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George T. Stagg vs Old Forester 86 Proof
Comparing George T. Stagg and Old Forester 86 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 86 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) +57 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$150 – $800 | ~$20 – $26 ~$452 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 86 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
George T. Stagg Old Forester 86 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 10/3 heat: George T. Stagg 10 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
oak 9/4 oak: George T. Stagg 9 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: George T. Stagg 7 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10
spice 6/5 spice: George T. Stagg 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: George T. Stagg 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: George T. Stagg 3 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 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 86 Proof: The entry bottling and the cheapest way to meet the Old Forester banana-and-caramel signature. Thin at 86 proof, but it costs very little and mixes well.
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 86 Proof if you want the Old Forester house character at the lowest possible price without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat (George T. Stagg); cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof).