George T. Stagg Bourbon (Fall 2019)

BTAC Showdown: George T. Stagg (2019 release) vs William Larue Weller (2019 release) George T. Stagg and William Larue Weller, part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC), need no introduction here. While these are scarce “collectible” bottles, I purchased them both to drink and share with fellow afficionados (not just plain friends!). Both were purchased on a trip out of state on a bourbon-hunting foray: the Stagg was by itself at one store, but the WLW was part of a set at another store that the owner would not separate. That set included WLW, Weller Full Proof, Weller CYPB, Weller 12, Weller 107, and Weller Special Reserve. I really wasn’t interested in the W107 or WSR, as I already had some of both; but I didn’t have much choice in the matter. I paid plenty for the lot, after considerable back and forth (the shop was on the way to Augusta, Georgia, and the owner insisted that the group looked good in his store for people going to The Masters—I tried not to laugh—did he want to sell or not?), but in hindsight the entire lot was well below secondary for just one WLW today. While both of these bourbons are part of BTAC, they have different mashbills. Buffalo Trace provides very detailed information in their Release Letter for each bourbon. 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 Clear, dark mahogany color, as one would expect from a 15-year-old bourbon. Nose offers pipe tobacco, cedar, oatmeal raisin cookie, bergamot, some underlying vanilla, and noticeable cool mint. (Tasted again after the WLW, both caramel and rye are more noticeable on the nose). Palate shows some pleasant heat, barrel char, and leather notes, leading to pepper, oak, and vanilla on the long finish. Overall, the Stagg comes across as slightly more woody than the WLW, consistent with the increased age—but not in a negative way. Very, very good. 4.75 on the Distiller scale. 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 Clear, dark mahogany color, virtually indistinguishable from the Stagg, despite being roughly three years younger. Complex nose shows carrot cake, luxardo cherries, honey, pomander, and even barbecue sauce. Pleasant, almost pillowy, penetrating, mouthcoating palate where the high proof makes its presence known. Long finish, culminating in a smooth, well-integrated, oaky vanilla. Incredibly smooth considering the 128 proof. An iconic, benchmark bourbon against which any other can be measured. 5.0 on the Distiller scale. George T. Stagg and William Larue Weller are two incredibly well-made, top-of-the-line bourbons. There is no marketing fluff here. There’s no “hipness.” This is old-school, top-quality bourbon that is a pleasure to savor. The GTS is a bit more leathery and woody, almost rough-hewn, whereas the WLW is more smooth, more refined. Think Clint Eastwood in his prime (Stagg) vs Roger Moore in his (WLW). Both alpha, apex performers at the top of their (slightly different) games. N.B. All spirits always tasted neat from a Glencairn glass

This was my other special occasion bottle i was waiting to open once i finished my MBA. This along with the ORVW were found at a local Walmart liquors for retail. I honestly at times thought of just selling them both for the profit but when else am i ever going to have a chance of finding these at retail? Well here goes. Upon opening the Stagg you get a nice oaky, cherry scent. Really mesmerizing smell. It's the BT smell but notched up. I could sit and just smell this all day. To make sure i wasn't being biased i grabbed a Blanton's, Buffalo Trace, and Weller to smell and they are not even close to the great scent this bottle has. Moving on to sipping this I found it to be a good sip. Knock your socks off? No but the flavors are rich. I get a lot of wood/oak. It's pleasant but I'm not sure how the Distiller score is a 98. I did pour a little Blanton's to try side by side and sure it blows Blanton's away but this is not the best bourbon i've ever had. It's really good yes but not in my top 5. Honestly the THH i had a couple years earlier at a bar was by far one of the best I've ever had. Another one that's not secondary price worthy and i'll never understand anyone who has money to piss away like that would want to spend $$$$ on bottles of booze. Verdict is that this is good. Really good for the BT line up and a step above any of their standard offerings and if i found it again for $107.98 I'd buy it in a hearbeat but my max would be double that unless i were to find to flip but those days of finding any BTAC at secondary are long gone. 2/10/23

Nose: Strong honey flavors with smaller notes of burnt caramel and cherry. Layered notes of dark oak and leather. Palate: Light notes of sweetness but rich with fruit and cherry. A great amount of oak and a bit of vanilla. Initial hit of spice followed by the smoothness. Finish: A thick finish and lingering mouthfeel. Large amounts of slightly sweet and bitter oak feel that last for a long time. Tannins are pretty prevalent after a long while. Overall the taste and smell of this bourbon is delightful. I would have expected the bourbon to be sweeter but the complex wood notes and long finish make this a wonderful high proof dram.

Had my good friend @ataylor156 over for some good bourbon. From left to right I. The pic, ranked top to bottom (we both have exactly the same ranking): 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) Not a bad night. 😎

2 oz. pour on Thanksgiving 2025. A lottery win from NHSL that has lasted through sips on special occasions. Nose of cinnamon, oaky tannins, and caramel. Rich and velvety texture with notes of honey, vanilla, and maple. A viscous beast of a bourbon that I feel thankful to have.

Caramel, black pepper, cinnamon on the nose, just keeps evolving and getting better and better. Coats the palate with same flavors, rich and delicious. Medium finish. Complex, different flavors every time I go back for a sip.