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George T. Stagg vs Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Put George T. Stagg next to Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve and you have a full-proof, unfiltered heavyweight set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | George T. Stagg | Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 9 years |
| Proof | 142.8 proof (71.4% ABV) +23 proof | 120 proof (60% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$150 – $800 | ~$45 – $55 ~$425 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available easier to find |
- George T. Stagg and Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
George T. Stagg Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 3/7 nuttiness: George T. Stagg 3 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 7 out of 10
fruit 6/3 fruit: George T. Stagg 6 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 3 out of 10
heat 10/8 heat: George T. Stagg 10 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 8 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: George T. Stagg 7 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 6 out of 10
spice 6/7 spice: George T. Stagg 6 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 7 out of 10
oak 9/8 oak: George T. Stagg 9 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 8 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Nutty, grain-driven character is the divider.
- 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.
- Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve: The same nine-year Knob Creek juice bottled from a single barrel at 120 proof, and the extra strength suits it. Everything the standard bottling does, turned up — with the barrel-to-barrel variation that comes with the format.
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 Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve if you want the Beam profile at serious proof for well under what most barrel-strength bourbons cost without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat (George T. Stagg); neat, old-fashioned (Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve).