One will make you stand out from the crowd, the other will make you stand at Attention and salute!
2023 George T. Stagg – The Bourbon That Will Make You Ask About Current Mortgage Refinance Rates
Backstory:
George T. Stagg, the crown jewel of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. It’s cask-strength, it’s high-proof, and it’s as elusive as your dream of retiring early. If you’ve ever tried hunting for this bottle, you know it’s about as rare as finding an original Star Wars figure still in the packaging. Stagg is the definition of exclusive, and drinking it is essentially a social flex for those who are in the bourbon-collecting elite.
But let’s get real: it also happens to come with a price tag that makes you question your entire life’s financial decisions. Still, if you’re lucky enough to find a bottle at retail (and not have to sell your organs to buy it on the secondary market), you’ll be holding a liquid trophy that says, “I’m not here to sip—I’m here to conquer.”
Price Point:
- Retail Price: $130 – $150 (Good luck finding it)
- Secondary Market Price: $800 – $1,200+ (Because apparently scarcity equals value)
Tasting Notes :
If you’re drinking George T. Stagg, prepare for a bourbon experience that is equal parts impressive and overwhelming—kind of like getting the keys to a Lamborghini but not knowing how to drive it. Here’s what you’re looking at:
- Nose: The first sniff will give you a bold hit of dark fruit, with black cherry and plum leading the way. There’s a noticeable oakiness here that almost smells like burnt wood (in a good way, of course), followed by a touch of dark chocolate and a whisper of spicy cinnamon. It’s like stepping into a room where they’ve been smoking cigars while baking a fruitcake.
- Taste: Your mouth is immediately attacked by the high proof—and I mean that in the most loving way possible. It’s all about the intense vanilla and toffee upfront, with a peppery spice that makes its presence known about halfway through. Then you get a rush of dark sugar—think molasses and burnt caramel—before the oak and tobacco add complexity. There’s a smoky, charred undertone that lingers around like that one guy at the party who won’t leave.
- Finish: The finish is as long as your list of regrets after buying it on the secondary market. You’ll get a warming burn that stays with you, making sure you don’t forget the 130.4 proof for a while. It’s smoky, peppery, and a little tannic—like you just took a bite of charred oak bark while trying to be classy.
Who’s Drinking This?
- Who Should Drink It: The bourbon elitist, the collector who needs to show their friends just how deep their pockets are (or how far they’ll go for that liquid prestige). You want something that screams exclusivity more than taste, and that’s exactly what you get here.
- When: Private tastings, flexing on Instagram, or cracking it open at a party where you’re hoping to get compliments on your “rare find” while subtly mentioning how you’ve been hunting for it for months (if not years).
2023 Horse Soldier Straight Bourbon – The Bourbon for Those Who Like Their Whiskey Affordable and Their Patriotism Extra Bold
Backstory:
Now, if George T. Stagg is the royalty of bourbon, then Horse Soldier is the everyman’s hero—or more specifically, a bourbon crafted by Green Berets who served in Afghanistan. And yes, they know a thing or two about toughness, discipline, and precision. This is a military–themed bourbon made by guys who survived years of hellish training—you know, longer than it takes to become a master distiller. So while master distillers are whittling away at their craft for a couple of years and growing their artfully crafted waxed and trimmed mustached beards, these guys were busy fighting wars, training in extreme conditions, and surviving.
Horse Soldier is the kind of bourbon you drink if you want to feel like a hero—but you also want to keep your wallet intact. It’s dependable, smooth, and has just enough of that military grit to remind you that real patriotism doesn’t come in a $1,000 bottle.
Price Point:
- Retail Price: $40 – $50
- Secondary Market Price: Nothing to see here—this one stays affordable and doesn’t create bourbon–hunting madness.
