The Story
Uncut. Unfiltered. Bottled straight from the barrel at 128.2 proof. The 2019 release of Buffalo Trace's most allocated annual bourbon.
George T. Stagg is released once a year as part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and sells out within hours every single time. The 2019 edition came in at 128.2 proof — no dilution, no chill filtration, nothing between you and the barrel. Aged no less than 15 years in new charred oak at Buffalo Trace's Frankfort, Kentucky distillery, this is bourbon at its most uncompromising.
The 2019 received a 5-star Highest Recommendation from F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal and a 96.5 from Jim Murray's Whisky Bible. At this proof and age, a few drops of water is the move — it opens the nose considerably and softens the entry without losing any of the depth.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Deep, dark amber with exceptional legs.
- Aroma: Lush toffee, dark chocolate, vanilla, fudge, and molasses. Dense and layered.
- Palate: Full-throttle — dark berries, dates, tobacco, nougat, spearmint, and a hint of coffee. The proof is present but controlled.
- Finish: Extraordinarily long. Bold caramel, oak, and dark spice that stays with you.
Critical Acclaim
- F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal: 5 Stars / Highest Recommendation
- Jim Murray's Whisky Bible: 96.5
Specs
- Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky
- Age: Minimum 15 years
- Proof: 128.2 (64.1% ABV)
- Bottling: Uncut, unfiltered, straight from the barrel
- Size: 750ml
- Release: 2019 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection
Browse the full George T. Stagg collection or explore all bourbon at Wooden Cork.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What proof is the 2019 George T. Stagg? The 2019 release is bottled at 128.2 proof (64.1% ABV), uncut and unfiltered directly from the barrel. This is slightly higher than the 2018 release at 124.9 proof.
- How does the 2019 compare to the 2018 George T. Stagg? Both received identical 96.5 ratings from Jim Murray and 5-star recommendations from Pacult. The 2019 comes in at a slightly higher proof (128.2 vs 124.9). Vintage variation is part of what makes Stagg collectible — each year's release reflects that specific year's barrel selection.
- Should I add water to George T. Stagg? Yes — start neat to experience the full proof, then add a few drops of water to open the nose and integrate the flavors. Most serious drinkers find the sweet spot at 3–5 drops depending on pour size.
- Is George T. Stagg part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection? Yes. The BTAC is an annual release of five highly allocated bourbons and ryes: George T. Stagg, William Larue Weller, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye, Sazerac 18 Year, and Eagle Rare 17 Year.
Description
Uncut. Unfiltered. Bottled straight from the barrel at 128.2 proof. The 2019 release of Buffalo Trace's most allocated annual bourbon.
George T. Stagg is released once a year as part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and sells out within hours every single time. The 2019 edition came in at 128.2 proof — no dilution, no chill filtration, nothing between you and the barrel. Aged no less than 15 years in new charred oak at Buffalo Trace's Frankfort, Kentucky distillery, this is bourbon at its most uncompromising.
The 2019 received a 5-star Highest Recommendation from F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal and a 96.5 from Jim Murray's Whisky Bible. At this proof and age, a few drops of water is the move — it opens the nose considerably and softens the entry without losing any of the depth.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Deep, dark amber with exceptional legs.
- Aroma: Lush toffee, dark chocolate, vanilla, fudge, and molasses. Dense and layered.
- Palate: Full-throttle — dark berries, dates, tobacco, nougat, spearmint, and a hint of coffee. The proof is present but controlled.
- Finish: Extraordinarily long. Bold caramel, oak, and dark spice that stays with you.
Critical Acclaim
- F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal: 5 Stars / Highest Recommendation
- Jim Murray's Whisky Bible: 96.5
Specs
- Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky
- Age: Minimum 15 years
- Proof: 128.2 (64.1% ABV)
- Bottling: Uncut, unfiltered, straight from the barrel
- Size: 750ml
- Release: 2019 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection
Browse the full George T. Stagg collection or explore all bourbon at Wooden Cork.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What proof is the 2019 George T. Stagg? The 2019 release is bottled at 128.2 proof (64.1% ABV), uncut and unfiltered directly from the barrel. This is slightly higher than the 2018 release at 124.9 proof.
- How does the 2019 compare to the 2018 George T. Stagg? Both received identical 96.5 ratings from Jim Murray and 5-star recommendations from Pacult. The 2019 comes in at a slightly higher proof (128.2 vs 124.9). Vintage variation is part of what makes Stagg collectible — each year's release reflects that specific year's barrel selection.
- Should I add water to George T. Stagg? Yes — start neat to experience the full proof, then add a few drops of water to open the nose and integrate the flavors. Most serious drinkers find the sweet spot at 3–5 drops depending on pour size.
- Is George T. Stagg part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection? Yes. The BTAC is an annual release of five highly allocated bourbons and ryes: George T. Stagg, William Larue Weller, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye, Sazerac 18 Year, and Eagle Rare 17 Year.
