George T Stagg Bourbon Collection

Both come from Buffalo Trace's low-rye Mash Bill #1, uncut and unfiltered at barrel proof. George T. Stagg is the flagship, aged 15+ years and released once a year as part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. Stagg, which dropped the "Jr." in 2022, is aged around 8 to 9 years and released in multiple batches annually. GTS is deeper and oakier; Stagg is brighter and more fruit-forward.

Scarcity. GTS is released once a year in strictly allocated quantities, and in 2021 Buffalo Trace skipped the release entirely because the barrels didn't meet its standards. Demand from collectors and drinkers far outstrips supply, so bottles rarely touch a shelf at MSRP. Our pricing reflects the real market for authenticated bottles, sourced, verified, and ready to ship.

The release year isn't printed on the front label. Each year is identified by its unique proof (for example 130.4 for the acclaimed 2020 release), the laser code on the bottle, and the annual BTAC release letter, which documents distillation dates, warehouse locations, and evaporative loss. Every GTS listing on this page states the release year and proof clearly.

GTS typically lands between 125 and 140 proof, sometimes reaching "hazmat" territory, but it's remarkably drinkable for its strength. Most enthusiasts pour it neat first, then add a few drops of water, which opens the aroma and softens the heat without thinning the rich, viscous mouthfeel. Take it slowly. This is a bourbon built for savoring, not speed.

Yes. George T. Stagg is the crown jewel of Buffalo Trace’s Antique Collection and one of the most recognized annual releases in American whiskey. It makes a serious milestone gift and is also popular with collectors who follow release years and proofs. Every bottle we sell is authenticated, and Route shipping protection covers it door to door.