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George T. Stagg vs Willett Pot Still Reserve
Comparing George T. Stagg and Willett Pot Still Reserve reveals a matchup between an uncut, cask-strength bruiser and a modern, even-keeled craft expression.
Key Specifications
| Feature | George T. Stagg | Willett Pot Still Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 142.8 proof (71.4% ABV) +49 proof | 94 proof (47% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$150 – $800 | ~$45 – $60 ~$423 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available easier to find |
- George T. Stagg and Willett Pot Still Reserve do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Willett Pot Still Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
George T. Stagg Willett Pot Still Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 10/4 heat: George T. Stagg 10 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 4 out of 10
oak 9/6 oak: George T. Stagg 9 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 6 out of 10
spice 6/5 spice: George T. Stagg 6 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: George T. Stagg 3 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 4 out of 10
sweetness 7/7 sweetness: George T. Stagg 7 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 7 out of 10
fruit 6/6 fruit: George T. Stagg 6 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 6 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.
- Willett Pot Still Reserve: Famous first for the pot-still-shaped decanter and second for the whiskey, which is a fair ordering. Pleasant, sweet and fruit-leaning, with a good deal of the price attached to the glass.
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 Willett Pot Still Reserve if you want a distinctive bottle on the shelf and an easy, fruit-forward pour inside it at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (George T. Stagg); neat, rocks (Willett Pot Still Reserve).