George Dickel 12 Year Bottled in Bond Tennessee Whisky was distilled in the spring 2011 season. Made with 84% corn, 8% rye and 8% malted barley, it rests at 50% ABV and retails for around $51.99.
A mainstream bottled-in-bond American whiskey aged 12 years, priced around $45, and of this high quality is rare these days. You can’t look the other way if you come across it in a liquor store.
The palate has a hefty weight, with caramel candy flavors mixed with tart cherries and roasted nuts. Sharp clove and nutmeg spices kick in toward the finish, along with saddle leather and a note of charred oak.
Superbly rich, gooey, and deliciously thick, with lots of depth and balanced spice. A long finish offers sweetness accented by pepper spice and aged oak bite, all in perfect harmony.
This isn’t some barn-burner that will have you gesticulating wildly at your drinking buddies as you pick out flavor note after flavor note, but it is something that I think will stick with you in the best possible way nonetheless. (Especially at this price.)
Based on the sipping experience alone, George Dickel’s latest Bottled in Bond is a solid and versatile drinker I’m happy to have on hand at just about any time. Indeed, the brand itself suggests serving either neat or on the rocks, in addition to classic cocktails.
