George T. Stagg

George T. Stagg is Buffalo Trace’s annual barrel-proof bourbon — part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC), released each fall in extremely limited allocation. Aged over 15 years and bottled uncut and unfiltered at barrel entry proof, typically between 120 and 140 proof, George T. Stagg is consistently one of the highest-rated bourbons produced anywhere in the world.

Named after George T. Stagg, a 19th-century whiskey entrepreneur who built the distillery that became Buffalo Trace, the expression is produced from Buffalo Trace’s Mash Bill #1 — a low-rye mashbill that produces the rich caramel, dark fruit, vanilla, and toasted oak character the brand is known for. Each year’s release differs in age, proof, and flavor profile as different barrels are selected. At full barrel proof with no water added and no chill filtration, each batch is a genuine collector expression.

Browse the full Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, all Buffalo Trace expressions, and rare and allocated bottles at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is George T. Stagg?

An annual barrel-proof bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery, part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. Aged over 15 years, bottled uncut and unfiltered at barrel proof — typically 120–140 proof. One of the most allocated and highest-rated bourbons produced in the United States.

When does George T. Stagg release each year?

Each fall — typically September through November — as part of the annual Buffalo Trace Antique Collection release. Allocation reaches retailers in very limited quantity and sells out within days. Wooden Cork posts bottles as allocation arrives.

How does George T. Stagg differ from Stagg Jr.?

George T. Stagg is the BTAC flagship — aged 15+ years, released annually in fall in very small allocation. Stagg Jr. (now labeled simply “Stagg”) is a younger, more accessible barrel-proof Buffalo Trace expression released multiple times per year in larger quantities. Both are barrel proof and unfiltered, but GTS is significantly older, rarer, and more collectible.

What does George T. Stagg taste like?

Rich caramel, dark fruit (cherry, blackberry), vanilla, toasted oak, baking spice, and dark chocolate — with the intensity and heat of full barrel proof. The best vintages show remarkable complexity for the proof. Water or ice dramatically opens the aromatics if the full proof is overwhelming.