The Whiskey Reviewer A World of Whiskey, Poured Every Weekday
By Richard Thomas
George Dickel has added its oldest whiskey yet, a 17 year old Tennessee Whiskey. The downside, at least for those who don’t live in the Volunteer State, is that the extra aged Dickel will be available only at the distillery gift shop and with a handful of Tennessee liquor retailers.
The official story behind George Dickel 17 Year Old is that Distiller Allisa Henley was looking for barrels to use in the distillery’s private barrel program. These are typically 9 year old barrels, but this was how Henley reportedly discovered the 17 year old casks in the inventory.
“From the moment I first sipped it, I knew George Dickel 17-Year Old was special,” said George Dickel Distiller, Allisa Henley. “People are going to remember where they were when they first tasted it, and I love knowing it will be right here in my home state of Tennessee.”
Except for the especially long aging time, Dickel 17 Year Old has all the other characteristics familiar to George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey. It’s made from a high-corn mashbill of 8% malt, 8% rye and 84% corn, distilled to the standard level, and put through Dickel’s version of the Lincoln County Process. The whiskey then rested for nearly two decades in the single story warehouses atop the area ridges.
George Dickel 17 Year Old is bottled at 43.5% (87 proof), but in a 375 ml bottle instead of the standard 750 ml. The recommended retail price is $75.
I’d give the special reserve 17 year old an A+.
This lovely accident is sure to be a sought after product. With this being the only 17 year aged Tennessee whiskey it is a historic piece. This whiskey is historic in every sense of the word.
I have been a whiskey man for many years and tasted whiskey from around the world. This is one of the finest examples I’ve ever tried. With a smooth profile of vanilla, spice and oak wrapped in an almost molasses fragrance this whiskey is one you do not want to miss out on.
The price per bottle may put some off but believe me it is worth every cent. It is delicious!
My hope is that the George Dickle Distillery will offer another batch in the future.
A+ whiskey!
Both my wife and I have enjoyed this special nectar from the Tennessee valley. It is smooth and full of flavor. Want to clear out the wine rack and fill with this whiskey.