Compare
George T. Stagg vs Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
George T. Stagg and Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof are cut from similar cloth: two takes on traditional bourbons, where the real difference is price (~$150 – $800 vs. ~$75 – $200).
Key Specifications
| Feature | George T. Stagg | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 142.8 proof (71.4% ABV) +13 proof | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$150 – $800 | ~$75 – $200 ~$338 less |
- George T. Stagg and Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof do not publish an official mash bill.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
George T. Stagg
Very complex, with the taste profile moving across the entire palate.
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
A top 5 bottle.
Flavor Profile
George T. Stagg Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 3/6 nuttiness: George T. Stagg 3 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
fruit 6/4 fruit: George T. Stagg 6 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: George T. Stagg 7 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
spice 6/5 spice: George T. Stagg 6 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10
oak 9/8 oak: George T. Stagg 9 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
heat 10/9 heat: George T. Stagg 10 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The house grain character is what splits these.
- 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.
- 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.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with George T. Stagg if you want the oldest, hottest, most concentrated Buffalo Trace bourbon you can find with more proof behind it.
- 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.
Best enjoyed neat (George T. Stagg); neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof).