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George T. Stagg vs Jim Beam Black
George T. Stagg and Jim Beam Black sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: an undiluted barrel-strength pour versus an old-guard, rye-forward classic.
Key Specifications
| Feature | George T. Stagg | Jim Beam Black |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 7 years |
| Proof | 142.8 proof (71.4% ABV) +57 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$150 – $800 | ~$22 – $28 ~$450 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available easier to find |
- George T. Stagg and Jim Beam Black do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
George T. Stagg Jim Beam Black
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 10/3 heat: George T. Stagg 10 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
oak 9/6 oak: George T. Stagg 9 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
fruit 6/3 fruit: George T. Stagg 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
nuttiness 3/6 nuttiness: George T. Stagg 3 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
spice 6/4 spice: George T. Stagg 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: George T. Stagg 7 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- 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.
- Jim Beam Black: The extra-aged version of the white label and a considerable step up for a few dollars more. Softer and rounder than Knob Creek with the same family peanut note, at a proof that keeps everything gentle.
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 significantly more proof behind it.
- Go with Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat (George T. Stagg); neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black).