lucky again.

[@BenGG85]

Luckily found a 22B in the wild for $80, no complaints there.

[@thelastamerican1776]

I found stagg at my local grocery store for $70. Last bottle and the manager didn't know how they got it.

[@YoPaulieMusic]

I NEVER see Stagg in the wild, even at secondary or allocation. It is my absolute favorite, I've been hunting for 2+ years. :(

[@logankaptis884]

Had a pour of 22A and completely agree. I have a chance to buy 22B at $199 and can’t decide whether to pass or buy? Love Stagg jr profile and haven’t seen it in a long time (batch 15). Any advice?

[@RotNside]

I never like videos until I see a cat Thank you cookie!

[@awsomenesscaleb]

Stagg is the perfect bourbon IMO. George T. Stagg is a bit oakier and more complex, but Stagg has everything I want from a normal barrel proof bourbon pretty much in perfect balance.

[@Ron55669]

Baked in a crispy crust, Daaaaaaan FLAKY!!!!!!!