2004 George T. Stagg <older than 16 years this time around!>

[Paradox]

And FINALLY, the info everyone wants, this year's Stagg release!

<font color="brown"> This year’s barrels of George T. Stagg were discovered in Warehouse Q on the 2nd floor. They were distilled back in May 1988, so they’re over 16 years old. Considering last year’s vintage was 143.7 proof, I was anxious to find out about this Stragg. These barrels are around 129 proof! Quite a difference, but everyone who’s tried it so far can tell its Stagg as soon as they taste it. I trust you will too.

</font>

[jeff]

That's exciting Mark. Did you get any information on a release date?

[Paradox]

Nothing specific Jeff, just that they plan on bottling within a few weeks...

[musher]

Are there any special tricks that one can use to make sure that they can get their hands a few of these gems? Am I at the mercy wheter or not my retailer or their distributor care enough to get their hands on some of these fine products?

I've never seen any of them (Stagg, Eagle Rare or Sazerac rye) in person in the store. I did order and receive a bottle of '03 Sazerac from Randall's InternetWines.com, but that is a bit more expensive than buying locally, and I wouldn't have a way to guarantee vintage (at least with the Sazerac -- I would assume the Stagg is all current year, since it is virtually guaranteed to sell out).

[gr8erdane]

I recently did some online liquor scanning and found a site that advertised Stagg by the bottle and also a case price. On the woefully optimistic chance that this was an out of the way-might actually have stock store, I ordered a case. The next day I got a confirmation phone call that said that my order was on hold until they get their next shipment in this October. I hope they don't lose my order between now and then cuz I'm not paying Randall's jacked up prices again this year for the reportedly no-longer-hazmat elixir. Randall's has a great selection but they sure are proud of their stock when it comes to pricing.

[angelshare]

I placed an early order with Virginia ABC, but I plan to remind them about every 2 weeks or so until October (when I'll torture them daily). I figure my best bet to get these bureaucrats to help me is to get them to believe it will be easier to get me the Stagg than to put up with my badgering.

Just out of curiosity, what do you guys consider a "good" price for Stagg? VA ABC lists it at $44.90 with the caveat that all prices are subject to change.

[jeff]

Just out of curiosity, what do you guys consider a "good" price for Stagg? VA ABC lists it at $44.90 with the caveat that all prices are subject to change.

Assuming that prices stay the same this year, I can get it in Lexington for between $36 and $40, depending on the store, so $44 seems like a reasonable price for out-of-state purchases. Of couse after a couple weeks all bets are off, as anyone with any left will probably jack up the prices. I remember hearing stories of the first Stagg release going for well over $100 in NY.

[TheWhiskeyViking]

I remember hearing stories of the first Stagg release going for well over $100 in NY.

I was offered a bottle at around $220.

Finnaly bought two for $110 each

[musher]

I've only used internetwines.com with the recent offer of 25% off, so their prices were tolerable under those conditions. But I can see how they can afford to offer such a deep discount given their prices!

[clayton]

I also would really appreciate any leads on the best place to buy the Stagg from afar, via mail-order. I seriously doubt the local state-run Seattle liquor racket will stock it.

[TNbourbon]

I bought the '03 at anywhere from $41.99 (one store) to $46.99 (most frequently seen, and purchased at as recently as two weeks ago) -- which, with Tennessee's sales tax, is $51+ -- so I'd say VA's price is in the ballpark.

[tdelling]

Where to mail order Stagg?

The usual suspects tend to have it, although it tends to go quick.

Call early. Call often.

Sam's Wine, and Binny's, both in Chicago, are your best bets.

That's where I've bought my Stagg in the past.

The Wine and Liquor Depot in Van Nuys, CA, often has good deals on whiskies,

but you have to call them on the phone... the website is always out of date.

I've gotten some hard-to-find stuff from them in the past, but dunno about

Stagg in particular.

"Internet Wines and Spirits" aka "Randall's" if you feel like paying 30% extra.

(All of the above easily found via Google.)

Tim Dellinger

[dgonano]

It is difficult to get Stagg in Maryland but I do have one outlet who must be on good terms with the distributor. They got me a case(3 pack) in '02 and 2 cases in '03 at $36 and $38 per bottle respectfully. I consider myself fortunate.

[LeNell]

I'm being told that we should see it in New York in September.

[Bamber]

I'm being told that we should see it in New York in September.

When ? if ? will the UK get some ?? !!

Very excited !!

Cheers,

B.

[doubleblank]

They're bottling Stagg today. See it at the BT camera.

Randy

[TheWhiskeyViking]

This has to be the most beautiful thing I have seen in quite a while. Just be careful with those bottles guys – wouldn’t want any of my prrrrreciousssss to get wasted. Oh yes my prrrrreciousssss, it’s all mine – Ups sorry got carried away there

[musher]

Way cool! I've been keeping an eye out for the Stagg bottling to begin. Recently (and even earlier this morning), they've been bottling Buffalo Trace gift boxes, so they apparently just started mid-day today.

And since they ship it three to a case, I can claim to be ordering a whole case or two and not go completely broke!!

[musher]

BTW, does anyone have any idea how many bottles will be released this year?

[TNbourbon]

I first noticed it about 10:15 locally (Central time) -- so it was me with whom you were wrestling for control of the camera . I wanted a close-up of the bottle for confirmation. I came back at mid-afternoon and they were still at it. They can keep it up for days, as far as I'm concerned.

[musher]

Definitely one of my favorite sports (distillery-cam volleyball). I just wanted to see what they were bottling on the other line, and confirm that the cases held three bottles (so when I ask my retailer for a case, I don't have to take out a second mortgage because it has twelve bottles in it!).

Seeing the bottling was a sight of beauty only equalled by the sight of a pallet full of Stagg!

[gr8erdane]

And they're still going at it! It's almost like watching a young mother giving birth to a child you have agreed to adopt. Which of you are mine lil' Georgies? Definitely three bottle cases though.

[musher]

The more they bottle of it, the better. This may be the third year of the product, but it is the first since Jim Murray picked it as whiskey of the year. It might affect availability.

[Barrel_Proof]

By operation of the zoom on the BT bottling room cam, I have confirmed that the 2004 George T. Stagg is being bottled at 129 proof.

The 2002 and 2003 Staggs were bottled at the considerably higher proofs of 137.6 and 142.7, respectively.

I'm eager to try the 2004!

[stoopsie]

Rest in Peace. My last little Georgie

13 March 2004 (a present from Mike at the close of the second annual 'September Is Just Too Damn Far Off' Party) to last night 2 September 2004. He went so fast. Its like I just opened it.

When will it be released here in Maryland?

Seeing it on the webcam day after day is just too traumatizing. I know, I know, just don't tune in. But, I just can't help myself its like touching your tongue to a tooth where the filling fell out. It hurts each time but I just can't stop.

Maybe I should file a lawsuit against BT. Because I watch the webcam and that makes me long for a little more GTS. I have 2 more fingers worth. It is a viciuos cycle and the next thing you know, it is all gone.

Now all I am left with is an empty bottle and a tear in my eye. A sad display for a grown man.

Not so Happy, Howie