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Bourbon Review: George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon

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Bourbon Review: George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon

George T. Stagg Bourbon is a highly sought-after, barrel-proof bourbon produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery.
  • Phil Dwyer is a freelance whisky writer, YouTuber, and former manager of The Whisky Shop Manchester, UK.
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Tasting Notes:

About:

George T Stagg (the man) was an American Civil War veteran and whiskey salesman, who after purchasing and selling many casks of O.F.C (old fashioned copper) distillery liquid, formed a business relationship with E.H.Taylor Jr. The two of them would then go on to purchase the O.F.C distillery, this would eventually become the most awarded distillery in the world, Buffalo Trace. Taylor left the company and Stagg continued with his own extravagant business and salesmanship. In 1900 the distillery was renamed The George T Stagg Distillery, this name stuck around until 1999 when it was renamed as Buffalo Trace. George T Stagg (the liquid) is an uncut, unfiltered, bombastic style of Kentucky Straight Bourbon that always leaves an impact on those who sip it. The particular review below is of a 2014 release George T. Stagg, bottled at 69.05% ABV


Appearance:
Burnt Orange
Nose:
Candy corn, vanilla extract, brown sugar, hot honey, red wine poached pears, cherry cola, Luxardo cherry syrup, old leather things, and those big, classic notes of caramel!

I’ve owned this bottle for a decade and only have about a fifth of it left. These nose when first poured was all alcohol, but once rested for a while and after constantly going back to it, it opened up into what I know as one of the best bottles of whisky I’ve ever owned.
Palate:
An instant sweet hit to peach, blackberry, apple and cherry. Then comes in this combination of mint and oak, very reminiscent of old Cognac and Armagnac.

It’s heavy and sweet, but the ABV keeps pushing to move it around your palate. One to help with the flavours, and two to avoid it burning a hole through your tongue.

Barrel char, cherry blossom, salt, dark chocolate, sour green apples, buttery pastries, blueberry muffin, cigar box, this thing just takes you everywhere.
Finish:
A slight tannic nature to it at first, but this dies off and welcomes in lush aromas and tastes of brown sugar, Barbados rum, barrel spice, freshly sawn wood, a little grassy which is quite unexpected, green apples, more poached pairs and even a Bordeaux wine note which is not unwelcome at all. It just goes on, and on, and on.
Comments:
I adore this. If I could buy a bottle of it every year for a normal price, I definitely would.

You’ll never forget a taste of any of these bottles, and after re tasting this for the first time in a while, it brings back all of the wonderful things I loved about it.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

About George T. Stagg Bourbon

George T. Stagg Bourbon is a highly sought-after, barrel-proof bourbon produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery. Named after the 19th-century whiskey entrepreneur George T. Stagg, who played a key role in establishing the distillery that would later become Buffalo Trace, this bourbon was introduced in 2002 as part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. Known for its high proof, rich complexity, and deep flavor profile, it has earned a reputation as one of the finest bourbons in the world. With limited annual releases and a cult following among collectors and enthusiasts, George T. Stagg continues to be a benchmark for uncut, unfiltered bourbon excellence.

Are The Yearly Release Always Similar?

When it comes to blending casks, it’s not always an exact science. Sometimes, blenders have to work with what they have rather than what they ideally want. However, one thing is certain: Drew Mayville, the master blender at Buffalo Trace, always strives for excellence.

Over the years, Stagg releases have consistently showcased deep, complex notes—cherry cola, brown sugar, leather, and even dark, savory undertones. While these core flavors remain a hallmark, other elements can vary, such as how the ABV presents itself on the palate or how the aroma evolves over time, whether gradually or instantly.

The one guarantee? If you manage to get your hands on a bottle, you won’t be disappointed. Stagg is an experience in a glass—one that few other whiskeys in the world can rival.

What Makes George T. Stagg A Must-Have For Collectors?

George T. Stagg is one of the most awarded, sought-after, and widely enjoyed bourbons in the whisky world. What’s not to love about that level of demand?

While it’s ultimately your bottle to do with as you please, if you do acquire one, open it and enjoy it—you won’t experience anything else quite like it.

From a collector’s perspective, George T. Stagg remains one of the few bourbons that hasn’t seen a dip in demand, as reflected in auction data. With fewer than 10,000 bottles available worldwide, it remains a prized addition to any collection.

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer is a freelance whisky writer and consultant. With a decade of experience in whisky retail and nearly as long running Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, Phil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow whisky lovers. His goal is to make whisky accessible and enjoyable, dispelling the jargon and complexity that can sometimes surround the spirit. In addition to his online presence, Phil managed The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curated an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.

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