George Dickel 13 Year Bottled in Bond Tennessee Whisky (Fall 2005)

Nose: Oak, brown sugar, figs. Nutmeg, allspice, clove. Freshly baked whole wheat bread. Deep toasted grain - the rye and barley are showing up to the party. There's a buried candy sweetness that reminds me almost of classic bubble gum, which is usually banana, strawberry, and cherry. Toasted nuts - peanut, walnut, cashew, which gives way to an almost rich, BBQ meat thread. Think pork shoulder or brisket. Palate: Cherry, brown sugar, charred oak. Tannin - the mouthfeel that develops after a sip is showcasing the age here. The rye makes it through to the taste, again as allspice and nutmeg. There are the toasted nuts again, this time as almonds and peanuts. Barley is buried here. Slight cinnamon. Luxardo maraschino cherries, banana. Moderate finish that fades "bottom-up" in that the more rich, foundational characteristics fade away first, then the mid-palate "body" goes, and then the fruit lingers for a bit. Other notes: My palate is a little wonk right now - had a big bowl of spicy ramen for lunch, which is likely distorting things a bit here. Overall, though, this is a well executed bottle. The price/age/quality ratio here is pretty excellent. Worth a buy to see what the hype is all about.

So this just won Whiskey Advocate's Whiskey of the Year. Of course I had to check it out (I am an awards whore, dammit it all). VA ABC just started getting this, I had to order a bottle from the warehouse and then no one at the store was familiar with it, and asked for a report after tasting. Bottle poured neat in Glencairn at home. Breezy joined me for the occasion. Nose does have the buttered popcorn and hint of Flintstones vitamins that other reviewers note, but with the vanilla and caramel followed by spice, it works. Taste has more butter immediately followed by baking spice, then some mild heat comes on, followed by the vitamin and butter again. Quite interesting, and very drinkable. Though I do agree that more than a couple drams at a time would be too much, too oily and medicinal on the palate. Overall - no, this is not the whiskey of the year, but it is definitely the best Dickel I have had, by a wide margin. 12/12/19.

I get the hype. Spicy with a smooth finish.

Very unique.

Solid but nothing amazing.