Is George Dickel Bourbon Good?

Have you ever found yourself reaching for a bottle of George Dickel, thinking you’re about to pour yourself a glass of bourbon? You’re not alone! It’s a common mix-up. But here’s the thing: George Dickel isn’t actually bourbon. It’s Tennessee whiskey.

Now, before you click away, hear me out. I know, I know, “Tennessee whiskey,” “bourbon”—what’s the big deal? Trust me, there’s a difference, and understanding it is key to truly appreciating what George Dickel brings to the table (or should I say, the tasting glass?).

This article is going to be a deep dive into the world of George Dickel. We’ll explore its history, production, and unique characteristics, all while comparing it to bourbon. By the end, you’ll not only know the difference between the two but also be able to decide for yourself: is George Dickel good?

Section 1: History of George Dickel

Let’s rewind to 1870. A German immigrant named George A. Dickel, a Nashville merchant, saw the potential in the smooth whiskies being produced in the hills of Tennessee. He didn’t start out as a distiller himself. Instead, he was a savvy businessman. He started bottling and selling whiskey from various local producers.

He quickly earned a reputation for quality. He believed that whiskey, like fine wine, should be aged to perfection. The Cascade Hollow Distillery was officially established in Tullahoma, Tennessee, and George Dickel’s vision began to take shape.

Why Tullahoma? Well, the region had (and still has) a few things going for it:

• Limestone-Filtered Water: Essential for pure, clean whiskey.
• Ideal Climate: The temperature fluctuations help the whiskey mature in the barrels.
• Abundant Grains: Key ingredients for crafting the mash bill.

The early years were a success, but then came Prohibition. Like many distilleries, George Dickel had to shut down. Production didn’t resume until 1958, under the ownership of Schenley Industries.

Over the decades, the brand has changed hands a few times. Today, it’s part of the Diageo portfolio, and the distillery continues to produce Tennessee whiskey using many of the same time-honored methods that George Dickel himself would have recognized.

Section 2: Understanding Tennessee Whiskey

Okay, let’s get down to brass tacks. What is Tennessee whiskey? And how is it different from bourbon?

Here’s the legal definition, straight from the source (the U.S. government):

Tennessee whiskey must:

• Be produced in Tennessee.
• Be made from a mash bill of at least 51% corn.
• Be aged in new, charred oak barrels.
• Be distilled to no more than 160 proof.
• Enter the barrel at no more than 125 proof.

Sound familiar? That’s because those are the exact same requirements for bourbon!

So, what’s the catch? The Lincoln County Process. This is the key differentiator.

The Lincoln County Process:

This involves filtering the whiskey through sugar maple charcoal before it goes into the barrel. This process is what gives Tennessee whiskey its signature smoothness. The charcoal acts as a filter, removing impurities and mellowing the spirit.

Think of it like this:

George Dickel adheres strictly to these Tennessee whiskey standards. But even within the category, it stands out. Some Tennessee whiskeys are known for being sweet and mellow, while Dickel often has a bolder, spicier character.

Section 3: The Production Process of George Dickel

Let’s pull back the curtain and see how George Dickel makes its whiskey.

• Grain Selection: Dickel uses a mash bill of 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley.
  • The high corn content provides sweetness.
  • The rye adds spice.
  • The malted barley contributes complexity.
• Mashing: The grains are ground and mixed with water to create a mash. This mash is then cooked to convert the starches into sugars.
• Fermentation: The mash is cooled, and yeast is added. The yeast consumes the sugars, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide.
• Distillation: The fermented mash is distilled in column stills. This process separates the alcohol from the water and other components.
• Lincoln County Process: This is where the magic happens. The distilled spirit is filtered through sugar maple charcoal. This process can take several days, allowing the whiskey to slowly drip through the charcoal.
• Aging: The filtered whiskey is then placed in new, charred oak barrels and aged for several years. The barrels impart color, flavor, and complexity to the whiskey.

The water source is also crucial. George Dickel uses water from Cascade Hollow, which is naturally filtered through limestone. This water is pure and free of impurities, which contributes to the quality of the whiskey.

The aging process is where the whiskey truly develops its character. The barrels are stored in rickhouses, where they are exposed to temperature fluctuations. These fluctuations cause the whiskey to expand and contract, drawing flavors from the wood.

Dickel also employs a unique chilling process. Before filtering, the whiskey is chilled to around 40°F (4°C). This causes fatty acids to congeal, which are then filtered out. Dickel claims this results in a smoother, cleaner whiskey.

Section 4: A Comparative Analysis of George Dickel Expressions

Okay, let’s talk about specific bottles. George Dickel offers a range of expressions, each with its own unique character. I’ll give you my tasting notes and compare them to some well-known bourbons.

