George Dickel No. 12

I’m an old dude with preconceived misconceptions that have at times negatively influenced some of my choices in life, Tennessee Whiskey (Whisky) is a good example. For decades I assumed Tennessee whiskey WAS Old No 7, man was I closed minded. It’s not that JD is bad, it just wasn’t the whiskey that rang my bell, I’m a bourbon guy. I don’t know maybe it’s a generational thing, maybe it was just me but you’ve gotta remember that 40-50 years ago the choices we had back then make up about 25% of the options currently available today. Factor in product distribution and market availability and in most cases you had Beam, Roses, Williams & Brooks with Tennessee being represented by Daniels, well JD didn’t impress me much so I wrote off Tennessee. I sniffed the Roses and chased those Wild Turkeys for the better part of 50 years... until someone gave me an unfamiliar bottle - and dang - I liked it... a lot! So I’ve been on this adventure for the last several years and it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t visit Tennessee again and I’m glad I did. Recent reviews I’ve read on this Dickel 12 were compelling enough for me to step out of my Kentucky bourbon comfort zone. If you want to know what Tennessee “whisky” is really all about, look no further. I’ll defer the tasting profile to @BeppeCovfefe, he nailed it - read his review of this. You guys that follow me have made this a fun journey, wouldn’t be drinking this one if it wasn’t for you - thanks & cheers!

Don't like Jack so wasn't excited about this one. Tasted like Jack at room timp, frozen however it was very sweet with a mild burn. The sweetness was a custard sweet. Very surprised, good for the price, I prefer a smokey or spicy flavor.

Nose is a big and corny, sweet vanilla cream. The palate is sweet with corn and butter and a bit of leather/mustiness that is pleasant. The finish is on the shorter side with a slight mineral taste. People tend to love or hate Dickel. I would say that I really enjoyed it, and I appreciate it’s distinct taste.

All I can say is blind taste test this. Guarantee you don’t guesstimate price under $30. Best “cheap” bottle you can get in my opinion.

The Tennessee whisky has no less claim to being part of Americana as Kentucky Bourbon and if you want proof here it is. G. Augustus Dickel immigrates to Tenn, in the early 1800's, he is a Nashville cobbler who dabbles as a whiskey salesman. George leverages the expertise of distillers Maier Salzkotter, as well as brothers Victor and Emile Shwab to procure the best product. The sister of his new wife marries Victor and together they start the Cascade Hollow distillery. State prohibition comes to Tennessee and their operation is relocated to Lousiville joined by the Arthur Stitzel distillery, shortly federal prohibition slows the production to a trickle and George, well into his 70's retires. When prohibition is finally lifted descendants of Dickel and Shwab relocate back to the Cascade Hollow area to start the second Tennessee Dickel Distillery. In spite of all this including the war and prohibition era, Dickel to this day is one of the truly American whisky(spelled like scotch) experiences thanks to the Dickel/Shwab families dedication to keeping this heritage alive. If you're heading up 24 in Tennessee and see the Tulahoma exit you are but a few miles from the site of one of the real pioneer whiskey distilleries. So about Dickel No 12, those of you who grew up in the country no doubt at one time or another stuck your head in a corn bin, they are big round metal housings for raw corn storage that are anywhere from 500 to 150,000 bushels, and when filled with yellow gold all have a distinct smell of corn and corn dust. With Dickel there isn't any mistaking that this is corn whiskey, the real thing, the heart of the run. Nose, corn rows, row after row that go on for miles, on top of it the buttered popcorn affect and some hints of caramel and butterscotch. Front: sweet corn popped with butter and a nice werthers butterscotch, little bits of rye spice and malt tag along. Finish, just smooth butter, all that extra charcoal filtering pays off and you get no harshness of finish just a nice smooth ride out the gate reminding you of what corn liquor is all about. The Dickel No 12 is smooth, really REALLY smooth. Maybe not all that complex but an ultimate example of what smooth corn shine is like and perhaps maybe the last word on what Tennessee whiskey really is all about.