George Dickel 13 Year Bottled in Bond Tennessee Whisky (Fall 2008)

Ratings are based on barrels, with full and half barrels, not quarters. The ratings seem strict yet fair. This particular Dickel bottling, I believe, received 3.5 barrels, signifying "Well above average." Four barrels means "Very good." My experience with this bottle led me to think "very good+", hence my 4.25 barrel score. Dickel BiB also earned a high mark on Whisky Advocate's Top 20 and an A from Drinkhacker. Based on these positive reviews, I asked my spouse to buy me a bottle while they were in Nashville. They also procured a Chattanooga Cabernet Cask Finish, which remains unopened. This one was opened first. It's remarkably good; I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Upon first nosing, I detect a strong cocoa powder aroma with a chocolate mustiness. It's dark chocolate, not milk, with a sweet red fruit note, predominantly cherry. Having limited experience with Dickel, the association with Flintstone vitamins isn't familiar to me. The primary fruit flavor is cherry. This bears a strong resemblance to a great Knob Creek 12 Year. Both are 100 proof, with this being bonded and the other not, yet there's significant similarity. It's a 13-year-old, while the other is 12. Beneath the cocoa powder and cherry are hints of leather and oak, befitting a bourbon. It's sweet with minimal spice. While not incredibly intricate, the flavor is full, with a touch of banana possibly mixed with the cherry, reminiscent of Jack or Old Forester. Perhaps this banana note is what distinguishes it from Knob Creek 12, despite their commonalities. I can't recall my previous rating for Knob Creek 12 and don't care to look it up now, but they are in the same category. What elevates this one, in my view, is its scarcity in my local area, making it feel special. This was a gift, and it feels like one, which I'm cherishing. I'm always thrilled to receive a gifted spirit that isn't readily available. I often feel compelled to save it, especially limited editions. This bottle indicates a Fall 2008 distilling season. My partner and I began our relationship in Fall 2007, making this whiskey almost as old as our relationship – quite interesting and comforting. It's good to know something this excellent emerged from 2008, just as something excellent came from 2007. May it continue. I would readily purchase this again, and I'd readily choose my partner again. It's a fine gift.

A fortunate find at Twin Liquors - Katy/Fulshear Bend The nose is very corn-forward with sweet cream and cloves added. As it rests in the glass, vanilla and caramel begin to waft out. The palate begins with baking spices of clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Midway, a black walnut essence stands out. Dark chocolate and caramel become more noticeable as the glass sits. The finish has peppery citrus, almost like a toasted Meyer lemon, with vanilla and caramel closing it out. Definitely a sweeter than usual finish. One of the best Tennessee whiskeys I've ever tasted. I was concerned that the Dickel chill-filtering process and 13 years of aging would make this whiskey too rounded and mellow. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the strong complementary flavors that were just sharp enough to keep things interesting! Edit - I'm now just below the shoulder of the bottle, and it continues to improve. The citrus notes are enhanced, as is the nutty black walnut flavor (which I really enjoy). I've enjoyed this bottle so much, I bought another one!

My expectations were very low for this one, especially since I acquired it for $39 on sale. A 13-year Bottled-in-Bond for that price feels like a bargain compared to others charging significantly more for similar or slightly older spirits. Cloves and oranges are present – those fruity vitamin notes are noticeable, and I personally enjoy them, though I understand they might be off-putting to some. It has a notable heat at 50% ABV, requiring dilution for my palate; otherwise, the heat overshadowed the other elements. With water, the clove-studded orange profile I favor truly emerged. Realistically, this isn't a profound, contemplative pour like a Brora. However, at $39, it's quite affordable. This is a spirit you can confidently share with family, friends, fellow enthusiasts, and newcomers alike. It's versatile, budget-friendly, and boasts impressive specifications.

Deep copper or tarnished brass color, with slow-forming legs that cling to the glass in a single sheet. The aroma is rich with oak and leather, alongside dark chocolate-covered cherries. Subtle hints of baking spices and a faint note of malted milk balls emerge. It offers immediate warmth, with sweetness becoming more pronounced in the mid-palate and early finish. The finish is lengthy and complex, unfolding in reverse of the nose. A beautiful cherry wood character combines with barrel char and burnt caramel. The lemony citrus note is also detectable. Adding a few drops of water reveals vanilla notes. I'm disappointed by the price increase to $49.99, but I will still purchase every bottle I encounter.

Sipped it straight. It's a dark golden brown with average legs clinging to the glass. The aroma is light, featuring floral grain and a salty mineral scent. Oak, ethanol, and charcoal dominate, surrounding sweet corn, dry roasted peanuts, and vanilla. It's not as sweet as anticipated. Baking spices emerge along with a sour note. The mouthfeel is light to moderate, followed by a lengthy finish of mint, mineral, char, and tobacco. With ice, the bourbon becomes less vibrant, but the sour, charred, ethanol finish persists. I had higher hopes for a more complex beverage, considering the rating and the 13-year age statement. I'll revisit it, but my initial impression is a disappointing 3.5, and I'm being generous.

The whiskey's age is immediately obvious, presenting rich oak, deep brown sugar, caramel, dusty corn, and dried black cherries. It's coated in baking spices with a touch of vanilla. Palate: A full and quite oily body, mirroring the aroma. Brown sugar, caramel, and rich oak return. Dusty corn, dried tart cherries, cinnamon, and vanilla are present, with subtle leather notes. Finish: Barrel spices and caramel gradually recede, concluding a delightful drink. Summary: Between its 15 Year Single Barrels and the Bottled in Bond series, Dickel offers the best value in American whiskey. Don't heed the critics; try this. Let them miss out. More for us.