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Four Roses Bourbon vs George T. Stagg
Comparing Four Roses Bourbon and George T. Stagg reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Four Roses Bourbon | George T. Stagg |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malted barley | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 142.8 proof (71.4% ABV) +63 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$450 less | ~$150 – $800 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- George T. Stagg does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Four Roses Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
George T. Stagg
Very complex, with the taste profile moving across the entire palate.
Flavor Profile
Four Roses Bourbon George T. Stagg
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 2/10 heat: Four Roses Bourbon 2 out of 10, George T. Stagg 10 out of 10
oak 3/9 oak: Four Roses Bourbon 3 out of 10, George T. Stagg 9 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Four Roses Bourbon 6 out of 10, George T. Stagg 7 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: Four Roses Bourbon 5 out of 10, George T. Stagg 6 out of 10
fruit 6/6 fruit: Four Roses Bourbon 6 out of 10, George T. Stagg 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Four Roses Bourbon 3 out of 10, George T. Stagg 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Four Roses Bourbon: The yellow label entry point, blending all ten Four Roses recipes at a gentle 80 proof. Light and fruity to a fault, but the house floral character is already recognisable and it mixes beautifully.
- 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 Four Roses Bourbon if you want the Four Roses fruit-and-floral signature at its lightest and cheapest without hunting for it.
- Go with George T. Stagg if you want the oldest, hottest, most concentrated Buffalo Trace bourbon you can find with significantly more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Four Roses Bourbon); neat (George T. Stagg).