Last Updated on March 7, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Over the years, George Dickel has gone through many changes and is regarded as one of the top American spirits.
But it almost died a few decades ago until Diageo took over. Among the positive changes of George Dickel are their classic labels and new expressions.
As the brand competes with other spirits in the industry, we ranked the best George Dickel whisky bottles you need to try. Let’s go.
Top 11 George Dickel Whiskies (Ranked)
11. George Dickel Bourbon
Average Price: around $33/750ml (MRP)
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: We like the versatility of their bourbon whisky, and it’s a great value for its price point. To fully enjoy this spirit, we recommend it drinking on the rocks.
- Nose: sweet vanilla and caramel hints
- Palate: corn-toffee and cherry-orange notes
- Finish: medium finish with creamy vanilla and tobacco hints
This is a special release from George Dickel, which is a level-up of the classic bourbon flavors.
10. George Dickel Rye
Average Price: around $28/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: This is a great blend of whisky that can work well in a variety of beverages, such as highballs, cocktails, and rocks. It’s a little warm but still shines with a few stones.
- Nose and Palate: cinnamon, clove, and fruit notes
- Finish: long and spicy
We’ve ranked this George Dickel Rye this low because of how good the rest of their line is.
9. George Dickel Signature Recipe
Average Price: around $21.99/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: This is made with older Tennessee whiskeys, so we like the deep and assertive flavors. It’s smooth, leaving a great satisfying finish.
- Nose: Pleasant aromas of maple syrup, cream soda, and spicy cherry
- Palate: Flavors of light vanilla and dried fruit
- Finish: Long finish with butter, maple, and rich oak notes
Upon sipping, we understand why this Signature Recipe is among the most prestigious Tennessee Whiskeys.
It’s versatile and refreshing to enjoy it neat or in a cocktail.
8. George Dickel Single Barrel 15 Year Old
Average Price: around $46.99/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: Variable
Why We Like It: Honestly, this was supposed to be on the higher spot, but it’s still a little old on the palate, which is something of the expression’s appeal.
- Nose: Delicate lavender and fruit aromas
- Palate: Noticeable bourbon flavors plus hints of cherries, vanilla cream, and soda
- Finish: Medium to a long dry finish with spicy tobacco and sweet cherry notes
Also, given the 15-year age statement, this is a great deal of spirit at its price point.
7. George Dickel White Foundation Recipe
Average Price: around $21.99/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: This is a simple drink and a great replacement for vodka in most cocktail recipes.
- Nose: Corn and dark berry aromas
- Palate: Flavor combo of salt butter, citrus, and berries
- Finish: Lingering and sweet, warm finish with subtle vanilla notes
This is almost similar to the Signature Recipe and Barrel Select, but this White Foundation Recipe is finished with Dickel’s “Chill Charcoal” process.
6. George Dickel Single Barrel 9 Year Old
Average Price: around $50/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: Variable
Why We Like It: To simply describe this 9-Year Single Barrel from GD, it’s precious, subtle, and complex.
- Nose: Deep cherry cola and sweet aromas
- Palate: Flavors of vanilla and cherry with notes of leather and dried reeds
- Finish: Lingering finish with dry, cherry tobacco aftertaste
This is a sweet spot, as it doesn’t have much old or woody flavor while retaining the Dickel vibe. We highly suggest you try both sipping and mixing.
5. George Dickel 17-Year-Old Reserve
Average Price: around $250/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 46% ABV
Why We Like It: This new expression from Dickel is almost two decades old. We find this one a very blend due to its creamy character; that’s a surprise for a whiskey this age.
“Knowing the impact of the first release of George Dickel 17 Year Old Reserve, the barrels selected for this latest edition were purposefully selected to pay homage to the original offering.”
— Nicole Austin, Distiller
- Nose: Complex aromatic notes with creme brulee and apricots
- Palate: Floral notes with spice and vanilla
- Finish: Long and rich cedar finish
If you’re looking for complexity, the robust, woody profile of this 17-Year-Old Reserve [1] will surely hit the spot on your tastebuds. But ready your budget, though.
4. George Dickel Barrel Select
Average Price: around $46/750ml
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Why We Like It: This Barrel Select from George doesn’t disappoint in terms of interesting and sippable elements.
While we prefer this for Manhattans or Sazeracs, it’s also very drinkable over ice.
- Nose: sweet and fruity
- Palate: vanilla and spice hints with floral notes
- Finish: Lingering dry finish with cedar and vanilla notes
Slightly low-proof, but the character and profile are quite surprising for a spirit aged 9-12 years.
3. George Dickel Classic Recipe
Average Price: around $24/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: We like the bold flavors and smooth finish of Dickel’s Classic Recipe. The flavor and finish are complex, making the expression an ideal choice for cocktails.
- Nose: Aromas of wood, caramel, and vanilla
- Palate: Balanced flavors of wood, subtle caramel, and maple notes
- Finish: Long finish with buttered corn and maple notes
Despite the complexity, it’s low-proof, so it suits beginners.
2. George Dickel x Leopold Bros Collaboration Blend
Average Price: around $109.99/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 50% ABV
Why We Like It: For rye fanatics out there, this is your bottle for sure. This innovative collaboration expression has a heavy-bodied rye profile and character.
- Nose: Enticing sweet and floral aromas
- Palate: Rich blackberries, fig & citrus, rosewater, and lavender notes
- Finish: Remarkably long finish with notes of cocoa, Earl gray, and honey
Given its recent release, it already won awards at the 2022 SFWSC and Ultimate Spirits Challenge, and it’s not hard to tell why.
