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Old Forester 86 Proof vs George T. Stagg
Comparing Old Forester 86 Proof and George T. Stagg reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 86 Proof | George T. Stagg |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 142.8 proof (71.4% ABV) +57 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $26 ~$452 less | ~$150 – $800 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- George T. Stagg does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Old Forester 86 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
George T. Stagg
Very complex, with the taste profile moving across the entire palate.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 86 Proof George T. Stagg
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 3/10 heat: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, George T. Stagg 10 out of 10
oak 4/9 oak: Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10, George T. Stagg 9 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10, George T. Stagg 7 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, George T. Stagg 6 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, George T. Stagg 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, George T. Stagg 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Old Forester 86 Proof: The entry bottling and the cheapest way to meet the Old Forester banana-and-caramel signature. Thin at 86 proof, but it costs very little and mixes well.
- 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.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Old Forester 86 Proof if you want the Old Forester house character at the lowest possible price without hunting for it.
- 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.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof); neat (George T. Stagg).