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Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof vs George T. Stagg
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and George T. Stagg are cut from similar cloth: two takes on traditional bourbons, where the real difference is price (~$75 – $200 vs. ~$150 – $800).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof | George T. Stagg |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) | 142.8 proof (71.4% ABV) +13 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$75 – $200 ~$338 less | ~$150 – $800 |
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and George T. Stagg do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
A top 5 bottle.
George T. Stagg
Very complex, with the taste profile moving across the entire palate.
Flavor Profile
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof George T. Stagg
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, George T. Stagg 3 out of 10
fruit 4/6 fruit: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, George T. Stagg 6 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, George T. Stagg 7 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10, George T. Stagg 6 out of 10
oak 8/9 oak: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, George T. Stagg 9 out of 10
heat 9/10 heat: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, George T. Stagg 10 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The house grain character is what splits these.
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof: E.H. Taylor straight from the barrel. Very hot and nutty, with toasted pecan, dark sugar and heavy oak; the proof changes with each batch.
- George T. Stagg: The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection's barrel-proof bourbon, around 15 years old. Root beer, dark caramel and charred oak at an enormous proof that changes each year.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof if you want a hot, nutty, barrel-proof Buffalo Trace bourbon at a significantly lower price point.
- Go with George T. Stagg if you want the oldest, hottest, most concentrated Buffalo Trace bourbon you can find with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof); neat (George T. Stagg).