1. George Dickel Bottled in Bond
Average Price: around $40/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 50% ABV
Why We Like It: So far, we’re super impressed with this BiB [2], which we consider the edge of Dickel. It’s got a really smooth and sippable flavor that is ideal for a highball base or any cocktail.
- Nose: Scents of rich vanilla, dried apple, and maple syrup
- Palate: Subtle sweetness with a combo of vanilla, dried fruit, and roasted nuts flavors
- Finish: Lingering and sharp finish continuing the vanilla notes with charred oak
There’s a woody hint in this spirit, and it blends well with other flavor notes. We love everything about this spirit; most importantly, the price point and quality are perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the most expensive George Dickel whisky?
The most expensive George Dickel whisky so far is the new release of the 17-Year-Old Reserve, which costs around $250 per 750ml suggested retail price.
Is George Dickel whisky rare?
George Dickel isn’t rare. You can find George Dickel bottles at liquor shops and online stores. But, speaking of rarity, the George Dickel 17-Year-Old is the rare expression from the brand.
Is George Dickel a good whiskey?
George Dickel is widely recognized as a good whiskey, appreciated for its smooth and distinctive character. Produced in Tennessee, George Dickel whiskeys are known for their quality, and the brand has gained a positive reputation among whiskey enthusiasts for its commitment to craftsmanship and unique production methods, such as the Lincoln County Process.
Is George Dickel expensive?
George Dickel offers a range of whiskey expressions with varying price points to cater to a diverse consumer base.
While some of its standard releases are competitively priced and accessible, the brand also produces limited editions and single-barrel releases that may be more expensive.
The pricing of George Dickel whiskeys depends on factors such as aging, production methods, and rarity, providing options for both budget-conscious consumers and those seeking more premium offerings.
What made George Dickel popular?
Several factors have contributed to the popularity of George Dickel, including its commitment to quality, unique production techniques, and the distinct flavors of its whiskeys.
The use of the Lincoln County Process, a charcoal mellowing method, imparts a smooth and mellow character to the whiskey, setting it apart in terms of taste. George Dickel’s dedication to craftsmanship, consistency across its expressions, and the range of offerings from the classic No. 8 to limited releases have all played a role in garnering a loyal following.
Additionally, the brand’s association with Tennessee whiskey traditions and its rich history contribute to its enduring popularity in the whiskey market.
Is Dickel a bourbon or whiskey?
George Dickel produces Tennessee whiskey, not bourbon. While all bourbons are whiskey, not all whiskeys are bourbon. Bourbon, by definition, must meet specific criteria, including being produced in the United States, having a mash bill with at least 51% corn, and aging in new charred oak barrels.
Tennessee whiskey, including George Dickel, adheres to these criteria but also undergoes the additional step of the Lincoln County Process, where the whiskey is filtered through sugar maple charcoal before aging.
While Dickel is not classified as bourbon, it is a well-regarded Tennessee whiskey, offering its own unique flavor profile and characteristics that distinguish it within the broader category of American whiskey.
Is George Dickel considered bourbon?
George Dickel is not considered bourbon; instead, it is classified as Tennessee whiskey. While all bourbons are whiskey, not all whiskeys are bourbon.
The distinction lies in the additional step George Dickel undergoes known as the Lincoln County Process, where the whiskey is filtered through sugar maple charcoal before aging.
This process, along with other production nuances, sets Tennessee whiskey apart from bourbon, even though both fall under the broader category of American whiskey.
What type of whiskey is Dickel?
George Dickel is a Tennessee whiskey, specifically crafted in Cascade Hollow, Tennessee. Tennessee whiskey follows the general criteria for whiskey but includes the extra step of charcoal mellowing, as outlined by the Lincoln County Process.
This process involves filtering the whiskey through sugar maple charcoal before aging, contributing to a smoother and mellower taste compared to some other whiskey varieties.
Is George Dickel sweet?
George Dickel whiskeys are known for their balanced flavor profile, which includes a touch of sweetness. The sweetness in George Dickel’s whiskeys often comes from notes of caramel and vanilla, complemented by other flavor nuances.
The use of the Lincoln County Process, a charcoal mellowing technique, contributes to the smoothness of the whiskey and enhances the overall sweetness, making it a palatable and enjoyable choice for those who appreciate a well-balanced and flavorful spirit.
How long is George Dickel aged?
The aging duration of George Dickel whiskeys can vary depending on the specific expression. Like many whiskeys, the aging process plays a crucial role in developing the flavors and characteristics of the final product.
Standard releases may be aged for a minimum of a few years, while single-barrel or limited-edition expressions may undergo more extended aging periods.
The aging time contributes to the complexity of the whiskey, allowing it to absorb flavors from the charred oak barrels and develop a well-rounded and matured taste.
What does George Dickel taste like?
George Dickel whiskeys are known for their smooth and mellow taste, attributed to the charcoal mellowing process and quality craftsmanship. The flavor profile often includes notes of caramel, vanilla, and a gentle smokiness. The sweetness is balanced with other nuanced flavors, creating a well-rounded and approachable taste.
Tasting George Dickel may reveal a harmonious combination of sweet and savory elements, making it appealing to a broad range of whiskey enthusiasts.
The specific taste can vary between different expressions, with single-barrel releases offering unique flavor profiles compared to the standard offerings.
Final Verdict: Best George Dickel Whisky
George Dickel is an underrated brand. But once you try their spirits line, you’ll see how its master distiller brings out the expertise to create such adorable and interesting expressions.
If you’re considering George Dickel, refer to this list to know what to expect on each bottle and if that’s worth your time sipping.
References:
- Dickel Is Relaunching Its Oldest Whiskey and We Got an Exclusive First Taste
- ‘Bottled in bond’ was created to protect drinkers in the 1800s. Now the label has a new appeal.
