George Dickel Handcrafted 8 Years | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: American whiskey, specifically from Tennessee.
Type: Tennessee Whiskey.
Distillation and Maturation Process: The whiskey undergoes normal production with a standard mash bill and is aged for 8 years, which is notably longer than many American whiskeys that often lack an age statement. The maturation process benefits from the faster aging conditions in Tennessee compared to Scotland, due to climate differences.
Age Statement: 8 years.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the emphasis on the handcrafted aspect suggests a focus on quality.
Bottle Design: The whiskey is housed in the standard George Dickel bottle, which was noted to be different from a previous special bottle that appeared more bulgy.

Balance of Flavors: The whiskey is described as having a strong, intense flavor profile with a balance between smoothness from charcoal filtering and the robustness of fresh American oak casks.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its caramel candy essence, with a juicy, fruity, orangey touch, possibly influenced by neighboring Georgia's orange production. It has a high ABV of 45%, contributing to its strength and intensity.
Comparison: The reviewer compares it to previous George Dickel expressions, noting its similarity to a 9 or 10-year-old Barrel Select, but with its own distinct, intense character.

Anecdotes: The reviewer shares a personal anecdote of visiting George Dickel, one of the first distilleries they ever visited, adding a personal connection to the review.
Trivia: The distinction in spelling ("whisky" without an "e") is attributed to the distillery's heritage, with those of German and Scottish ancestry opting for this spelling.

Heritage: The spelling of "whisky" reflects the distillery's ancestry and heritage, distinguishing it from other American distilleries.
Geographical Influence: The flavor profile may be influenced by Tennessee's climate and proximity to Georgia, known for its oranges, suggesting a regional influence on the whiskey's character.

"This is American whiskey with some chest hair."
"It's mellow as moonshine but has that volume and intensity that you only get for eight years in fresh American oak casks."

George Dickel Handcrafted 8 Years is a Tennessee Whiskey with an 8-year age statement.
It features a robust flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a unique citrusy, orangey touch.
The whiskey is described as intense and strong, benefiting from the fast maturation conditions in Tennessee and the smoothness imparted by charcoal filtering.
The review includes personal anecdotes and highlights the cultural significance of the whiskey's spelling and regional influences.
The whiskey is recommended for those who appreciate a strong, flavorful American whiskey with a smooth yet intense character.

For Whiskey Enthusiasts: Those with a preference for intense, full-bodied whiskeys will likely enjoy the robust character and unique flavor profile of George Dickel Handcrafted 8 Years.
For Collectors: The heritage and storytelling aspects, along with the specific age statement, make it a noteworthy addition to a collection.
For Beginners: Might be too intense for newcomers to whiskey; however, those interested in exploring the nuances of Tennessee whiskey might find it an intriguing choice.