George Dickel Drops Its Rarest and Smoothest Limited-Release Bourbon Yet
Classic Tennessee whiskey brand George Dickel has a solid reputation for delivering mellow, affordable pours. While its latest release more than checks the “mellow” box, it’s far richer in flavor and price compared to the rest of the brand’s offerings.
Launched just in time for holiday gifting and imbibing, Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years, the newest blend born at the brand’s historic Cascade Hollow Distillery in Tullahoma, TN, is the most luxurious and complex small-batch bourbon created by General Manager and Distiller Nicole Austin.
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The award-winning Austin and her team used Dickel’s signature process, beginning with water from the spring that runs through the 600 acres of protected forest that house the 153-year-old distillery about an hour southeast of Nashville. It’s then mixed with hand-weighed grain and slow-cooked in the distillery’s original mash tubs before being aged in charred, new American white oak barrels.
The result—the smallest run ever produced by Dickel—is a mellow, cozy, slow-sipping whiskey with dark, almost buttery toffee notes and just a hint of bright fruit at the finish (peach, by our account). With less than 500 cases available for sale, each bottle retails for a suggested price of $510.
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The 90-proof (45% ABV) Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years is big brother to the distillery’s first bourbon release in 2021, Dickel Bourbon 8-Year. Austin, who joined the brand in 2018, created the line as a way to share the bourbon-forward flavors of the brand’s more mature whiskeys. Her innovative approach that builds on the historic foundation of an iconic brand has garnered recognition and accolades in the industry–including the latest, 2023 Spirit Brand of the Year from Wine Enthusiast’s Wine Star Awards. Previously, Austin was named 2020 Distiller of the Year by Artisan Spirit and 2021 Distillery Manager by Icons in Whisky. The brand’s George Dickel Bottled in Bond earned 2019 Whisky of the Year from Whisky Advocate.
Courtesy George Dickel
Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years, a real gem any rare bourbon collector will covet, can be found in select markets in November. You’ll want to skip the rocks and enjoy this special spirit neat.
