The Lost Review - George T. Stagg

 George T. Stagg 

Well I wrote the review on time, but I guess I never published it. Why put off what you can forget altogether! 

I can think of no better way to spend a Labor Day weekend than to crack open a unicorn bottle with good friends. Personally George T. Stagg was on a short list of bucket bourbons. It’s almost impossible to find in the wild here in New England so winning it in the Maine allocation lottery was definitely a stroke of luck. In my opinion, Whiskey isn’t made to sit unopened on a shelf, it’s meant to be shared with friends and used to make memories so this weekend I got the opportunity to enjoy it with Trevor and Mitch, and it did not disappoint! 

George T. Stagg was the second owner and master distiller of Buffalo Trace (then called OFC distillery). After sharing the helm with Col. EH Taylor for many years, George bought the distillery in 1878, and in 1904 the distillery was re-named the George T Stagg distillery.  

In 2002 Buffalo Trace released its Antiques collection, which includes George T Stagg. GTS is a limited release twice a year and is uncut, unfiltered and notoriously high proof. My specific bottle is a 2017 release at 129.2 proof (64.6abv) and is aged 15 yrs. 

Color:  Deep Mahogany to Dark Amber

Nose: At this proof I expected to be hit over the head with ethanol, so I was surprised by sweet and unassuming it was. With notes of burnt sugar, cocoa, tobacco, and hints of musty oak it was very approachable. 

Palate: The first sip definitely brought out the heat that had been missing on the nose.  Nice mouth feel with spice, vanilla, dark coffee and cherry. 

Finish:  Dry long finish, and a hug definitely that lasts.  Burnt Marshmallow, Oak, Cinnamon, Caramel. 

Final Thoughts: This one definitely did not let me down, it’s robust in flavor and proof. Made even better by getting to share it with my fellow mafia dons.

Cheers!

-Dan