Tennessee Whisk(e)y - George Dickel Old No. 8
George Dickel & Co.

 

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George Dickel Old No. 8
George Dickel & Co. (Cascade Hollow, Tullahoma, Tennessee)
Grain - Corn (at least 84%%), Rye (8%), Barley (8%)

PROOF: 80 (40%) 
AGE: 8-10 Years
TYPE: Straight, Sour Mash

PRICE: $16.00 750 ML 

 

 

Notes: The other Tennessee Whisk(e)y- (there are only two to begin with and Jack Daniels is the other).This distillery is much smaller and produces smaller batches of older whisky (on average) than its competitor. It is double-distilled first in a column still then a pot still, then aged in new charred oak barrels. In their charcoal mellowing they first chill their whisky which leads to filtering out heavier elements missed by others.

This whisky also uses a higher proportion of corn than most bourbon, proprietary yeast strains and single story warehouses -all of which contribute to the uniqueness of the whisky. This is a straight (unblended) sour mash bourbon. Now part of the Diageo portfolio, it is gaining more traction and presence in the market.

This is the younger, cheaper brother of Dickel No.12 , Special Barrel Reserve, and Barrel Select .

Appearance: Dark copper in the bottle, bronze gold in the glass.

First Impression: Heavy corn presence, leather, vanilla, oak grain influence amidst galangal, trace of mint, and char developing. Interesting lack of phenols and other "off" smells you get with some grain distillates, only good whiskey smells.

Taste: Slightly light body, slightly astringent, light sweetness and oak pepper. Lighter than the No.12 but good. Spicy, aromatic, grainy/malty medium-to-long dry finish. Quite smooth and mellow.

Drinks: Interesting variant for any bourbon or rye drink. Much cheaper, too!

Final Thoughts: Some may consider it a bit light in body or find the dryness/char not to their liking. It is a good bargain for someone seeking a better whiskey for less than $20, hell one of the few. A much older and more drinkable whisk(e)y than most in that price range. Cheaper than Jack Daniels, more refined and lighter in body (but not excessively so) a good civilized whisky for someone who is secure in their masculinity quotient (be you male or female).

Bottle: Basic clear glass, slightly bell shaped thin neck with faceted neck. Name of whiskey (and type) is pressed into the glass. Old-style script with gold edging is printed on the black label. Simple layout and fonts give it a antique feel.

Website: http://www.dickel.com

Lots of details and pictures with a comprehensive history and background. Lots of merchandise including such things as scented candles (?!).

 

 

 

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