George Dickel Barrel Select

It's quite uncommon to discuss many Tennessee whiskies beyond the standard Jack Daniel's and the currently very popular Uncle Nearest. In reality, there are over a dozen Tennessee whiskey distilleries, and George Dickel stands out as one of the more recognized, even adopting the Scottish spelling of 'whisky.' George Dickel's Barrel Select undergoes charcoal mellowing, a requirement for Tennessee whiskey, and is double distilled. It's bottled at 43% ABV. The aging period is between 10-12 years, and it's hand-selected from a mere 10 barrels. The nose offers classic scents. Hay, honey, and a lemon spice. Vanilla and lemon zest. Vanilla ice cream. The palate is sweet and certainly meets expectations. Honey, sugar, hay. After the first taste, it reminded me of Italian vanilla ice cream; more honey. The aftertaste could be improved. Smoky, hay, cigarette and ashes. Slightly sulfuric and very rustic. Overall, I had high expectations for this one, but the actual experience was somewhat disappointing. It lacks complexity, being too simple and direct. There's nothing novel here; in a blind tasting, it could be mistaken for any below-average bourbon. My rating is 74 out of 100.

Opened for 5 months. Nose: Sweet corn, buttered toast, vanilla, toffee, limestone, cocoa powder, orange, sweet oak, and faint ethanol. Palate: Very light and sweet initially, with chocolate-covered oranges and cherries, grilled corn, toffee, brown sugar, cinnamon powder, and sweet oak spice. The finish is medium-short, featuring lingering oak tannins, corn, minerality, and dry sugars. Ethanol is barely noticeable; this is a very light and easy sipper. This is the first significant disappointment from the distillery I've encountered. In the past, this might have been a premium choice, but recently they've greatly expanded their national offerings with Bottled-in-Bond, Hand Selected Barrel, and 15-Year Single Barrel. At the time of my purchase, the Bottled-in-Bond was still less expensive. Now, I can get the Bottled-in-Bond and Hand Selected Barrel for $7 more. I can't imagine buying this again in the future with those excellent options available in the same price range. This isn't bad by any means; perhaps they will keep it for brand enthusiasts who prefer a nice lower proof whiskey.

A special selection from Super Liquor IV - aged for 14 years. Nose: Cloves, baking spices, and oak dominate the aroma, with faint, wavering hints of cherry and oak. After allowing it to rest, strong notes of spiced apples become apparent. Palate: A powerful surge of spice washes over the tongue, leaving behind robust flavors of spiced apples, pears, and cherries. The finish is extended, lasting for days – spicy, dry, and somewhat bitter. I am extremely pleased with this bottle and curious if other single barrel selections are of similar quality. The spice is exceptionally intense, but after breathing, more dried and spiced fruit notes emerge. It's become a daily sipper for me.

The aroma leads with expected corn and banana, joined by dried fruit and a subtle hint of the characteristic Dickel vitamin scent, which carries onto the tongue. The taste begins soft and sweet, then presents a blend of banana and spice. The vitamin note is present but subdued. The conclusion is brief, and the overall texture feels somewhat thin. This pour meets expectations, and fans of the Dickel profile will find it pleasing.

Remarkably smooth at 43% ABV. Begins with sweet notes of maple and apple, hints of caramel, and subtle charcoal. The aroma offers caramel and oak. On the palate, it's caramel, maple, charcoal, charred oak, and peppercorn. The texture is medium-light with some warmth that persists but never overpowers or dominates. The finish is light and smooth, leaving behind oak and a lingering maple sugar sweetness. Truly outperforms its price category in my experience with Tennessee whiskey.

I believe George Dickel Barrel Select is overlooked. For a bourbon or Tennessee whiskey with a lower proof, it's a solid choice when you desire something smooth, sweet, and rich with caramel. I've been frequently choosing this bottle lately for a simple, enjoyable drink while relaxing with companions.