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George T. Stagg vs Old Forester 100 Proof

Comparing George T. Stagg and Old Forester 100 Proof reveals a matchup between an uncut, cask-strength bruiser and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.

Key Specifications

Feature George T. Stagg Old Forester 100 Proof
Type / Style Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof High-Rye Bourbon
Mash Bill 1 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley
Age No age statement No age statement
Proof 142.8 proof (71.4% ABV) +43 proof 100 proof (50% ABV)
Approx. Price 2 ~$150 – $800 ~$26 – $32 ~$446 less
Availability Allocated Widely available easier to find
  1. George T. Stagg does not publish an official mash bill.
  2. 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.

Old Forester 100 Proof

Not rated yet

No notes yet.

Flavor Profile

George T. Stagg Old Forester 100 Proof
sweetnessspiceoakfruitheatnuttiness

Axis by axis, biggest gap first

heat 10/5 heat: George T. Stagg 10 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10
oak 9/6 oak: George T. Stagg 9 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: George T. Stagg 6 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10
sweetness 7/7 sweetness: George T. Stagg 7 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 7 out of 10
spice 6/6 spice: George T. Stagg 6 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: George T. Stagg 3 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 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.
  • Old Forester 100 Proof: The bottle most people should buy from this range: the same recipe as the 86 with enough proof to actually taste it. One of the strongest arguments on the shelf for spending six dollars more.

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 Old Forester 100 Proof if you want the best value in the Old Forester range and a superb old-fashioned base without hunting for it.

Best enjoyed neat (George T. Stagg); neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Forester 100 Proof).