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George T. Stagg vs Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
George T. Stagg and Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 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 | Old Forester 1870 Original Batch |
|---|---|---|
| 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) +53 proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$150 – $800 | ~$45 – $55 ~$425 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.
Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
George T. Stagg Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 10/3 heat: George T. Stagg 10 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 3 out of 10
oak 9/5 oak: George T. Stagg 9 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 5 out of 10
spice 6/4 spice: George T. Stagg 6 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: George T. Stagg 3 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 2 out of 10
sweetness 7/7 sweetness: George T. Stagg 7 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 7 out of 10
fruit 6/6 fruit: George T. Stagg 6 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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 1870 Original Batch: The first bottle in Old Forester's Whiskey Row Series, recreating the founder's habit of blending barrels from three warehouses. It is the lightest of the series, caramel sweet and easy.
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 1870 Original Batch if you want the gentlest, most easygoing pour in the Whiskey Row Series at a significantly lower price point and without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat (George T. Stagg); neat, rocks, highball (Old Forester 1870 Original Batch).