George Dickel x Leopold Bros Collaboration Blend (2022 Release)

I acquired this bottle unexpectedly. I was aware of the collaboration between Leopold and Dickel, having seen some reviews and felt a mild interest, but I wasn't planning to purchase it due to its unavailability in my region and a price point I considered a bit steep at $110-$120. While I understand that's a reasonable cost for a special release, it was more than I typically spend, my most expensive purchase being $110 for a Lagavulin Distiller's Edition, a choice that made sense given my preference for peated Islay whiskies with a 16-year age statement. I do appreciate Dickel Rye; the standard 90-proof version is currently around $30. Leopold appears to produce specialty whiskies with premium pricing, suggesting that aspect contributes significantly to this bottle's value. They employ a production method that I haven't explored deeply but is uncommon for rye nowadays, which likely adds to its appeal. My unexpected acquisition happened while I was reading a review of the latest Chattanooga experimental release on Breaking Bourbon. It sounded appealing, but since Chattanooga isn't sold in my state, I checked liquor stores near a friend in Chicago. Occasionally, if I'm interested in something unique, he'll procure it for me, and I'll reimburse him via Venmo. Binny's didn't have the Chattanooga I sought, but while browsing, I noticed this Dickel/Leopold collaboration was marked down from $120 to $55. Many in my position would immediately text a friend, "Are you near a Binny's right now?" My friend happened to be passing one and bought a bottle for himself and one for me. We sometimes do this: despite living far apart, we'll buy the same bottle, connect via FaceTime to chat, enjoy our respective drinks, and share our impressions. Our consensus was that this is a very good whisky. The aroma is rich with earthy notes of pine and mint, complemented by cinnamon red hots, buttered toffee, and banana bread. With some time, a sugary bubblegum scent emerges. It's incredibly complex and inviting, possessing what I'd call a "Yankee Candle" nose – a scent so captivating I'd purchase it as a candle to fill my workspace. This is the highest praise I can offer a nose; a "Yankee Candle" nose signifies a five-star aroma for me. It's exceptional, especially without peat smoke. The bubblegum flavor transitions to the palate, joined by notes of cherry, a subtle hint of mint, and cinnamon spice. The palate is quite enjoyable but doesn't quite match the brilliance of the aroma. The finish is lingering and waxy, with a peppery kick that, while the least remarkable aspect, remains of decent quality. Overall, I don't believe this whisky justifies its original price and wouldn't be as satisfied if I had paid full cost. At the clearance price I found it, it's a fantastic deal, and I'd consider it worth around $70 at most. I recognize the hype surrounding collaborations between distilleries on unique products, and there's likely a premium for that, but the contents of the glass don't align with the asking price. If you find it significantly discounted, it's worth grabbing. Otherwise, despite being a pleasant drink, I'd advise passing, and I must deduct about half a star primarily due to its cost.

I've had this since October 2023, discovering it during a visit to NC. High anticipation and a significant cost, but I decided to try it, neat. In the glass, it's a light brownish-copper color with pronounced coating legs. The aroma is lovely and delicate—sweet vanilla, malted grain, berry fruit, cherry, and yes, the bubblegum comparisons are understandable. A slight grassy spice is present in the background. In the mouth, there's a good spicy kick and pepper, but not intense, and it quickly gives way to cherry, vanilla, tannic oak, sweet cereal, mint, and dry grass. It's malty, and an oily, coating mouthfeel is very pleasant, softening the initial spicy rye impression (which could be good or bad, depending on your rye preferences). That coating mouthfeel defines the finish, which is long and soft—gently sweet and spicy, minty, and dryly oaky. A hint of cherry remains, without any sourness. My initial tasting from this bottle a few days ago felt... somewhat underwhelming, with subdued flavors (too mellow?), not the potent rye spice one might expect from 100 proof and a 100% rye mashbill from Leopold's. Whether it's me, a week-old opened bottle, or just the day... it doesn't matter much. Currently, it feels refined, complex, and... just right! Of course, I'm still contemplating the price, which is reasonable considering Leopold's whiskey costs, but less so when compared to Dickel's. However, credit where it's due, Dickel is now producing its own column-distilled rye, and the results are impressive. So, this is a "splurge bottle," a fantastic joint effort, a sophisticated proprietary blend of ryes distilled using both three-chamber and column methods, and I'll savor it as such without dwelling on the cost from nine months ago. Cheers!

NOSE Cherry candy, rye spice, oak, copper, dried blueberries, hints of leather and vanilla. The sweetness in this aroma is very pronounced, more so than the previous release. PALATE Baking spice, caramel, oak, dill-like rye spice, copper, citrus, leather, and some vanilla. Lots of sweetness on the palate too, but here the spice is dominant. FINISH Medium-long -> Baking spice, rye spice, oak, copper, toffee.

Neat. The way fruit and spice interact is astonishing on the nose and palate. It has cherry aromas and, without any indication that it's a rye and not a sweet vanilla bourbon, the palate unfolds into a medley of fruit salad with a finish resembling chia spices.

Nose has herbal eucalyptus and mint with doughy oak. The feel is moderate, and the finish is warming, featuring golden raisin reduction and raw mint leaves. It's a decent rye, though not outstanding.

Pleasant spicy aroma. Vanilla appears first, followed by a hint of leather in the middle with subtle bitterness, leading to a sweet, lingering finish.