George Dickel 11 Year Bottled in Bond Tennessee Whisky (Fall 2008)

If the ongoing "debate" about the desirability of the vitaminal "flavor" of George A. Dickel can be bypassed, one will once again find it difficult to deny that Nicole Austin and her team have made some of the most drinkable, quality whiskies of the past half decade. Awards, hype and hate aside, the Fall 2008 (Aged 11 Years) iteration of Dickel's bonded whisky actually holds a candle to its 2005 (Aged 13 Years) predecessor. Although the rich fullness of the 2005 might not be present, letting this whisky sit in the glass for an extended rest will bring flavors that smack of "Cap'n Crunch" and candied pecans to an appreciative tongue. A moderately lengthy finish lingers long enough to remind a drinker of just why Tennessee whisky is a special thing to be appreciated and treasured by those who aren't bourbon "purists."