George T. Stagg Barrel Proof: Buffalo Trace’s Most Powerful Bourbon

Named for a Distillery Pioneer

The bottle takes its name from George T. Stagg, the 19th-century businessman whose distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky eventually became Buffalo Trace. It has been released annually as part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) since 2002, alongside Pappy Van Winkle, William Larue Weller, Sazerac Rye and Thomas H. Handy — five bottles collectors refer to simply as "the Antique Collection."

Uncut, Unfiltered, Batch-Dependent

Stagg is bottled at true barrel proof — no water added, no chill filtration — which means the ABV varies from year to year depending on how the barrels selected for that release evaporated in the Kentucky heat and cold. This bottling comes in at 64.1% ABV (128.2 proof), squarely in the range that makes Stagg one of the strongest bourbons most drinkers will ever pour.

Tasting Notes

That strength carries real depth: dark chocolate, roasted coffee and heavily charred oak dominate the palate, with enough structure to stand up to a few drops of water without losing character. It's built for drinkers who want proof and flavor in equal measure, not a bourbon to rush through.

Buying It at Caskworth

Caskworth carries George T. Stagg Barrel Proof at $449.99, alongside its BTAC stablemate William Larue Weller Barrel Proof at $499.99. Same-day delivery is available to 33 U.S. states and 7 Canadian provinces.

The Other BTAC Bourbon

George T. Stagg is one of five bottles in the annual Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, alongside William Larue Weller and the Sazerac 18 Year Rye — all released at genuine cask strength with no water added, making the entire collection a useful reference point for what undiluted bourbon and rye actually taste like straight from the barrel.