The Story
130.4 proof. 15 years and 4 months. Barrels filled spring 2005, drawn from Warehouses L, K, and Q. The 2020 George T. Stagg — the highest-proof release in the recent BTAC lineup.
George T. Stagg is the anchor of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection — the most powerful expression in the annual fall release. Where the other four BTAC releases demonstrate restraint and nuance, Stagg is intentionally massive: cask strength, unfiltered, aged a minimum of 15 years, bottled directly from barrels selected for their peak flavor development. Each vintage reflects the specific conditions of that year's aging.
The 2020 arrived at 130.4 proof — among the highest of any recent BTAC vintage — with a 59% evaporation rate indicating extreme concentration. Barrels were filled in spring 2005 and drawn from three warehouses (L, K, and Q), reflecting deliberate cross-warehouse selection to achieve the target flavor profile. At this proof and evaporation level, the 2020 represents an exceptionally concentrated expression of what Stagg can achieve.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Deep, rich mahogany amber with exceptional viscosity from the concentrated unfiltered bottling.
- Aroma: Caramel, vanilla, dark chocolate, and molasses — the proof is evident but the complexity runs deep.
- Palate: Enormous and layered — dark fruit, toffee, tobacco, espresso, and a warm oak spice that builds continuously.
- Finish: Very long and warming — dark fruit, barrel char, and spice fading slowly into a clean, deeply satisfying close.
Specs
- Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky
- Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Distilled: Spring 2005
- Age: 15 years, 4 months
- Proof: 130.4 (65.2% ABV)
- Warehouses: L, K, and Q
- Evaporation: 59%
- Bottling: Uncut, unfiltered
- Size: 750ml
- Release: 2020 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection
Compare vintages in the full George T. Stagg collection or browse all bourbon at Wooden Cork.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does the 2020 Stagg compare to the 2018 and 2019 vintages? The 2018 arrived at 124.9 proof; the 2019 at 128.2; the 2020 at 130.4 — making the 2020 the highest-proof of the three. The 59% evaporation rate also indicates exceptional concentration. Each vintage reflects different barrel selection and aging conditions.
- What does a 59% evaporation rate mean? Over 15+ years in the barrel, 59% of the original liquid evaporated as the "angel's share." What remains is dramatically more concentrated in flavor, color, and proof than younger or lower-evaporation bourbons. This is part of what gives aged Stagg its extraordinary intensity.
- Why are barrels drawn from three different warehouses? Different warehouse positions and buildings produce different flavor developments in the same spirit. Buffalo Trace draws from multiple warehouses to achieve a target flavor profile — the blend of L, K, and Q reflects the specific balance the team was pursuing for the 2020 vintage.
- How should I approach George T. Stagg at 130.4 proof? Start neat with at least 5 minutes rest in the glass before nosing. Add a few drops of still water to open the aroma and reduce the heat without suppressing the flavor. At this proof, water is not a compromise — it is the recommended approach for accessing the full complexity.
Description
130.4 proof. 15 years and 4 months. Barrels filled spring 2005, drawn from Warehouses L, K, and Q. The 2020 George T. Stagg — the highest-proof release in the recent BTAC lineup.
George T. Stagg is the anchor of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection — the most powerful expression in the annual fall release. Where the other four BTAC releases demonstrate restraint and nuance, Stagg is intentionally massive: cask strength, unfiltered, aged a minimum of 15 years, bottled directly from barrels selected for their peak flavor development. Each vintage reflects the specific conditions of that year's aging.
The 2020 arrived at 130.4 proof — among the highest of any recent BTAC vintage — with a 59% evaporation rate indicating extreme concentration. Barrels were filled in spring 2005 and drawn from three warehouses (L, K, and Q), reflecting deliberate cross-warehouse selection to achieve the target flavor profile. At this proof and evaporation level, the 2020 represents an exceptionally concentrated expression of what Stagg can achieve.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Deep, rich mahogany amber with exceptional viscosity from the concentrated unfiltered bottling.
- Aroma: Caramel, vanilla, dark chocolate, and molasses — the proof is evident but the complexity runs deep.
- Palate: Enormous and layered — dark fruit, toffee, tobacco, espresso, and a warm oak spice that builds continuously.
- Finish: Very long and warming — dark fruit, barrel char, and spice fading slowly into a clean, deeply satisfying close.
Specs
- Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky
- Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Distilled: Spring 2005
- Age: 15 years, 4 months
- Proof: 130.4 (65.2% ABV)
- Warehouses: L, K, and Q
- Evaporation: 59%
- Bottling: Uncut, unfiltered
- Size: 750ml
- Release: 2020 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection
Compare vintages in the full George T. Stagg collection or browse all bourbon at Wooden Cork.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does the 2020 Stagg compare to the 2018 and 2019 vintages? The 2018 arrived at 124.9 proof; the 2019 at 128.2; the 2020 at 130.4 — making the 2020 the highest-proof of the three. The 59% evaporation rate also indicates exceptional concentration. Each vintage reflects different barrel selection and aging conditions.
- What does a 59% evaporation rate mean? Over 15+ years in the barrel, 59% of the original liquid evaporated as the "angel's share." What remains is dramatically more concentrated in flavor, color, and proof than younger or lower-evaporation bourbons. This is part of what gives aged Stagg its extraordinary intensity.
- Why are barrels drawn from three different warehouses? Different warehouse positions and buildings produce different flavor developments in the same spirit. Buffalo Trace draws from multiple warehouses to achieve a target flavor profile — the blend of L, K, and Q reflects the specific balance the team was pursuing for the 2020 vintage.
- How should I approach George T. Stagg at 130.4 proof? Start neat with at least 5 minutes rest in the glass before nosing. Add a few drops of still water to open the aroma and reduce the heat without suppressing the flavor. At this proof, water is not a compromise — it is the recommended approach for accessing the full complexity.