• George Dickel No. 8: This is the entry-level offering. It’s relatively affordable and widely available.
  • Aroma: Caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice.
  • Flavor: Sweet corn, oak, and a touch of black pepper.
  • Mouthfeel: Light-bodied and smooth.
  • Finish: Short and slightly sweet.
  • Comparison: Think of this as the Tennessee whiskey equivalent of Jim Beam White Label. It’s a solid, everyday sipper, but it lacks the complexity of more premium expressions.
• George Dickel No. 12: This is a step up from No. 8. It’s aged longer and has a more pronounced flavor profile.
  • Aroma: Toffee, dark fruit, and a hint of smoke.
  • Flavor: Rich caramel, oak, and a spicy rye note.
  • Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied and slightly oily.
  • Finish: Long and warming, with a hint of spice.
  • Comparison: This is closer to something like Maker’s Mark. It has a richer, more complex flavor than No. 8, with a more pronounced oak and spice character.
• George Dickel Bottled in Bond: This is a more premium offering. It’s bottled at 100 proof and aged at least four years.
  • Aroma: Leather, tobacco, and dark chocolate.
  • Flavor: Bold oak, spice, and a hint of cherry.
  • Mouthfeel: Full-bodied and robust.
  • Finish: Long and complex, with a lingering spice.
  • Comparison: This is where Dickel starts to compete with higher-end bourbons like Knob Creek or even some single-barrel selections. It’s a bold, flavorful whiskey that can stand up to ice or be enjoyed neat.

Here’s a quick table summarizing the key differences:

NAS = No Age Statement

It’s worth noting that George Dickel also releases limited-edition expressions, such as single-barrel selections and special-release whiskeys. These can be highly sought-after and offer unique flavor profiles.

Section 5: Reception and Reviews from Whiskey Enthusiasts

What do other people think of George Dickel? Let’s take a look at some reviews and ratings.

• Whiskey Critics: Jim Murray, author of the Whisky Bible, has given George Dickel whiskeys consistently high ratings. He often praises their complexity and unique flavor profiles.
• Online Reviews: Websites like Distiller and Reddit’s r/bourbon are full of reviews from everyday whiskey drinkers. The general consensus is that George Dickel is a solid, well-made whiskey.
• Awards: George Dickel has won numerous awards at prestigious spirits competitions, including the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Of course, taste is subjective. Some people love the bold, spicy character of Dickel, while others prefer the sweeter, smoother profile of some bourbons.

Here are a few anecdotal experiences I’ve gathered:

• “I used to think all Tennessee whiskey was like Jack Daniel’s, but Dickel changed my mind. It’s much more complex and interesting.”
• “I love using Dickel No. 12 in Old Fashioneds. The spice really shines through.”
• “The Bottled in Bond is one of my go-to whiskeys for sipping neat. It’s got a great balance of oak, spice, and sweetness.”

Section 6: Food Pairings and Cocktail Recipes

Let’s talk about how to enjoy George Dickel beyond just sipping it neat.

Food Pairings:

• George Dickel No. 8: Pair this with grilled chicken, pulled pork, or spicy BBQ. The sweetness of the whiskey will complement the smoky flavors of the food.
• George Dickel No. 12: This pairs well with richer dishes like steak, roasted vegetables, or dark chocolate. The oak and spice notes will cut through the richness of the food.
• George Dickel Bottled in Bond: This is a great pairing for cheese, charcuterie, or even a hearty stew. The bold flavor of the whiskey will stand up to strong flavors.

Cocktail Recipes:

• Old Fashioned: Use George Dickel No. 12 for a spicy twist on this classic cocktail.
  • 2 oz George Dickel No. 12
  • 1 sugar cube
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Orange peel
  • Muddle sugar cube with bitters and a splash of water. Add whiskey and ice. Stir until chilled. Garnish with orange peel.
• Manhattan: George Dickel Bottled in Bond makes a bold and flavorful Manhattan.
  • 2 oz George Dickel Bottled in Bond
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Cherry
  • Stir all ingredients with ice until chilled. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a cherry.
• Whiskey Sour: George Dickel No. 8 works well in a refreshing Whiskey Sour.
  • 2 oz George Dickel No. 8
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • ¾ oz simple syrup
  • Egg white (optional)
  • Lemon peel
  • Combine all ingredients in a shaker. Dry shake (without ice) for 15 seconds. Add ice and shake again until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon peel.

The versatility of George Dickel makes it a great addition to any home bar. Its unique flavor profile can enhance a wide range of cocktails.

Section 7: Conclusion: Is George Dickel Bourbon Good?

So, we’ve reached the million-dollar question: Is George Dickel bourbon good?

Well, technically, it’s not bourbon at all. It’s Tennessee whiskey. But that doesn’t mean it’s not good.

George Dickel offers a unique and complex flavor profile that sets it apart from many bourbons. Its bold, spicy character, combined with its smooth, mellow finish, makes it a whiskey worth exploring.

Whether you prefer the entry-level No. 8, the richer No. 12, or the bold Bottled in Bond, there’s a George Dickel expression for every palate.

Ultimately, the best way to decide if George Dickel is “good” is to try it for yourself. Grab a bottle, pour a glass, and see what you think. You might just discover your new favorite whiskey.

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