George Dickel 17 Year Reserve Cask Strength

Welcome back, my barrel-curious brethren, to another riveting episode of Belmont Bjorn’s Bourbon Barrel Banter! Tonight’s installment is not just another solo swirl in the Glencairn—no sir! I’m honored, humbled, and ever-so-slightly worried to be joined by my best friend of three decades, the legendary Mike. Yes, that Mike, the man, the myth, the guy who once paired Fireball with shrimp cocktail and lived to tell the tale…and be sure to ask him about his first, and last, encounter with Everclear! But tonight, he redeems himself…or did he? Straight from the Surf City ABC Store (where dreams go to flirt with your credit limit), Mike snagged us a bottle of George Dickel 17-Year Reserve Tennessee Whiskey from the fine folks at Cascade Hollow Distillery. That’s right—seventeen years. This whiskey has seen Y2K panic, four iPhone redesigns, and at least two Kanye controversies. MSRP? Just a hair under $250. Proof? A gentleman’s 92. Mash bill? 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley—basically cornbread with ambition. Now full disclosure: I was very concerned going into this tasting. My prior rendezvous with aged Dickel left me traumatized and questioning both my palate and my life choices. But—sharing this pour with my best friend? That part was exciting. Not paying for it? Even better. This once distillery-exclusive beauty has been creeping onto shelves since 2017, although calling it “widely available” is like saying Bigfoot “occasionally shops at Whole Foods.” This was the only bottle I’ve seen in the wild—and Mike pounced on it like a bourbon bloodhound with a black card. So, I invite you to join us as we pop the cork, pour the pour, and see whether 17 years in a barrel made this Tennessee titan a legend—or a lesson. Smash that like button, subscribe for more spirited antics, and share this with every bourbon bandit in your posse. From the bottom of my whiskey-soaked heart, thank you for being here, for sipping along, and for sharing another dram with me. Cheers, my friends. Let’s get into it.

The aroma offers notes of scorched wood, sultana, prune, and desiccated cherry, alongside a whisper of black tea and cinnamon. The taste intensifies the wood character with dark, burned timber and a faint smokiness. While significant tannins tend to take over, a sweet nutty and fruity quality persists, reminiscent of praline, cinnamon apple pastry, and preserved bing cherry. It finishes moderately long, leaving behind echoes of aged leather, pine wood, and a trace of maple candy. In summary, this is a harmoniously composed, substantial, and evocative spirit, particularly suited for admirers of the artistry in barrel maturation.

NOSE Oak, dried dark fruit, leather, dried corn, citrus peels, baking spice, vanilla fondant, slight yeastiness. It's dark and heavy, moving through the sinuses and sparking interest with each variation in its profile. PALATE Oak, dried dark fruit, vanilla, sour cherry candy, leather, dried corn, citrus peels, baking spice, slight yeastiness. Equally substantial and vibrant, this complex delivery is a pleasure to taste. FINISH Long -> Oak, dried corn, dried dark fruit, leather, spice. The author is a user handle.

Experienced this during the tour of Cascade Hollow. My partner and I enjoyed it enough to purchase a bottle. I detect more leather and tannin notes compared to the Dickel 8 and No 12. There's a definite distinction, particularly in the aftertaste. Personally, I find the nose and fruitiness much more understated, especially the sweeter notes. I was glad it wasn't harsh.

The maturity and quality are apparent from the initial pour and taste. The aroma resembles many other less remarkable Dickel bottlings, but the complex flavors deliver a captivating experience from start to finish. I'm hesitant to endorse it at $250 per bottle when numerous other complex bourbons in the $50-$100 range offer a comparable, enjoyable experience. However, I strongly recommend trying this if the opportunity arises.

No harshness. Distinct flavors emerge throughout the tasting experience.