Cinnamon | Allspice | Cherry cola | Black raspberry | Pear

Allspice | Cinnamon | Leather | Barrel char | Stone fruit | Cherry | Caramel | Tobacco | Underlying nuttiness

Intense spice | Barrel char | Dry cherry | Baking chocolate | Warm, lingering heat

George T. Stagg bourbon was first released over 20 years ago in 2002. It’s been released every year thereafter, except 2021 when Buffalo Trace decided not to include it as they felt barrels didn’t meet the brand’s standards. A fact that may be difficult for newcomers to bourbon to believe given the prolific supply of high proof bourbons today, in the early 2000s, the barrel proof bourbon category was nowhere near as prevalent as it is today. Known for its intense flavor profile and (often) mouth-searingly high proof points, George T. Stagg is one of the long running barrel proof bourbons that helped ignite consumers’ interest in this category.

If you’re familiar with George T. Stagg, or even Stagg (formerly Stagg Jr.), you have certain expectations for the bourbon. Robust barrel char, baking spices, caramel, aged oak, and a wonderful surge of warming heat are traits that typically define the brand. It’s mostly consistent from year to year, and even though 2019’s version dipped below 117 proof it still maintained many of the brand’s typical flavor attributes.

2024’s George T. Stagg clocks in at just over 136 proof, which falls in about average territory compared to past releases, as all but the aforementioned release fell somewhere in the mid 120s to low 140s proof range. Yield this year is also about average, with 61% lost to evaporation. Age at just over 15 years is right on the mark.

This year’s George T. Stagg takes the bourbon’s typical base of flavors and builds off them, adding an array of dark fruit to the mix. On the nose, cinnamon and allspice meet black raspberry and a hint of pear, along with an unusual but prominent cherry cola note. Allspice and cinnamon flash on the palate initially, with typical flavors of leather, barrel char, caramel, and tobacco forging the midpalate. Accents of stone fruit and cherry add an unusual twist, and there’s an underlying nuttiness. As it finishes, intense spice at the onset sets the tone for warm, lingering heat. Barrel char, dry cherry, and a touch of baking chocolate add depth.

This is a satisfying edition of George T. Stagg bourbon. It has the usual core flavors, but adds layers of dark fruit that are somewhat atypical for the brand, at least at the level of intensity they’re delivered. It has some nice heat, but it doesn’t come across as intense as some of the past years, instead delivering a more balanced sip. It’s a dynamic, complex pour that speaks to past editions, but manages to forge new territory that’s all its own.