George T. Stagg Bourbon (Fall 2019)

A comparison of George T. Stagg (2019 release) and William Larue Weller (2019 release). These two Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) bourbons are highly sought after. I acquired both with the intention of enjoying them with other enthusiasts. The Stagg was found alone on a bourbon-hunting trip out of state, while the WLW was part of a bundle deal at another shop. This set included WLW, Weller Full Proof, Weller CYPB, Weller 12, Weller 107, and Weller Special Reserve. I wasn't particularly interested in the W107 or WSR as I had them already, but I had no other choice. The price for the group was substantial after negotiation, but in retrospect, it was a good deal considering the current market value of just one WLW. Although part of the same collection, these bourbons have distinct mashbills, which Buffalo Trace details in their Release Letter. George T. Stagg Mashbill: Kentucky corn (Distillers Grade #1 and #2), Minnesota Rye, and North Dakota malted barley Barrel: new, white oak, #4 char Proof: 116.9 Distillation: Spring 2014 Release: Fall 2019 Age: 15 years, 3 months A deep mahogany hue, as expected for a 15-year-old spirit. The aroma presents notes of pipe tobacco, cedar, oatmeal raisin cookie, bergamot, subtle vanilla, and a distinct cool mint. Upon revisiting after the WLW, hints of caramel and rye become more pronounced. The palate has a pleasant warmth, notes of barrel char and leather, followed by pepper, oak, and vanilla on the lengthy finish. The Stagg is perceived as slightly woodier than the WLW, likely due to its greater age, but not unpleasantly so. An excellent pour. 4.75 William Larue Weller Mashbill: Kentucky corn (Distillers Grade #1 and #2), North Dakota wheat, North Dakota malted barley Barrel: new, white oak, #4 char Proof: 128.0 Distillation: Winter 2007 Release: Fall 2019 Age: 12 years, 6 months The color is a clear, dark mahogany, nearly identical to the Stagg, despite being younger by about three years. The complex aroma offers notes of carrot cake, luxardo cherries, honey, pomander, and even barbecue sauce. The palate is pleasant and rich, coating the mouth, with the high proof making its presence felt. The long finish concludes with a smooth, well-balanced oak and vanilla profile. Remarkably smooth for its 128 proof. A defining bourbon, serving as a standard for comparison. 5.0 George T. Stagg and William Larue Weller are exceptionally crafted, premium bourbons. They represent genuine quality without unnecessary hype. These are classic, high-caliber spirits to be savored. The GTS is more robust and woody, almost rugged, while the WLW is smoother and more sophisticated. Imagine a prime Clint Eastwood compared to a prime Roger Moore—both masters of their craft, excelling in slightly different ways. Note: All spirits were tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

I saved this special occasion bottle for after finishing my MBA. Along with another bourbon, I found both at a local liquor store for their listed price. At times, I contemplated selling them for profit, but the opportunity to find them at retail again seemed unlikely. Opening the Stagg, a pleasant, captivating aroma of oak and cherry emerges. It's reminiscent of the Buffalo Trace scent, but elevated. I could inhale it endlessly. To ensure objectivity, I compared it to Blanton's, Buffalo Trace, and Weller; their scents didn't come close to this bottle's exceptional aroma. Upon tasting, it was a satisfying sip, though not overwhelmingly impactful. The flavors were rich, with a strong presence of wood/oak. While enjoyable, I question its 98 score. A side-by-side with Blanton's showed it surpassing that bourbon, but it's not the finest bourbon I've ever had. It's very good, but not in my top five. For comparison, a THH I tried years ago was far superior. I don't understand people who spend excessive amounts on bottles when there are better options available. In conclusion, this is a very good bourbon, notably better than standard Buffalo Trace offerings. I would gladly purchase it again at its original price of $107.98, though my limit would be double that, excluding any intention to resell. The days of finding BTAC at secondary market prices are over. 2/10/23

Aroma: Strong honey notes with undertones of burnt caramel and cherry. Layered hints of dark oak and leather. Palate: Subtle sweetness balanced by rich fruit and cherry. Plenty of oak and a touch of vanilla. An initial spice hit gives way to smoothness. Finish: A substantial finish with a lingering mouthfeel. Significant amounts of slightly sweet and bitter oak that persist for a long time. Tannins are quite noticeable after a while. Overall, the taste and aroma of this bourbon are wonderful. I anticipated it being sweeter, but the complex wood notes and extended finish make this a fantastic high-proof drink.

A friend visited, and we enjoyed some fine bourbon. The bottles shown, ordered from most to least preferred by both of us, were: Rabbit Hole Cavehill (#6) George T. Stagg (2019) (#1) William Larue Weller (2019) (#2) Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel (#4) Larceny Barrel Proof (#5) E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof (#3) A great evening. 😎

A 2 oz pour on Thanksgiving 2025. A lottery win from NHSL that has been saved for special moments. The aroma has cinnamon, oaky tannins, and caramel. It has a rich, velvety texture with notes of honey, vanilla, and maple. A thick, powerful bourbon that I'm grateful to have experienced.

The aroma presents caramel, black pepper, and cinnamon, continuously unfolding and improving. The palate echoes these flavors, rich and delightful. It concludes with a medium finish. Each return sip reveals distinct and varied notes.