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George T. Stagg vs Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
George T. Stagg and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: an undiluted barrel-strength pour versus an old-guard, wheat-forward classic.
Key Specifications
| Feature | George T. Stagg | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | 12 years |
| Proof | 142.8 proof (71.4% ABV) +52 proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$150 – $800 ~$60 less | ~$170 – $900 |
- George T. Stagg and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
George T. Stagg Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 10/3 heat: George T. Stagg 10 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
spice 6/3 spice: George T. Stagg 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
oak 9/6 oak: George T. Stagg 9 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10
sweetness 7/8 sweetness: George T. Stagg 7 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: George T. Stagg 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: George T. Stagg 3 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 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.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, spiced finish.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with George T. Stagg if you want the oldest, hottest, most concentrated Buffalo Trace bourbon you can find at a significantly lower price point.
- Go with Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line.
Best enjoyed neat (George T. Stagg); neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B).