BCA Announces “Stag Killer” — A Rare Doc Swinson Short-Barrel Pick

Last Updated on August 21, 2024 by 5e2793

PUBLISH DATE: August 21 2024
The Bourbon Club of Arkansas (BCA) has officially unveiled one of its most ambitious and limited releases to date: “Stag Killer,” an ultra-rare Doc Swinson single barrel secured through Ace Liquor Center. Designed as a flagship admin barrel with a tightly controlled release, Stag Killer is already being described as a whiskey-of-the-year contender within the club.

While BCA also selected Old Forester and Woodford Reserve barrels as part of its fall and winter lineup, this Doc Swinson release represents the most unexpected—and most limited—selection of the group.

🥃 Barrel Details: “Stag Killer”

• Producer: Doc Swinson
• Style: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Mash Bill: 60% Corn / 36% Rye / 4% Malted Barley
• Age: Just over 8 years
• Proof: 124.1
• Barrel Type: Short Barrel
• Estimated Yield: 12–13 cases
• Release Type: Admin barrel with limited member allocation
• Price: Approximately $75 out the door (tax included)

Short barrels are notoriously difficult to source in meaningful condition. When successful, they often deliver intensified character due to accelerated evaporation and concentration—qualities that can elevate an already strong whiskey into something truly exceptional.

🧾 The Story Behind “Stag Killer” (Primary Source)

**“Now getting down to the serious business, the third guy is one that you might not have expected. Coming in at 124.1 proof and just over eight years old, is an extremely limited short barrel whiskey (12–13 cases expected) from our friends at Doc Swinson.

A few months ago, I asked Jesse Parker and Doc Swinson’s Master Blender and Co-Founder Steven Main to look for something incredibly unique and small in quantity. I wanted a short barrel because typically speaking they can be some of the finest whiskey I’ve ever tasted. Of the many, many short barrels I’ve tasted over the years, most of them were phenomenal and so incredibly unique.

Secondly, I wanted something that a smaller group of folks could get together and purchase and use for various events and just to have something very rare. This whiskey is that.

With a 60/36/4 mash bill, this whiskey hits every note you would want from a perfect dram. This is going to be an admin barrel primarily, but we’re going to release a limited number of them to club members.

As an admin barrel, the majority of them will be held back for special events, tasting events, and charity events—so everyone has a chance to taste it.

When I tell you that this one is mind blowing, I am not understating it. We believe that this one could go up against some really big boys, and we plan on doing some blind tastings against them in the future. Take your pick—I would pit this against ANYTHING.”**

— Gary Penna, Bourbon Club of Arkansas
Source: Facebook (August 2024)

🎯 Why This Barrel Matters

Stag Killer was selected with intention—not for mass availability, but for impact. By design, the majority of bottles will be reserved for:

• BCA tasting events
• Charity fundraisers
• Admin-led blind tastings
• Special club gatherings

This structure allows the club to stretch a highly limited barrel across maximum shared experiences, while still offering a small allocation directly to members once final bottle counts are confirmed.

🏭 About Doc Swinson

Doc Swinson is known for its blender-driven approach, sourcing mature barrels and releasing whiskey only when it meets strict internal standards. The brand favors small runs, transparency, and precision selection, making it a natural fit for elite club picks and short-barrel projects.

Releases like Stag Killer reflect Doc Swinson’s willingness to work closely with clubs to deliver barrels that prioritize character over scale.

🔔 Release Notes

Final allocation counts, payment authorization, and pickup instructions will be released only through official BCA channels. Members are advised to follow instructions carefully when the release window opens.