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Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B vs George T. Stagg
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and George T. Stagg sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: an old-guard, wheat-forward classic versus an undiluted barrel-strength pour.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B | George T. Stagg |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 12 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) | 142.8 proof (71.4% ABV) +52 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$170 – $900 | ~$150 – $800 ~$60 less |
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and George T. Stagg do not publish an official mash bill.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
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
George T. Stagg
Very complex, with the taste profile moving across the entire palate.
Flavor Profile
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B George T. Stagg
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 3/10 heat: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, George T. Stagg 10 out of 10
spice 3/6 spice: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, George T. Stagg 6 out of 10
oak 6/9 oak: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10, George T. Stagg 9 out of 10
sweetness 8/7 sweetness: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10, George T. Stagg 7 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10, George T. Stagg 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, George T. Stagg 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, spiced finish.
- 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 Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line.
- Go with George T. Stagg if you want the oldest, hottest, most concentrated Buffalo Trace bourbon you can find at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B); neat (George T. Stagg).