George Dickel 17 Year Distillery Reserve (2016 Release)

Standard Dickel high corn mash bill. Sweet on the nose. Sweet taste, with less of the typical Dickel minerality. Definitely more oak influence than Dickel usually has, but it's not overly oaky and I feel it's well-balanced. Overall, this Tennessee whiskey is excellent and much better than I anticipated. It's expensive, but it's truly unique. It's easily one of my regular drinks now. Also, I suspect these extra barrels are from just before production ceased. Dickel had overproduction in the 1990s, so they stopped production very late in the decade. They reopened in 2003. This led to a shortage of #8 in 2007. Don't be surprised if they 'discover more barrels' and we see even older limited releases in the coming years.

My goodness, this whisky is exceptional. There is absolutely no burn. I tasted some when we got it at our store, but haven't opened any since we received it a few weeks ago. The palate had slight notes of char, some light spices (cardamom and possibly clove), a pleasant oakiness, and a vanilla fudge taste that lingered throughout the exceptionally long finish. The mouthfeel was enveloping and velvety, similar to a lighter merlot. If you can acquire a bottle, don't just collect it, do yourself a favor and taste the best whisky to emerge from Tennessee. I only wish we had obtained more than six bottles...

3 stars but reduced to 2 due to cost. Very smooth with maple and vanilla as expected. The issue with this 17yr is it's beyond its best. Flavors are dull and the extra years add nothing new other than thinness. I really enjoy the 12 because it's tasty, simple, and unpretentious but this one is a major letdown. I had high hopes but that also fell flat!

The aroma consists of vanilla, marshmallow, and oak, with an almost scotch-like scent. Taste features vanilla, oak, mild smoke, and a slight bitterness. It's easy to drink, but not the flavor profile I prefer.

Incredibly smooth, you can definitely taste the oak, which is to be expected for a 17-year-old whiskey... but this is absolutely delicious... one of the best whiskies I've ever encountered.

Oak and wood notes are present, with sweetness, leather, and rich dark fruits like plums and prunes. Vanilla comes through, leading to a warming sensation, full body, and a slick texture on the palate, finishing moderately.