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George T. Stagg vs Penelope Toasted Series
Comparing George T. Stagg and Penelope Toasted Series reveals a matchup between an uncut, cask-strength bruiser and a sourced, spice-driven blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | George T. Stagg | Penelope Toasted Series |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% 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 | ~$55 – $70 ~$413 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.
Penelope Toasted Series
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
George T. Stagg Penelope Toasted Series
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 10/5 heat: George T. Stagg 10 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 5 out of 10
oak 9/7 oak: George T. Stagg 9 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 7 out of 10
fruit 6/4 fruit: George T. Stagg 6 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 4 out of 10
spice 6/5 spice: George T. Stagg 6 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 5 out of 10
sweetness 7/7 sweetness: George T. Stagg 7 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 7 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: George T. Stagg 3 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 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.
- Penelope Toasted Series: Finished in a second, freshly toasted barrel, which pushes it toward toffee, roasted coffee and darker oak. The toast level changes from batch to batch.
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 Penelope Toasted Series if you want a toasty, coffee-and-toffee bourbon from a second-barrel finish at a significantly lower price point and without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat (George T. Stagg); neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Toasted Series).