George T. Stagg is built on Buffalo Trace's Mash Bill #1, the low-rye bourbon recipe it shares with Eagle Rare, and bottled uncut and unfiltered at barrel strength. The 2019 release was distilled in the spring of 2004 and aged 15 years and 3 months across Warehouses C, H, I, K, and Q, losing 56% of its volume to evaporation. Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley attributed the unusually low 116.9 proof to a high share of barrels from cooler, more humid lower warehouse floors, where alcohol evaporates faster than water.

Every bottle sold through Midnight Whiskey is sourced as an authentic, sealed product and inspected before it ships. Orders are packed with padded, glass-rated handling and require an adult signature (21+) on delivery; we do not ship to anyone unable to verify legal drinking age. For our full sourcing and handling protocols, see our editorial and authentication standards.

Why is the 2019 George T. Stagg the lowest-proof Stagg ever?

The 2019 George T. Stagg is bottled at 116.9 proof (58.45% ABV), the lowest in the brand's history. Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley attributed it to a high share of barrels from lower warehouse floors, which are cooler and more humid, so alcohol evaporates faster than water. It was distilled in the spring of 2004 and aged 15 years and 3 months.

Does the lower proof mean the 2019 George T. Stagg is a weaker whiskey?

No. The 116.9 proof reflects faster evaporation on cooler, more humid lower warehouse floors, not a thinner whiskey; it was still aged 15 years and 3 months and reviewed well. It is bottled uncut and unfiltered from Buffalo Trace's low-rye Mash Bill #1, with official notes of vanilla and toasted oak over a floral undertone, finishing on cherries, coffee, and black pepper.