June 2013

George Dickel Barrel Select

George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey Barrel Select
43% ABV
$35 to $45
Website
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What the Distillery Says:
At George Dickel Whisky, we’ve always been true to our name. The same can be said of our newest whisky, George Dickel Barrel Select. Each year, at peak periods of maturation, Master Distiller John Lunn selects approximately 10 barrels of his best, most mellow whisky to produce an exceptionally fine small-batch Tennessee whisky.

Aged between 10–12 years, this 86-proof gem provides a consistently smooth taste, perfect balance, rich amber color and a hint of vanilla. Aided by charcoal mellowing and the slow aging process, these distinct characteristics create a super-premium whisky in a class of its own.

Designed to commemorate the re-opening of the distillery in September 2003, this handcrafted bottle reflects beautiful craftsmanship, from its elegant shape and cork to the unique label design. It’s outstanding quality has been honored five times since 2006 by the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, including one Bronze Medal, One Silver Medal and two Gold Medals for Tennessee Whisky.
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What Richard Says:
Nose: Corn and vanilla syrup.
Palate: Candy corns, heavy vanilla extract, mellow oak, and citrus.
Finish: More aggressive on the finish than anywhere else. Heavy on the oak with mint riding out the back of the finish. The age of this shows in the wood influence.
Comments: Tired of Jack Daniels? Do you want to see what else is coming out of Tennessee? Give George Dickel a try. The brand in general makes nice whiskey. The Barrel Select is easily the best of bunch.
Rating: Stands Out

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Ancient Ancient Age 10 Year

Ancient Ancient Age 10 Years Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
43% ABV
$15 to $18
Website (this is for the 10 Star, as the 10 Year has been discontinued)
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What the Distillery Says:
Aged for a decade and bottled at 86 proof, this bourbon is a cult classic. Full of subtle flavors, it is perfect for sipping and easy to enjoy by new bourbon drinkers and connoisseurs alike.

Tasting Notes:
A nose of honey, maple, mixed fruits and spice. Rye takes the lead on flavor with subtle licorice and hickory notes along with vanilla and spice. A long, spicy finish that maintains its timeless flavors.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Wildflower honey, honeycrisp apples, and peaches.
Palate: Lots of vanilla and black pepper with notes of cinnamon
Finish: Black pepper and heavy wood.
Comments: In this day and age of evaporating age statements, funky finishes, and all the latest whiz bang technology it almost seems like classic bourbon is getting harder to find. It’s not really harder to find, you just have to know what to look for. AAA 10 year old is just that, classic, good, uncomplicated bourbon. If you ever ask yourself what grandpa was drinking back in the day then pick up a bottle of AAA 10 year if you can find it (hard to find outside of Kentucky) or Old Grand Dad Bottled-In-Bond, sick back, and think back to simpler time for bourbon. A time when it wasn’t all about the % rye is so and so’s mashbill or where you can find a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle. It’s not an amazing bourbon by any means but it’s good and classic.
Rating: Must Try

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