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Stagg vs Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year
On paper Stagg and Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$70 – $120 vs. ~$65 – $75) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Stagg | Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 68% corn, 18% rye, 14% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 4 years |
| Proof | 130 proof (65% ABV) +5 proof | 125.2 proof (62.6% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$70 – $120 | ~$65 – $75 ~$25 less |
- Stagg and Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Stagg Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 9/4 oak: Stagg 9 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 4 out of 10
spice 7/6 spice: Stagg 7 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 6 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Stagg 5 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 6 out of 10
heat 10/9 heat: Stagg 10 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 9 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Stagg 4 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 3 out of 10
sweetness 7/7 sweetness: Stagg 7 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 7 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- 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.
- Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year: Willett's own young distillate at full barrel proof. It is loud and sweet, all caramel corn, pastry and citrus, with a lot of heat for a four-year bourbon. Proof varies by batch.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Stagg if you want the biggest, hottest, most concentrated expression of the Buffalo Trace profile.
- Go with Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year if you want a young, hot, barrel-proof pour that shows off Willett's own distillate at a lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (Stagg); neat (Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year).