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George T. Stagg vs Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
George T. Stagg and Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof are cut from similar cloth: two takes on traditional bourbons, where the real difference is price (~$150 – $800 vs. ~$200 – $300).
Key Specifications
| Feature | George T. Stagg | Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 13 years |
| Proof | 142.8 proof (71.4% ABV) +19 proof | 123.8 proof (61.9% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$150 – $800 | ~$200 – $300 ~$225 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Limited easier to find |
- George T. Stagg and Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
George T. Stagg Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 10/8 heat: George T. Stagg 10 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
sweetness 7/8 sweetness: George T. Stagg 7 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
oak 9/8 oak: George T. Stagg 9 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
spice 6/6 spice: George T. Stagg 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
fruit 6/6 fruit: George T. Stagg 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: George T. Stagg 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel 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.
- Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof: Thirteen-year Wild Turkey at full barrel proof, uncut and unfiltered. Cola, molasses and fruit cobbler sit on deep, charred oak, and each release carries its own proof.
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 more proof behind it.
- Go with Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof if you want an old, uncut Wild Turkey with cola, cobbler and serious oak at a significantly lower price point and without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat (George T. Stagg); neat (Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof).