One of the most highly anticipated whiskies each year from the Buffalo Trace Distillery is the George T. Stagg, named after the company’s founder.
I try to get a taste of the George T. Stagg Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey every year, and recently had a chance to buy the 2023. I have high expectations from such a legendary series, as the 2012 and 2020 editions are both among my Top 5 bourbons of all time. This year’s release was the first I had the chance to purchase a bottle and it has continued to raise the bar.
In this review, I am going to share my George T. Stagg 2023 review with you. But before I do, let’s discuss a bit more about the background of GTS whiskies, and why they are so highly sought-after.
George T. Stagg History
George T. Stagg is one of the five bottles that comprise the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC), along with Eagle Rare 17 Year, William Larue Weller, Sazerac 18 Year, and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac.
Buffalo Trace Distillery created the George T. Stagg whiskey after customers started asking for barrel-strength whiskey that was well-aged.
GTS bottles are highly aged, and have a high proof (135 in the case of the 2023). A new GTS bottle comes out every year, with the exception of 2021 (that year, no bottle was released because the company did not believe they could provide the high level of quality that GTS is renowned for).
As for the 2023 George T. Stagg, it has been aged for 15 years and 3 months, having been distilled in 2008.
While we do not know the exact number of barrels that were used, we do know that they came from Warehouses C, I, K, L and M, and spanned the first through fifth floors of each. Every GTS is bottled by hand, and packaged in tissue paper to ensure that the bottle will stay safe during transit.
When you purchase the 2023 George T. Stagg, you will receive a letter that includes a fact sheet on the back about the barrels.
The 2023 George T. Stagg has not only gotten rave reviews from whiskey aficionados, but it also won First Place for the Best American Whiskey in the 2023 International Whisky Competition.
Exactly how many bottles of 2023 George T. Stagg are on the market has not been specified, but it is a limited edition bourbon whiskey in high demand, so you are fortunate if you can get your hands on one.
What Makes GTS a Big Deal?
One of the reasons why George T. Stagg is a big deal is its rarity. As it’s a limited edition, not everyone is going to get to try it. So, whiskey connoisseurs tend to buy up these bottles quickly when they release.
But the other reason is simply that GTS is very high in quality, and offers a wonderful experience for indulging the senses.
Plus, the hype in 2022 was extra high since 2021 was skipped. Some of that residual extra excitement has carried over into 2023.
My 2023 George T Stagg Review
For Christmas 2024, my wife was able to track down my first bottle of GTS. I cannot thank her enough for letting me splurge on something like this and it will be cherished for many years.
Here are my impressions and overall rating after 3 different glorious sessions with the 2023 edition.
Taken: Neat in 1x in a Norlan heavy tumbler and 2x in a Glencairn glass
Proof: 135 proof
Age: 15 years 3 months
Price: $399
Nose: Beautiful cherry cola bomb with some hints of Dr Pepper. There is some serious depth to the aroma and it does not imply the 135 proof about to hit my taste buds. If cherry is your thing, this is a must find bottle.
Taste: My first taste gave me a bit of a shock as I find it shockingly similar to the Stitzel Weller Pappy 20 year I tried in college. Nothing has reminded me of Stitzel Weller since that one session over 20 years ago now. After that shock, I find the usual Buffalo Trace notes of cherry, all-spice and a nice layer of vanilla. I am left with a mineral layer that I cannot place other than the reminder of Stizel Weller.
The heat is there, but very well integrated and balanced. It is present, but you can appreciate the fruit and spice without needing to drop some water into the blend.
Finish: A nice long finish that allows my somewhat novice palate to pick out multiple notes. Oak is present but not dominant. Buttercream vanilla, cherry cola and a hint of cinnamon linger for minutes after each sip. A true gem of a bottle.
Thoughts: This one was worth the hunt and the wait. My impressions change over each session after more sips. At that, I figured it must be working :} Stagg Jr Batch 12 started my obsession with high proof bourbons, so it was no surprise that GTS would be rated so highly for my palate.
Rating: 9.3/10 – T8ke scale
1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.
2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.
3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.
4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists.
5 | Good | Good, just fine.
6 | Very Good | A cut above.
7 | Great | Well above average.
8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.
9 | Incredible | An all time favorite.
10 | Perfect | Perfect.
What Will a Bottle of George T Stagg Cost You?
The MSRP for the 2023 George T. Stagg was just $125. Be aware, however, that you are not likely to find a bottle of 2023 GTS for that amount, especially since so much time has passed.
It is more common to find a bottle of GTS for sale on the secondary market for $800 or more. Often, they range over $1,000.
There are many people who feel that GTS is the best bourbon in the world, or at least among the best. So, this price can be worth it if it suits your tastes.
A Tip for Enjoying GTS
One thing to keep in mind is that the ABV for GTS is high enough to cause a significant burn. Some people love this, and drink the whiskey straight up. But others new to bourbon hunting may find it a little intense.
If that describes you, watering it down just a little can work out nicely. It will mellow out the burn enough to bring the flavors through more. Try it each way, and find out which you prefer.
Specifications
- Company: Buffalo Trace Distillery
- Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- Distilled: 2008
- Barrel strength: 67.5% ABV
- Age: 15 years and 3 months
- Proof: 135
- Color: Dark amber
- Nose: Oak, brown sugar, coconut, cinnamon, maple syrup, pineapple, vanilla, baked goods, molasses, cloves
- Taste: Berries, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, oak, pepper, chocolate, basked goods
- Finish: Chocolate, apple, marshmallow, oak, cherry, cloves
- MSRP: $125
- My T8ke rating: 9.4/10
Where to Buy George T. Stagg Bourbon?
The 2023 George T. Stagg is a truly phenomenal whiskey not to be missed. I recommend shopping for bottles at Caskers, which you can rely on to carry a good stock at great prices. Click below to buy the 2023 George T Stagg.
Please note, our site is supported by these sales and we will receive a small percentage of any sales. This does not impact or influence our ratings or review at all. We know most people will not buy a $800+ bourbon online. But if you do, please buy via the Collectible Detective link to Caskers.