Tasting Notes:
While George T. Stagg is all about intensity, Horse Soldier is like a smooth operator—nothing too flashy, but impressive in its own way. Here’s what’s in store:
- Nose: This is a classic bourbon nose, with big, inviting notes of buttery caramel, vanilla, and just a touch of oak. It’s like walking into a bakery that’s just taken fresh biscuits out of the oven. There’s a subtle spice in the background, something like cinnamon and nutmeg—but it’s mellow, nothing too overwhelming.
- Taste: If Stagg was a thunderous symphony, then Horse Soldier is the steady beat of a drumline. Creamy vanilla, toffee, and buttered popcorn make up the main body of this bourbon. Then, it’s rounded off with a bit of spice—think cinnamon, black pepper, and a light, almost baking spice note that gives it a bit of edge. It’s smooth, approachable, and very easy to drink. There’s no heavy burn here; it’s like getting a hug from your favorite uncle but not the ‘really touchy’ one.
- Finish: The finish is clean, smooth, and subtle. It’s not trying to keep you thinking about it for hours like Stagg does—it’s more like a polite handshake than a full-on bear hug. It’s warm but non–aggressive, and leaves behind a mild sweetness with just a touch of oak.
Who’s Drinking This?
- Who Should Drink It: The everyday bourbon drinker who likes quality, but doesn’t need to flaunt their drink to prove their worth. You’re probably someone who values craftsmanship, but you’re not trying to pay the same price as someone else’s car for a bottle. You appreciate a balanced pour that has depth without trying to be a show–off.
- When: After work, on a Sunday afternoon, during a BBQ, or while watching the game. Horse Soldier is perfect for moments when you’re just looking for a drink that’s dependable and pleasant—without all the intensity or financial trauma that comes with other high-proof bottles.
The Final Verdict: Who’s Actually Buying It?
2023 George T. Stagg:
- Who’s Buying It: The bourbon collector, the high-roller, and the person who likes their bourbon as rare as a diamond. You’ll drink this because you can—and because you want to let everyone else know that you can. They are probably gonna pour it while wearing a pair of way over bedazzled pair of $400 jeans and spend more time talking about how rare the bottle is than actually enjoying the taste.
- For: Private tastings, bragging to your friends, and maybe a rubbing-elbows moment at a whiskey club.
Should You Invest?
Sure, George T. Stagg is a collector’s item and a bragging right—but it’s also a financial commitment. Is it worth the secondary market price? Well, that depends on your love for bourbon elitism. If you’re in it for the rarity and proof, then yes, by all means, get the bottle. But if you just want a good drink, you’ll get plenty of smoke and mirrors without having to pay for the entire smokehouse.
2023 Horse Soldier Straight Bourbon:
- Who’s Buying It: The practical bourbon drinker who likes good bourbon, at a good price, and doesn’t need to be the center of attention. In fact, they probably just want you to shut up because it’s been a pretty tough day at work and they don’t need your drama. They drink it because it’s reliable, smooth, and makes you feel like a bit of a patriot.
- For: A casual drink after work, hanging with friends, or just having a solid pour after a hard day. You’re not flexing on anyone, but you’re definitely enjoying the bourbon. And that’s what really matters.
Should You Invest?
If you’re after a solid bourbon that’s affordable, approachable, and patriotic, Horse Soldier delivers all of that and more. At $40 – $50, you’re getting a dependable pour with an outstanding backstory that adds a nice touch of gravitas to every sip. You won’t find the exclusivity of George T. Stagg here, but you won’t have to mortgage your house or sell a kidney either.
In Summary:
- George T. Stagg is for the rarity chaser—the person who wants their whiskey bold, high–proof, and impossible to find. You’ll flex with this one, no doubt. But at $800+, it’s more about the prestige than the taste.
- Horse Soldier, on the other hand, is for the real bourbon drinker—someone who enjoys the craft, the patriotism, and the affordability. If you’re into dependable, well–rounded whiskey that doesn’t require you to sell your soul or kidney, you always stand when Old Glory passes – then this one’s for you.
