George T. Stagg Bourbon Whiskey 2022 138.7 Proof

138.7 proof. Uncut. Unfiltered. George T. Stagg 2022 — one of the five annual Buffalo Trace Antique Collection releases and consistently rated among the world's finest bourbons. Among the most powerful proof points in the BTAC Stagg series history.

George T. Stagg was one of the most powerful figures in 19th-century American distilling. A Gilded Age businessman who built the dominant distillery operation of his era, Stagg's facility in Frankfort, Kentucky eventually became what is now Buffalo Trace — the distillery that bears his name still operates on the same site. The BTAC expression honoring him is uncut and unfiltered at natural barrel proof, released annually in the fall as one of the most anticipated events in American whiskey.

The 2022 at 138.7 proof is among the more powerful BTAC Stagg releases in recent history. Each year the proof varies based on the specific barrels selected — 2022 produced a barrel selection that reached 138.7 proof at natural concentration, one of the highest in the series. At this level the bourbon delivers the full force of Buffalo Trace's high-rye mashbill — deep chocolate, brown sugar, bold rye spice, and a dried cherry finish — at maximum intensity.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Very deep amber with the extraordinary concentration of cask-strength BTAC barrel selection.
• Nose: Rich dark chocolate, caramel, and bold rye spice — the BTAC Stagg character at 138.7 proof intensity.
• Palate: Powerful and full — chocolate, brown sugar, and rye spice in perfect balance at one of the highest proofs in the series. Remarkably complex despite the extreme strength.
• Finish: Extraordinarily long — dried cherry, cloves, and smoke persisting through a sustained, deeply satisfying close.

Specs

• Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky
• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Proof: 138.7 (69.35% ABV)
• Bottling: Uncut, unfiltered
• Release: 2022 BTAC Annual Release
• Size: 750ml

Explore the George T. Stagg collection or browse all bourbon at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who was George T. Stagg? George T. Stagg was a Gilded Age distilling magnate who built the dominant bourbon operation of the 19th century. His Frankfort, Kentucky facility — originally the O.F.C. Distillery — passed through several ownership changes before becoming Buffalo Trace. The BTAC expression bearing his name honors the industrialist whose site still produces some of America's finest bourbon.
• How does 138.7 proof compare to other BTAC Stagg releases? George T. Stagg proof varies significantly by vintage — historically ranging from around 128 to 143+ proof. The 2022 at 138.7 is in the high tier, producing one of the more powerful recent BTAC Stagg expressions.
• How does GTS differ from Stagg Jr? George T. Stagg is one of five BTAC annual releases in extremely limited allocation, typically rated among the world's finest bourbons annually. Stagg Jr (now renamed Stagg) uses the same uncut, unfiltered barrel-strength philosophy in broader batch releases. GTS is the flagship; Stagg Jr/Stagg is the more accessible counterpart.
• Is the 2022 BTAC George T. Stagg still available? A rare find. BTAC releases sell out at allocation and the 2022 is several years from primary distribution.