George Dickel No. 8

Re-visiting this one after not having it for a while. Noticeably lighter in color than the 12 thanks to the lower age and proof. The color of straw with skinny fast moving legs. NOSE: Light and Delicate with Vanilla, Corn, Hazelnut, and Oak. A little time in the glass brings out Cake Batter and Honey. A touch of the Multi-Vitamin note may be there? or my brain is just accustomed to associating it with Dickel Whisky? NEAT: As the Distillr notes suggest, about as straightforward as a whiskey can get. Vanilla Pudding, a little Banana Cream, and a lot of Dusty Oak. Some Honeycomb emerges as well. Almost scotch-like. If the multi-vitamin note is here, it is so light as to not be noticed. It may be that it is more prominent with the added 10 proof points of the No. 12. No burn or harshness on the finish, just a light warming on the way down. The oak note coats the palate and lingers. SPLASH: Brings the Banana Cream note to the nose. The Vanilla and Oak now completely dominate the palate. Whether its the added water or the time spent in the glass, I am starting to get a little of the "Flintstone" vitamin note. VERDICT: Every once in a while you get surprised by a Whisk(e)y. This is one of those times. I have had this in the past, but always bypass it in favor of the No. 12. That may be a mistake. The 12 is better, but for a $15-$18 whiskey, this one is hard to beat. The only one I can think of liking better in this price range is the EW BIB. That's good company. When in the mood for an 80 proofer, this and WT81 should be my choice every time. More than $10 less than Jack Daniel's, but infinitely better.

Dusty corn, light caramel, Dr Pepper, Cherry Coke, some light baking spice. Mellow and pleasant, flavor is a little mild but I blame the lower proof. I get the Centrum vitamin thing, it’s weird because once you recognize it you can correlate vitamins and light caramel if that makes sense. It’s enjoyable for an 80 proof whiskey.