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Old Forester Statesman vs Stagg
Comparing Old Forester Statesman and Stagg reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester Statesman | 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 | 95 proof (47.5% ABV) | 130 proof (65% ABV) +35 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$50 – $55 ~$43 less | ~$70 – $120 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- 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
Old Forester Statesman
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Stagg
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester Statesman Stagg
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 4/10 heat: Old Forester Statesman 4 out of 10, Stagg 10 out of 10
oak 5/9 oak: Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10, Stagg 9 out of 10
spice 5/7 spice: Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10, Stagg 7 out of 10
fruit 7/5 fruit: Old Forester Statesman 7 out of 10, Stagg 5 out of 10
nuttiness 2/4 nuttiness: Old Forester Statesman 2 out of 10, Stagg 4 out of 10
sweetness 8/7 sweetness: Old Forester Statesman 8 out of 10, Stagg 7 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- Old Forester Statesman: Old Forester's fruit-forward middle child, first made for a spy movie tie-in. Bright cherry and brown sugar lead, with cocoa and a touch of the house banana note.
- Stagg: Uncut and unfiltered Buffalo Trace at a proof that demands respect. Dark chocolate, espresso and charred oak arrive with genuine heat, and a few drops of water unlock a surprising amount of fruit.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Old Forester Statesman if you want a bright, cherry-sweet Old Forester that sits between the 100 and 1920 in weight at a significantly lower price point.
- Go with Stagg if you want the biggest, hottest, most concentrated expression of the Buffalo Trace profile with significantly more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Old Forester Statesman); neat (Stagg).