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George T. Stagg vs Old Forester Statesman
Comparing George T. Stagg and Old Forester Statesman reveals a matchup between an uncut, cask-strength bruiser and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | George T. Stagg | Old Forester Statesman |
|---|---|---|
| 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) +48 proof | 95 proof (47.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$150 – $800 | ~$50 – $55 ~$423 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 Statesman
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
George T. Stagg Old Forester Statesman
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 10/4 heat: George T. Stagg 10 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 4 out of 10
oak 9/5 oak: George T. Stagg 9 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10
sweetness 7/8 sweetness: George T. Stagg 7 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 8 out of 10
spice 6/5 spice: George T. Stagg 6 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10
fruit 6/7 fruit: George T. Stagg 6 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 7 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: George T. Stagg 3 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 2 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 Statesman: Old Forester's fruit-forward middle child, first made for a spy movie tie-in. Bright cherry and brown sugar lead, with cocoa and a touch of the house banana note.
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 Statesman if you want a bright, cherry-sweet Old Forester that sits between the 100 and 1920 in weight at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (George T. Stagg); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Old Forester Statesman).