Compare
George T. Stagg vs Maker’s Mark 46
George T. Stagg and Maker’s Mark 46 sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: an undiluted barrel-strength pour versus an old-guard, wheat-forward classic.
Key Specifications
| Feature | George T. Stagg | Maker’s Mark 46 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 142.8 proof (71.4% ABV) +49 proof | 94 proof (47% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$150 – $800 | ~$38 – $45 ~$434 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available easier to find |
- George T. Stagg does 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.
Maker’s Mark 46
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
George T. Stagg Maker’s Mark 46
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 10/4 heat: George T. Stagg 10 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10
spice 6/4 spice: George T. Stagg 6 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10
oak 9/7 oak: George T. Stagg 9 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 7 out of 10
fruit 6/4 fruit: George T. Stagg 6 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10
sweetness 7/8 sweetness: George T. Stagg 7 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 8 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: George T. Stagg 3 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 3 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.
- Maker’s Mark 46: Finished with seared French oak staves inside the barrel, which adds the spice and wood that the standard bottling deliberately lacks. The most useful upgrade in the Maker's range.
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 Maker’s Mark 46 if you want the softness of Maker's Mark with real oak and spice layered over it at a significantly lower price point and without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat (George T. Stagg); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Maker’s Mark 46).