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George T Stagg Straight Bourbon 2024 Review & Price Guide

George T Stagg Straight Bourbon Review

Last Updated on March 2, 2024 by Lydia Martin

Since its release, the limited George T Stagg bourbon has intrigued whiskey fanatics. And we get why you’re eager to know more about this spirit. 

We conducted this George T Stagg Straight Bourbon review, so you’ll know what to expect about its flavor profile, character, and price. 

If you’re looking for a quick review before buying one, keep reading. 

About George T Stagg Straight Bourbon 

Bottle of George T Stagg 2020

George T. Stagg is included in the new Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, along with the following:

This limited edition is over 15 years old, with a retail price of $99 per 750ml bottle (SRP).

If you love the younger Stagg, Jr., you’ll surely like this more mature one, especially if you’re into high-proof whiskies.     

Quick Stats 

DistilleryBuffalo Trace Distillery
Bourbon TypeStraight Bourbon
Barrel Proof138.7 proof 
Release DateOctober 2022
Mash BillCorn, Rye, and Malted Barley
Age15 years and 5 months old 
Average Price$99/750ml (MSRP)

History & Origin

whiskey barrel

In the 19th century, George T. Stagg built the most reputable distillery in the US– the Buffalo Trace Distillery today [1].  

As one of the best bourbons, it has been popular for its uncut and unfiltered whiskey bottles— aged for a significant period. 

That’s how good bourbons from this brand began to impress whiskey lovers until now, made by Buffalo Trace, which the Sazerac Company now owns. 

How It’s Made

Stagg is fermented in a Carbon steel and black iron fermenter, following the sour mash process.

Then, it’s double-distilled in a beer still and doubler and aged in new charred white oak barrels.

“I was brought up to believe that Scotch whisky would need a tax preference to survive in competition with Kentucky bourbon.”

— Hugo Black, Former US Senator

After 15 years and 5 months, it’s bottled at 138.7-proof. It has a rich flavor profile that surprised us (actually) due to its balance and subtle sweet hints.  

Mash Bill

George T Stagg 2020 Whiskey Bottle and a cat on the background

The recipe is made up of the following: 

  • Corn (locally grown in Kentucky) – the largest percentage of the mash
  • Rye (sourced from Minnesota) – the secondary grain 
  • Malted barley (from North Dakota) – the finishing grain

Note: The corn used has distillers grade of #1 and #2. 

The percentage per mash isn’t undisclosed, but we can safely assume that it contains at least 51% corn, based on the bourbon requirement.    

Tasting Notes

Buffalo Trace Distillery

Palate

Very approachable, given its proof. The palate gives notes of amaretto, nutmeg, fruit, cherry, and vanilla at first taste, followed by the rich oak sweetness, baking spice, and caramel.  

Nose 

Mixed aromas and layers of brown sugar, cognac, rum, and stewed apples and cherries. It has a distinct nose from the previous release. 

Color

Dark Chestnut 

Finish

Strong and spicy with oak, dark chocolate, cinnamon, molasses, and leather flavors. It has a bit of heat but is a fine drink.     

Common George T. Stagg Straight Bourbon 2022 Price

Close Up Shot of George T. Stagg Bottle Label

As mentioned earlier, the manufacturer SRP is $99/750ml but may vary per store. It’s a great deal of whiskey— reasonably priced, unique, and, most of all, satisfying. 

TypeSizeAlcohol ContentAverage Price
George T. Stagg Straight Bourbon 2022750ml138.7 proof$99

The secondary market price of Stagg is going higher, doubling its price up to more or less $1000, depending on the store.   

Compared to Other Bourbons 

Weller Antique 107

Weller Antique 107 Whiskey Bottle and a Glass

Stagg and Weller are both parts of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection [2]. Weller Antique is a high-proof spirit (107), but GTS still has more alcohol content. 

Although Weller is more affordable at $50 (MSRP), Stagg is more mature and is aged well.  

Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond

man holding Bottle of Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond

Evan Williams BiB (from Heaven Hill) is also high-proof (100), but it can’t beat the spirit of GTS.

We prefer the more mature age of GTS than the younger age of Evan Williams (around 4 years old).

However, Evan Williams might appeal to you if you’re looking for low-priced spirits.    

Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Bottle of Buffalo Trace Whiskey

From the same distillery, Buffalo Trace Bourbon has similar notes to GTS.

As soon as we tasted Stagg, we remembered BT bourbon– the rye spice, cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate, and hints of sweet caramel, were there. 

However, BT is lower in proof compared to GTS. But BT is a good alternative to GTS (if you don’t mind the reduction in alcohol content). 

Tip: If you’re looking for alternatives, we recommend Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (small batch C919), Knob Creek 12, EH Taylor Barrel Proof, and Wild Turkey Rare Breed.   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is George T. Stagg rare?

George T. Stagg is getting rare these days. It’s sold in limited quantities, and you’ll find it hard to buy a bottle of this new release. 

How often is George T. Stagg released?

George T. Stagg is released yearly. However, they haven’t released a new expression in the past two years until October 2022. 

What does George T. Stagg taste like?

George T. Stagg tastes nutty with a sweet note of vanilla and caramel. It’s close to the profile of Buffalo Trace Bourbon but with more spiciness and heat. 

Why is Stagg so hard to find?

Stagg Bourbon, particularly the highly sought-after George T. Stagg release, is challenging to find due to its limited production and high demand. The Buffalo Trace Distillery, where Stagg is produced, releases a limited quantity each year as part of their Antique Collection, making it a rare and coveted bourbon among enthusiasts.

Is Stagg bourbon rare?

Yes, Stagg Bourbon, particularly the George T. Stagg variant, is considered rare. The limited production, coupled with its reputation for exceptional quality and flavor complexity, contributes to its scarcity in the market. The rarity of Stagg bourbon enhances its desirability and collector’s appeal.

What bourbon does John Wick drink?

In the John Wick film series, the character is often seen drinking Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon. Blanton’s is a highly regarded and distinctive bourbon known for its rich flavor profile and unique horse-shaped stoppers. The choice of Blanton’s for John Wick aligns with the character’s sophisticated taste and adds to the allure of the bourbon in popular culture.

Is George T. Stagg better than Pappy?

Comparing George T. Stagg and Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve, both produced by Buffalo Trace, is subjective and depends on individual preferences.

Both bourbons are highly esteemed, with George T. Stagg known for its bold and high-proof character, while Pappy Van Winkle is celebrated for its smoothness and well-integrated flavors.

Some enthusiasts may prefer the robust intensity of George T. Stagg, while others lean towards the complexity and balance found in Pappy Van Winkle, making the choice between the two a matter of personal taste.

Both are considered top-tier bourbons in the world of whiskey connoisseurship.

How many bottles of George T. Stagg are produced each year?

The exact number of bottles of George T. Stagg produced each year varies, as it is part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, and the production is limited. Buffalo Trace Distillery typically releases a small allocation annually, contributing to the rarity and high demand for this sought-after bourbon.

Who is the owner of George T. Stagg?

George T. Stagg is produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery, which is owned by the Sazerac Company. The Sazerac Company, a prominent American spirits company, acquired the Buffalo Trace Distillery in 1992 and has since continued the legacy of producing premium and highly regarded bourbons, including George T. Stagg.

Where is George T. Stagg made?

George T. Stagg is produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Frankfort, Kentucky, USA. The distillery has a rich history dating back to the 18th century and is known for its commitment to craftsmanship, traditional production methods, and the creation of exceptional bourbons.

What is the proof of George T. Stagg?

The proof of George T. Stagg varies from year to year, as it is released as part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection with each batch featuring a different proof. Generally, George T. Stagg is known for its high proof, often exceeding 60% alcohol by volume (ABV).

The elevated proof contributes to the bourbon’s bold and intense flavor profile, with rich and complex characteristics that appeal to enthusiasts who appreciate high-proof and full-bodied bourbons.

It’s important for consumers to check the specific proof of the bottle they have, as it can significantly impact the drinking experience.

Is bourbon sweet or bitter?

Bourbon, by definition, is not inherently bitter; rather, it is known for its sweet and robust flavor profile. The sweetness in bourbon comes from the corn-based mash bill, which must contain at least 51% corn.

Additional grains like rye or wheat contribute to the complexity, but the overall taste tends to be rich, caramel-like, and often perceived as sweet, especially when compared to other whiskey styles.

Where is Stagg bourbon made?

Stagg Bourbon, particularly the highly sought-after George T. Stagg release, is produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, USA.

The Buffalo Trace Distillery has a storied history and is renowned for its commitment to craftsmanship, producing a variety of well-regarded bourbons, including those in the Antique Collection like George T. Stagg.

Is bourbon a sweet whisky?

Yes, bourbon is generally considered a sweet whisky. The sweetness in bourbon comes from the high proportion of corn in the mash bill, which is a key requirement for a whiskey to be classified as bourbon.

This sweetness is complemented by the aging process in new charred oak barrels, imparting additional flavors like vanilla and caramel, contributing to bourbon’s overall sweet and rich taste.

Why was George T. Stagg cancelled?

There is no evidence to suggest that George T. Stagg has been cancelled. However, the term “cancelled” in the context of whiskey releases often refers to limited availability due to high demand and the challenges of meeting production quotas.

George T. Stagg is part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, released annually in limited quantities.

The difficulty in acquiring this bourbon is primarily due to its popularity, scarcity, and the meticulous crafting process, not cancellation.

Enthusiasts often eagerly anticipate each year’s release, contributing to its reputation as a rare and sought-after bourbon.

Final Verdict: George T Stagg Straight Bourbon Review

After our review, we conclude George T. Stagg is a sought-after spirit– it’s worthy of the hype, and most importantly, it’s a great value for money. 

It’s the best Stagg expression so far. It’s a great buy, so don’t think twice and start finding a bottle now before it sells out.      

References:

  1. O.F.C.- Stagg Distillery
  2. Buffalo Trace gives lineup, release details for one of bourbon’s biggest cult favorites
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