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Stagg vs Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Put Stagg next to Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and you have a full-proof, unfiltered heavyweight set against a classic, high-wheat stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Stagg | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | 12 years |
| Proof | 130 proof (65% ABV) +40 proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$70 – $120 ~$440 less | ~$170 – $900 |
| Availability | Limited easier to find | Allocated |
- Stagg and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Stagg
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Stagg Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 10/3 heat: Stagg 10 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
spice 7/3 spice: Stagg 7 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
oak 9/6 oak: Stagg 9 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10
sweetness 7/8 sweetness: Stagg 7 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Stagg 4 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Stagg 5 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- Stagg: Uncut and unfiltered Buffalo Trace at a proof that demands respect. Dark chocolate, espresso and charred oak arrive with genuine heat, and a few drops of water unlock a surprising amount of fruit.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, spiced finish.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Stagg if you want the biggest, hottest, most concentrated expression of the Buffalo Trace profile at a significantly lower price point.
- Go with Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line.
Best enjoyed neat (Stagg); neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B).