Description

George Dickel 12 is one of the most surprising whiskeys I’ve had lately. Might sound a bit weird to say because it’s not a special edition or anything, but sometimes I’ll put off picking up a whiskey to review because I’ve had it at the bar or a friend’s house a couple of times and I think I know it pretty well. Then, when finally pick up a bottle and sit down for a proper review, a whiskey I thought I knew so well will reveal a whole new side and I’ll wonder why the hell I didn’t do it sooner. This bottle of George Dickel Superior 12 is one of those times.

ABV: 45%
Age: 8-10 years
Price: $22
Distiller: George Dickel / Diageo
Mashbill: 84% corn, 8% rye & 8% malted barley

EYE
Orangish caramel

NOSE
Corn is prominent and sweet with notes of vanilla, candied citrus, and butterscotch fudge coming through. Honey candy, simple syrup, dried orchard fruit, a touch of wood and rich, but not cloying, sweetness backfill the aroma; making it simply stunning to sniff.

PALATE
Cinnamon moves in with corn, caramel, and citrus in a foursome of flavor. Vanilla, wood and a touch of char and leather move through with ease and that rich sweetness is back along with some notes of grain, dried fruit, and an ambiguous spice.

FINISH
Long and corn drove with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, leather, dried fruit and a bit of oak.

BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Mellow and simply sippable this whiskey has a nice balance amidst the corn driven notes and a medium body that works with the smooth easy going texture.