George Dickel Bottled-In-Bond Spring 2011 Tennessee Whisky Review

Steve Coomes -

BOTTLE DETAILS

STEVE'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Any whiskey fan, especially those who think less of Tennessee whiskey or winces at the Dickel "vitamin" note.

WORTH THE PRICE: Yes

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle

OVERALL: The nose is rich and complex, combining dried flowers, ripe raspberries and blackberries and whiskey-wetted oak. Marcona almonds, orange peel, cocktail cherries and toasted bread round out the bouquet and entice the drinker to sniff leisurely before tasting.

The palate is all but a copy of the nose. Bitter chocolate and oak interact with dried cherries, roasted almonds, orange peel and ripe raspberries to make a soft and easy-drinking whiskey whose finish is long, warming and spicy. This is a delightful whiskey and a real value for its price, long age and bottled-in-bond distinction.

Thankfully, the "Dickel vitamin note" is subdued, likely due to the age of the spirit, which was barreled in 2011. If I'd tasted this blind, I might not have noticed it until the finish, when it surfaces for me. Even that hint of it, however, leaves me undeterred from drinking this neat and sharing it with others.

BRAND NOTES

George Dickel is a 12-year-old whisky that offers a bold and balanced profile highlighted by note of cherry, cedar and almond. At 100 proof, (this whisky) is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks and plays well in many classic cocktails like a Perfect Manhattan.

  • Color: Dark amber
  • Nose: Inviting nose of overripe cherries, macadamia nut cookies and toasted oak
  • Taste: Soft and velvety palate
  • Notes: Bold fruit and nut
  • Finish: Lingering, roasted nuts

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.