George T. Stagg

[tlsmothers]

It seems as though the NY market is very hard on folks in search of Stagg. My sales rep told me today that the Sazerac rep stood up in a sales meeting and proclaimed there wasn't enough to go around and a riot almost broke out. If I remember correctly, he told me that something like 20 3 bottle/cases were coming to NY. That's not a lot of bourbon. I could sell that to my waiting list alone.

The beauty of boards like this is how great folks are to help each other out in times of need, though. One market suffers, another flourishes and we all seem to help each other out.

[tlsmothers]

Well, it's official. I've just received word that my allocation is 9 bottles total. Now I know my Saz guy is awesome and has done all he can to be good to me so I'm not bitching at him by any means. It's just sad. I have over 25 folks on a waiting list, and there's gonna be a lot of unhappy people, many of them true bourbon lovers. At least I've had some really dear souls be honest and tell me that they have found bottles and have asked to be pulled from the list. THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!

I found out today that another retailer (in Manhattan...won't name names but the name implies it's on a street that it really isn't ) has been making calls saying they got their stash. They are selling their Stagg for $70. Unless my invoice arrives on Monday and shocks me, my price will not be crazy.

Maybe I can start trading some of my other stash for some Stagg found elsewhere. Now that would be pathetic, wouldn't it!

[TNbourbon]

Numbers of bottles from Buffalo Trace for 2004 Antique Collection:

• Geo. T. Stagg (129 proof) -- 4,134
• Sazerac Rye (90 proof) -- 2,550
• Eagle Rare 17yo (90 proof) -- 1,050

Forty cases (120 bottles) each of Stagg and Sazerac were exported -- all to the UK. Because of its low volume, no ER17 was exported.
The Sazerac and ER17 have defined taste profiles, thus each year's production is limited by the number of barrels available to meet those profiles.
Stagg, on the other hand, varies from year to year, explaining why there is comparatively more than the other two combined in 2004.

[White Lightning]

Very interesting figures here. I understood the G.T. Stagg run to consist of about 500 3 bottle cases or 1,500 bottles total. The plot thickens.

[dgonano]

Tim is right.

Anyway the fact sheet that comes with a case of '04 Stagg states 40 hand picked barrells. 53.18% loss to evaporation and another 10%+ in processing(my estimate). You do the math.

[cowdery]

Tim's numbers come from the source.

[White Lightning]

Tim's numbers come from the source.

" * Geo. T. Stagg (129 proof) -- 4,134"

With a number so well rounded to end in ...34 I sure hope so! LOL

No plot thickening on Tim's behalf. Rather the info I was spoon-fed!

[TNbourbon]

What about guys who actually are enthusiasts ~but buy 10+ bottles of Stagg when it's in such limited supply. While I grant they plan to enjoy it, being in such limited supply that sort of irks me too, especially when equally deserving enthusiasts have been trying for 2 years unsuccessfully to get one bottle.

Okay, I understand the frustration. But, a couple of points:

• It's pure fortunate circumstance that I live in a state -- Tennessee -- where many limited-edition bourbons are available. But, I don't pull any strings to get them. I buy them off the shelf, too. Had somebody else beat me to them, I'd just be out of that good luck being in TN offers.
• I bought 9 bottles of the 2003 edition. I drank one, sold or traded 4 others to people from other states who couldn't get them, gave another as a gift and have 3 left. So, yeah, I bought 9 -- but I don't feel greedy.
• I work in a liquor store part-time. When the owner got a 3-pack of Stagg '04 in at my request, I purchased just one, and put the other two on the shelf. If they had stayed there a while, I would have felt completely guilt-free to buy them myself. As it was, another bourbon aficianado with whom I had discussed last year's edition, saw them and bought both remaining ones. I could have snatched them for myself. I didn't. Fortunately for me, a different storeowner who knows I enjoy good bourbon, saved three bottles for me without me asking. I bought them immediately. Was I greedy?

Bottom line, I'll buy it when I see it. If you see it first, feel free to beat me to it. And, if you stop by, you can enjoy it with me. I'll share.

[White Lightning]

Then my post would not apply to you or TrueBarrel. I pretty much do the same thing, buy multiple bottles keeping maybe 3 for myself, and shipping off / hand out 3 or more bottles to those who have no means but are proven "enthusiasts" I've come to know. That's a good thing, and it leaves a good feeling.

On the other hand there are those that buy lots of bottles because it's limited but have no interest in spreading the love, so to speak. To me and from what I've observed it's more of a situation where it seems like - let me get it all so no-one else can. That approach is the one that irks me and isn't in the usual spirit of bourbon drinkers I'm used to hangin' out with.

[dgonano]

Any of my excess bottles ( I keep three ) are for gifts or trading with other enthusiasts. Add me to list.

[Oregone]

Any of my excess bottles ( I keep three ) are for gifts or trading with other enthusiasts. Add me to list.

Have I told you lately that I love you?

[Oregone]

According to a reliable source (Stotz!) New Orleans received six entire bottles of Stagg. Thanks to Stotz, there are two left (maybe). One of the bottles he bought will be moving out here to Portland, Oregon. And my liquor cabinet.

Hooray for Stotz!