Home Bourbon George T. Stagg (2019 Release)

George T. Stagg (2019 Release)

January 3, 2020 · By Landon Shields · 9.1 / 10
Rate this bottle ↓
Whiskey Consensus Score
9.1 /10
Outstanding
Score Breakdown
Complexity
9
Nose
9.5
Palate
9
Finish
9
Value
9
Consensus Score
Rated by the WC community
No ratings yet — yours sets the Consensus
Nose
Palate
Finish
Complexity
Value
Rate This Bottle — Takes 15 Seconds
Nose
Palate
Finish
Complexity
Value
9.1
/ 10
Our Verdict
Outstanding

George T. Stagg is one of five offerings in Buffalo Trace’s Antique Collection. The barrels for the 2019 release aged no less than 15 years and 3 months.

The Good

  • Heritage and Tradition
  • Complex Nose and Palate
  • Lingering Finish

The Bad

  • Low Proof
  • Availability
  • Popularity in Secondary Market
George T. Stagg (2019 Release)
Photo by Landon Shields

A little background

George T. Stagg is one of five offerings in Buffalo Trace’s Antique Collection. The barrels for the 2019 release were aged no less than 15 years and 3 months. They were distilled in Spring of 2004 and released in the Fall of 2019. The bourbon was released at 116.9 proof. MSRP was set at $99 for the 2019 release. This Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is uncut and unfiltered. The original George T. Stagg distillery was one of four distilleries that were permitted to remain in operation during prohibition. The history and heritage of this spirit hold up to the words of an 1890 Bourbon Expert, “ne plus ultra of its class,” “the best of the best.”

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Dark Amber

Nose

The nose is rich with notes of caramel and cherry.

Palate

The first sip coats the mouth and has a medium viscosity. A big caramel note fades to black cherry. The second sip presents an initial hint of smoke that is quickly followed by cherry, caramel, and faint hints of barrel char. The spirit warms the mouth and settles with a heat in the chest. This third sip is interesting. A slight drying effect is proceeded by a faint bitter mint note. Caramel and vanilla are also present.

Finish

The finish is medium to long and pleasant. The heat from this bourbon is evident across the top of the tongue and flows into the mid and back palate. Initially, clove and baking spices are present. These flavors progress into cinnamon, clove, oak, bitter mint, and caramel.

In closing

George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is rich in flavor and tradition. The nose is a combination of rich caramel and black cherries. Each sip of this bourbon erupts with flavor. Cherry, vanilla, and caramel are the most prominent notes appearing throughout the tasting process. The finish is medium to long and mouthwatering. Lingering notes of cinnamon and clove are a pleasant surprise evident in the finish.

George T. Stagg (2019 Release)

116.9 Proof
9.1

Complexity

9.0/10

Nose

9.5/10

Palate

9.0/10

Finish

9.0/10

Value

9.0/10

The Good

  • Heritage and Tradition
  • Complex Nose and Palate
  • Lingering Finish

The Bad

  • Low Proof
  • Availability
  • Popularity in Secondary Market
Tried this one? Rate it in 15 seconds — your score shapes the Consensus. Rate it now ↓
Antique Collection Barrel Proof Bourbon BTAC Buffalo Trace Review

Every bottle on Whiskey Consensus is evaluated across five categories on a 1–100 scale. The five scores are averaged to produce a final overall score out of 10.

Nose
Aroma, complexity & first impressions
Palate
Flavor, balance & mouthfeel
Finish
Length, character & quality
Complexity
Depth, layers & evolution in the glass
Value
Quality relative to retail price
Score Rating What It Means
9.5 – 10.0ExceptionalOne for the history books
9.0 – 9.4OutstandingA benchmark expression
8.5 – 8.9GreatSeek this bottle out
8.0 – 8.4Very GoodAbove average in every way
7.5 – 7.9GoodWorth your money
7.0 – 7.4Above AverageA solid everyday pour
6.5 – 6.9AverageUnremarkable but drinkable
6.0 – 6.4Below AverageHard to recommend
5.5 – 5.9Hard PassBetter options at this price
0.0 – 5.4AvoidNot worth your time or money
Landon Shields
About the Author
Landon Shields
Whiskey Reviewer · Whiskey Consensus  · 65 posts

Landon is a whiskey enthusiast who enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion for bourbon and whiskey with others. He enjoys reviewing new, different, and unique whiskeys. Landon recently graduated with a doctoral degree in leadership. He is a registered respiratory therapist and a clinical educator/coordinator for a respiratory therapy department. Additionally, Landon acts as an adjunct professor for a couple of well know universities. You can find/contact him on Instagram @the_brothers_bournon

More by Landon Shields →
Every expert score has a flip side.

The Community Consensus is built from real ratings by people who've actually poured this bottle. Add yours and see where you land.

✦ Add Your Score

Keep Exploring

Hundreds of expert reviews and counting. Find your next bottle by style, distillery, or score.