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Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof vs George T. Stagg
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof and George T. Stagg are cut from similar cloth: two takes on traditional bourbons, where the real difference is price (~$200 – $300 vs. ~$150 – $800).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof | George T. Stagg |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 13 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 123.8 proof (61.9% ABV) | 142.8 proof (71.4% ABV) +19 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$200 – $300 ~$225 less | ~$150 – $800 |
| Availability | Limited easier to find | Allocated |
- Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof and George T. Stagg do not publish an official mash bill.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
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
George T. Stagg
Very complex, with the taste profile moving across the entire palate.
Flavor Profile
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof George T. Stagg
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 8/10 heat: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, George T. Stagg 10 out of 10
sweetness 8/7 sweetness: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, George T. Stagg 7 out of 10
oak 8/9 oak: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, George T. Stagg 9 out of 10
spice 6/6 spice: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, George T. Stagg 6 out of 10
fruit 6/6 fruit: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, George T. Stagg 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel 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.
- Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof: Thirteen-year Wild Turkey at full barrel proof, uncut and unfiltered. Cola, molasses and fruit cobbler sit on deep, charred oak, and each release carries its own proof.
- 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 Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof if you want an old, uncut Wild Turkey with cola, cobbler and serious oak 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 more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat (Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof); neat (George T. Stagg).