I’ve been exploring the world of Tennessee whiskey lately, and while most people immediately think of Jack Daniel’s, there’s another distillery that deserves just as much attention – George Dickel. Let me share what I’ve learned about this fascinating brand and why it should be on your radar if you appreciate quality American whiskey.
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The Dickel Story: More Than Just “The Other Tennessee Whiskey”
George Dickel Tennessee Whisky (note the Scottish spelling – more on that later) stands as a significant counterpart to Jack Daniel’s in the Tennessee whiskey category. The brand’s history stretches back to the late 19th century, with the Cascade Hollow distillery established in 1877 by John F. Brown and F.E. Cunningham.
What’s interesting is that George Dickel himself wasn’t actually a distiller. Born in Germany in 1818, he came to the United States in 1844 and built a successful retail business in Nashville. By 1861, he was selling liquor, and in the late 1860s, he started George A. Dickel and Company. In 1884, recognizing the quality of Cascade Hollow’s product, Dickel bought a controlling interest in the company.
The brand had to weather many storms, including Tennessee’s early adoption of Prohibition in 1910 and nationwide Prohibition from 1920 to 1933. After Prohibition ended, the Cascade Whisky trademark was bought by Schenley Distilling Company, which eventually rebuilt the distillery in 1958. Today, the brand is owned by global spirits giant Diageo.
If you’re interested in learning more about whiskeys with rich histories, check out some of these classics like Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 or Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon.
What George Dickel Whiskey Unique?
That Scottish Spelling
One thing you might notice right away is that Dickel spells their product “whisky” instead of “whiskey.” This deliberate choice reflects the founder’s belief that his spirit matched the quality of the finest Scotch whiskies. If you’re curious about Scotch whisky, I’ve found this guide to Scotch whisky to be extremely helpful.
The Production Process
Dickel’s production process includes some unique elements that set it apart from other Tennessee whiskeys:
Mash Bill: Most Dickel products use a mash bill of 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley. The high corn content gives it a naturally sweeter profile.
Cold Filtration: While Dickel employs the Lincoln County Process (charcoal filtering) like other Tennessee whiskeys, they add a unique step by chilling the spirit to 40°F before filtration. George Dickel believed whisky made in winter months was smoother, and this process aims to recreate those conditions year-round.
Aging: Dickel ages their whisky in single-story warehouses, which helps maintain more consistent temperatures throughout the aging process.
If you’re wondering about the differences between various American whiskeys, you might find this comparison of American whiskey vs. Irish whiskey helpful.
Exploring the George Dickel Whiskey Range
The Dickel portfolio has grown impressively over the years. Here are some of the key expressions:
Classic Recipe No. 8: Bottled at 80 proof and aged 7-8 years, this is a balanced whisky with hints of maple and buttered corn.
Superior No. 12: A step up at 90 proof and aged 9-10 years, with richer notes of oak, vanilla, butter, and smoke.
Bourbon Offerings: Dickel now offers dedicated bourbon expressions, including an 8-Year-Old and an impressive 18-Year-Old version.
Rye Whiskey: Their rye uses a 95% rye, 5% malted barley mash bill and is known for its spicy character with subtle fruit notes.
Bottled in Bond Series: This award-winning series has garnered significant recognition, including Whisky Advocate’s “Whisky of the Year” title for its inaugural release.
I find Dickel’s range reminds me of other notable American whiskeys like Old Forester 1920 in terms of quality and character, though with its own distinct Tennessee profile.
Tasting Notes
When enjoying Dickel products, you can expect some common flavor themes:
- Classic Recipe No. 8: Green apples, honey, cinnamon, caramel, and corn on the nose; honey, apples, corn, and rye spice on the palate; finishing with caramel, honey, and mint.
- Superior No. 12: Rich oak and sweet smokiness aroma; maple syrup, buttered bread, and smoke on the palate; with a deep, complex, charcoal finish.
- Bottled in Bond: Overripe cherries, macadamia nut cookies, and toasted oak aromas; bitter chocolate, dried cherries, and caramel on the palate; with a long, warming finish of spice and cherries.
If you’re looking to expand your whiskey knowledge, I highly recommend learning how to taste whiskey like a pro.
How to Enjoy George Dickel Whiskey
Dickel whisky is quite versatile. You can sip it neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of water to open up the flavors. It also works beautifully in cocktails.
Some classic cocktails that showcase Dickel include:
- The Dickel Highball (Dickel and soda water)
- Old Fashioned
- Manhattan
- Whiskey Sour
If you’re interested in cocktail recipes, these simple whisky cocktails might give you some good ideas.
Final Thoughts
George Dickel has proven itself to be more than just “the other” Tennessee whiskey. With its unique production methods, impressive range of expressions, and recent award-winning releases, it deserves a place on any whiskey enthusiast’s shelf.
Its approachable price point also makes it a great option for those looking to try quality American whiskey without breaking the bank. If you’re hunting for value, you might also want to check out best whiskeys under 100 pounds for more affordable yet excellent options.
Have you tried George Dickel? Which expression is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
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