Our Favorite Cask Strength Bourbons

First introduced in August 2013, Stagg Jr. Barrel Proof Bourbon is uncut (no water added) and unfiltered like its bourbon "father" George T. Stagg. Distilled at Buffalo Trace, each batch will vary in both proof and age, but expect the bourbon to be around 8-9 years old with proofs ranging in the 130+ area. Stagg Jr. will be considerably more affordable and easier to find than its predecessor. Batch 1 has a proof of 134.4

Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Bourbon is produced using the brand’s signature mash bill of 70% corn, 16% soft winter wheat, and 14% malted barley. It is released in small batches rather than as single barrels, with typical ages ranging from 7 to 8 years and proofs between 107 and 114. In January 2026, the brand introduced a new label for this expression and announced that it will now feature an age statement on the front, displaying both the years and months matured. (SRP $49.99)

Rare Breed is a barrel strength blend from Wild Turkey Bourbon, introduced as an up-label release. It incorporates a blend of 6, 8 and 12 year old whiskeys. Master blender Jimmy Russell is famously known for keeping his in the freezer to enjoy as an icy treat.

The first batch of the 2017 Booker's Bourbon releases is named for Tommy Crume. Tommy worked alongside Booker Noe at the Jim Beam Distillery and worked his way up to Distillery Manager. After almost 30 years, he retired in 2016. This batch was selected by Fred Noe, Beam's Master Distiller, along with Tommy himself, Booker's Roundtable, and a select group of whiskey experts and writers. The batch comes from two production dates and aged in three different 9-story warehouses. 41% came from the 6th floor of Warehouse E, 13% from the 6th floor of Warehouse H, and 46% came from the 7th floor of Warehouse D.

Aged 9 years, this offering comes in at a hefty 122.4 proof (61.2% abv). Each barrel for this range was hand-selected for its superior flavor profile. As this is a single barrel offering, there will be variations among each individual barrel. This review is specific to barrel number 356, filled on February 28th, 2006.