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Another year of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is upon us and like clockwork, I’m back to review a perennial favorite from the series: George T. Stagg. The 2023 edition of GTS is the second consecutive release in the series after Stagg missed a year in 2021 due to reported quality concerns. Like its near-hazmat 2022 predecessor, 2023 Stagg also clocks in a hefty proof of 135.
Over the years, the profile of GTS has remained fairly consistent with a few notable nuances depending on the year. The profiles range from “toasty and overcooked” to “chock full o’ tannins” to “black cherries and cola” to “fruit-forward dessert”. This year’s GTS profile is unlike anything I’ve experienced before.
George T. Stagg 2023 was distilled in the Spring of 2008 and was bottled 15 years and 3 months later at a barrel strength of 67.5% ABV. Stagg uses Buffalo Trace’s low rye Mashbill No 1, which has never been officially disclosed but is rumored to contain a very low percentage of rye. The 2023 release was selected from all over the place: floors 1 -5 of Warehouses C, I, K, L, and M. After 15 years of aging, 68% of the original whiskey was lost to evaporation. As has been the case in recent years, the barrel count is no longer disclosed so it’s difficult to estimate a bottle yield.