Barrel char | Root beer | Aged oak | Rich cinnamon cake | Dark caramel | Spiced apple tart | Slight star anise | Rich

Aged oak | Cinnamon stick | Vanilla bean | Root beer candy | Faint dried cherry | Baking spices | Rye spice | Bold

Cinnamon apple sauce | Barrel char | Root beer candy | Chewy oak | Rye spice | Spiced caramel | Lingering

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. Over the years, the proof for the brand has varied from being in the 120s to over 140s, with most years falling in the 130 proof range.

This year’s edition of George T. Stagg comes in at just two months older than last year’s edition. Additionally, this year’s edition also sees its proof coming in higher, and the bourbon breaches the 140 proof point and enters HAZMAT territory. Just a few years ago, this was considered rarified air in the whiskey marketplace; however, as more and more American whiskeys breach this line, the question is, does it matter? In the case of this year’s release, the answer is a resounding yes.

The sip opens with an incredibly rich aroma that first introduces this year’s key theme: root beer. Barrel char, aged oak, and root beer mix with a plethora of spices that take shape in various forms. Root beer candy and aged oak form the base of the midpoint as cinnamon stick and vanilla bean push back on a faint dried cherry note. The bourbon's boldness shines brightest here, highlighting the fact that this is an incredibly high proof whiskey. The ending highlights notes of barrel char, root beer candy, and chewy oak clash with spice notes, forming a delicious, lingering finish to the sip.

George T. Stagg has never been a shy bourbon, even when it’s in the 120 proof range. In fact, some of my favorite releases have been lower proof releases. However, there is something magical when a high proof George T. Stagg utilizes every single one of its proof points to highlight its flavors. The end result is a bourbon that sings, and that’s exactly what this year’s release does.