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Penelope Toasted Series vs George T. Stagg
Comparing Penelope Toasted Series and George T. Stagg reveals a matchup between a blender-built, spice-driven bottling and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Penelope Toasted Series | George T. Stagg |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 142.8 proof (71.4% ABV) +43 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $70 ~$413 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 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Penelope Toasted Series
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
George T. Stagg
Very complex, with the taste profile moving across the entire palate.
Flavor Profile
Penelope Toasted Series George T. Stagg
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 5/10 heat: Penelope Toasted Series 5 out of 10, George T. Stagg 10 out of 10
oak 7/9 oak: Penelope Toasted Series 7 out of 10, George T. Stagg 9 out of 10
fruit 4/6 fruit: Penelope Toasted Series 4 out of 10, George T. Stagg 6 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: Penelope Toasted Series 5 out of 10, George T. Stagg 6 out of 10
sweetness 7/7 sweetness: Penelope Toasted Series 7 out of 10, George T. Stagg 7 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Penelope Toasted Series 3 out of 10, George T. Stagg 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Penelope Toasted Series: Finished in a second, freshly toasted barrel, which pushes it toward toffee, roasted coffee and darker oak. The toast level changes from batch to batch.
- 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 Penelope Toasted Series if you want a toasty, coffee-and-toffee bourbon from a second-barrel finish at a significantly lower price point and 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 neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Toasted Series); neat (George T. Stagg).