George Dickel Barrel Select

It is so rare to talk about different Tennessee whiskies besides the Classic Jack Daniel's and the nowadays very famous Uncle Nearest. Actually, there are more than 12 Tennessee whiskey distilleries and George Dickel is one of the most recognized, even if they write "whisky" as the scottish do. George Dickel's Barrel Select is charcoal mellowed (in order to be called Tennessee whiskies) and double distilled. Bottled at 43%abv. It is aged between 10-12 years and it is hand selected from only 10 barrels. On the nose, this has classic aromas. Hay, honey and lemonspice. Vanilla and lemon peel. Vanilla ice cream. On the palate, it is sweet and definitively passes the test. Honey, sugar, hay. After a first sip, it gave me an italian gelatto vanilla ice cream; more honey. Aftertaste could be better. Smokey, hay, cigarrette and ashes. Slightly sulphuric and very cowboy-ish. Overall, i had high hopes for this one but i was a little dissapointed with the actual experience. Not complex at all, too simple and straightforward. There is nothing new here, in a blind tasting this one can be confusee with any below average bourbon. My score for it is 74 over a 100.

Open 5 months Nose - Sweet corn, buttered toast, vanilla, toffee, limestone, cocoa powder, orange, sweet oak, and light ethanol. Palate - Very light and sweet up front, chocolate covered oranges and cherries, grilled corn, toffee, brown sugar, cinnamon powder, and sweet oak spice. Finish is medium-short with lingering oak tannins, corn, minerality, and dry sugars. Ethanol is barely noticeable, this is a very light and easy sipper. This is the first major miss from George Dickel that I've had. In the past this might have been a premium option, but in recent years they've greatly expanded their offerings nationally with BiB, Hand Selected Barrel, and 15Y SiB. At the time I purchased this, the BiB was still cheaper. Now, I can get the BiB and Hand Selected Barrel for $7 more. There's no change I would buy this in the future with those amazing options in the same price range. This isn't bad by any means, maybe they'll keep it around for Dickel lovers that want a nice lower proof whiskey.

Super Liquor IV pick - aged 14 years Nose: cloves, baking spices, and oak sticks dominate the nose accompanied by wavering hints of cherry. and oak. After letting it breathe, strong notes of spiced apples start to emerge. Palate: a powerful wave of spice washes over your tongue, leaving in its wake strong notes of spices apples, pears, and cherries. The finish is long snd lingers for days - spicy, dry, and somewhat bitter. I am incredibly impressed with this bottle, and wonder if other single barrels are as good as this one. The spice is incredibly powerful but after letting it breathes you get more dried and spiced fruits. Turning into a daily sipper for me.

The nose starts off as expected, lots of corn and banana along with dried fruits with the hint of the Dickel vitamin note that is sure to follow on the palate. The palate is soft and sweet when it first hits the tongue, followed by a clash of banana and then some spice. The vitamin is there, but fairly muted. The finish is quick and the overall mouthfeel is somewhat thin. Overall this pour does not disappoint and those who already like the Dickel profile will be pleased.

Amazingly smooth at 43%. Opens with sweet notes of maple and apple, some caramel, and mellow charcoal. The nose is caramel and oak. On the palate, it's caramel, maple, charcoal, charred oak, and peppercorn. The mouth feel is medium light with some heat that lingers but never overwhelms or dominates. The finish is light and smooth leaving oak and a residual maple sugar sweetness. Absolutely punching above it's price point in my experience on TN whiskey.

George Dickel Barrel select is really underrated in my opinion. As far as lower proof bourbon/Tennessee whiskey goes, this is a great choice if you want something smooth, sweet and rich in caramel notes. I've found myself reaching for this bottle often lately, when I just want something light and delicious to sip on while chilling with friends.