Bourbon Review #4: George T. Stagg 2013 Release
Category: Boutique
Price: $80
Availability: Limited Annual (Fall) Release
Proof: 128.2, 64.1% avb (uncut and unfiltered)
Mashbill: B.T. #1
Age: 15 years
Distillery: Buffalo Trace
George T. Stagg is the flagship of the Buffalo Trace "Antique Collection". This collection is made up of five premium bourbons, which include: 1. George T. Stagg, 2. William Larue Weller, 3. Egle Rare 17 Year, 4. Sazerac Rye 18 Year and 5. Thomas H. Handy Sazerac. The collection is released once a year, in the fall, with a very small allocation. Like many limited release bourbons, the Antique Collection is normally delivered directly into the hands of the customers on a waiting list. In most cases, the collection has come and gone within a matter of minutes for the entire year.
The 2013 George T. Stagg marks the 14th offering of this annual release. Each year the proof is slightly different, although it is always uncut and unfiltered. This years offering went into the barrels in the spring of 1997 (the year I graduated high school). It was aged in Warehouses I, K and Q and weighs in at 128.2 proof.
2013 is the first year that the proof has dropped into the 120's since 2004. The reason for the lower proof is due to the location of the barrels on lower floors. “We sample many barrels throughout the year to find the best ones to create George T. Stagg. It just so happens this year, most of the barrels had been stored on lower floors. The temperature remains cooler down low where it balances the mature flavors from the wood, and in turn, the proof climbs slowly from the entry proof. The quintessential George T. Stagg taste is there – a big, bold whiskey that is easy to sip,” said Harlen Wheatley, master distiller. Although still highly allocated, Buffalo Trace did begin to start putting more barrels away back in 1997 for future George T. Stagg releases.
Harlen Wheatley, master distiller at Buffalo Trace
Who was George T. Stagg? George T. Stagg was born December 19, 1835, in Garrard County, Kentucky. While little is known of his early years, the impact his adult life had on the bourbon industry was quite impressive.
Working as a whiskey salesman in St. Louis, he had the good fortune of teaming up with bourbon icon E.H. Taylor, Jr. Together they built the most dominant American distillery of the 19th century. A leading industry expert at the time declared the Distillery “one plus ultra of its class,” the best of the best.
Stagg’s salesmanship and financial acumen helped build the Distillery into one of the world’s leading bourbon producers. In 1904, the Distillery was rechristened to bear Stagg’s name, a title that was maintained for nearly a century.
Today, Buffalo Trace Distillery strives to carry on the tradition of innovation and excellence of one of its famous forefathers. In 2000, the Distillery was honored with the prestigious “Distillery of the Year” designation by Whisky Advocate, the culmination of Stagg’s work, begun nearly 150 years ago. (History sourced from Buffalo Trace)
Overall: This is one of the most highly sought-after bourbons on the planet! Its a bruiser of a bourbon, but don't scoff at its elevated proof as mere "novelty". It's full of rich and complex flavors that take time unfolding. This bourbon has both grit and grace. A truly decadent pour! I would not recommend this one for the novice, or the faint of heart. However, if your a seasoned bourbon connoisseur, set your sights on this expression!
On a scale of 1-10, I would give the 2013 George T. Stagg a solid 9! This is a true gentleman's Kentucky Straight Bourbon! If you can get your hands on a bottle (easier said than done), buy it quickly! I'll leave you with a quote from Buffalo Trace, "Sip it slowly and ponder the mysteries of the universe."
No comments:
Post a Comment