Ever since I first got a taste of George Dickel Bottled in Bond, I’ve been intrigued by the rich flavors and history behind this iconic whiskey. As a Tennessee whiskey, George Dickel stands out in the world of spirits, offering a unique experience for those of us who can appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle.
At its core, the award-winning George Dickel Bottled in Bond series values transparency and authenticity. With each annual release, like the 2021 version boasting a 13-year age and 100 proof, whiskey enthusiasts like myself get to explore the remarkable traits Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. has to offer.
Being both affordable and approachable, George Dickel Bottled in Bond has become a staple for many whiskey lovers. It’s an exciting annual event to anticipate the latest release and see how it compares to previous years. For me, each new bottle brings an opportunity to enjoy the richness and depth of flavor that has made this Tennessee whiskey a standout in the world of spirits.
Table of Contents
Dickel Bottled in Bond Overview
Product History
George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey is a well-known and respected brand in the whiskey world. The Bottled in Bond series is a standout product line that showcases premium offerings from Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. These whiskeys are always crafted in accordance with the Bottled in Bond Act specifications, ensuring high quality and consistency.
The Bottled in Bond series has seen several releases in recent years. For example, there was a 13-year-old expression in 2021 with a mash bill of 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley. A 2020 release featured an 11-year-old whiskey with a slightly different mashbill composition, swapping rye for wheat. These annual releases often receive positive reviews and the attention of whiskey enthusiasts.
Price Range
George Dickel takes pride in offering their Bottled in Bond whiskeys at an accessible price. The 2021 release had a suggested retail price of $45, while the 2020 release retailed for around $40. These prices are appealing, especially for a whiskey boasting a considerable age statement and the bottled-in-bond designation. Regularly, George Dickel provides well-priced top-shelf products, maintaining affordability without sacrificing quality.
In summary, George Dickel’s Bottled in Bond series celebrates the best of Tennessee whiskey while adhering to strict quality standards. Offering distinct, aged expressions at a fair price point, these releases continue to attract whiskey enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
photo source: www.georgedickel.com
Tasting Notes
Aroma
The aroma of George Dickel Bottled in Bond is quite intriguing. On the nose, I pick up notes of oak, which is not surprising for a 13-year-old whiskey. I also detect a hint of cherry and brandied cherries, adding a lovely fruity nuance to the profile. There’s a nuttiness present too, along with a subtle hint of licorice.
Flavor
Taking a sip, I find the flavor profile to be well-balanced and engaging. The dominant note is oak, which is to be expected with its age statement of 13 years. The rye content (8%) in the mashbill, along with 84% corn and 8% malted barley, results in a complex yet harmonious blend of flavors. I notice cherry and brandied cherry flavors once again, complemented by some nutty undertones and a touch of mustiness that’s unique to the Cascade Hollow distillery.
Finish
The finish of this whiskey is long, smooth, and satisfying. I can taste the oak lingering on my palate, mingling with some warming rye spice and a hint of malted barley sweetness. As the flavors slowly fade away, I’m left with a pleasant memory of the tasting experience.
Rating
In my review of the George Dickel Bottled in Bond, I have to commend its overall quality. The 2019 release, particularly, stands out as a great example of what the brand is capable of producing. As for scoring, I feel comfortable giving it a rating of 90 out of 100. It’s a fantastic pour that showcases a well-balanced flavor profile and an impressive age statement, with highlights like the oak, cherry, and nutty notes making their presence known throughout.
Mixing and Pairing
Best Mixers
As someone who enjoys experimenting with different mixers and cocktails, I found that George Dickel Bottled in Bond pairs exceptionally well with certain mixers. Here’s a short list of my favorites:
- Ginger Ale: The spiciness of ginger ale adds an interesting layer to the rich and deep flavors of the whiskey.
- Lemon-Lime Soda: For a lighter, more refreshing option, lemon-lime soda brings out the whiskey’s citrus notes.
- Cola: Cola is a classic mixer that highlights the sweetness of the whiskey, while not overpowering its boldness.
Cocktail Suggestions
George Dickel Bottled in Bond is a versatile whiskey that works well in various cocktails. Here are some of my personal suggestions for you to try:
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One of my favorite cocktails to make with George Dickel Bottled in Bond is the Old Fashioned. Mix 2 oz of George Dickel Bottled in Bond, a sugar cube, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, and a splash of club soda. Garnish with an orange peel and maraschino cherry. This enhances the whiskey’s deep flavors and adds a touch of sweetness.
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Next is Tennessee Boulevardier: Combine 1.5 oz of George Dickel Bottled in Bond, 1 oz of sweet vermouth, and 1 oz of Campari. Serve over ice and garnish with an orange twist. The bitterness of Campari and the sweetness of vermouth balance the whiskey’s flavors perfectly.
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Another excellent cocktail suggestion is Dickel Whiskey Sour: Mix 2 oz of George Dickel Bottled in Bond, ¾ oz of fresh lemon juice, and ½ oz of simple syrup. Shake and strain into a glass with ice. This refreshing cocktail emphasizes the whiskey’s citrus notes and smoothness.
Food Pairings
Even though I’m not a food expert, I’ve discovered that George Dickel Bottled in Bond complements certain dishes quite well. Here are some food pairings that I’ve enjoyed:
- Barbecue: The smoky notes of the whiskey complement the charred flavors in barbecue dishes like ribs or pulled pork.
- Dark Chocolate: The deep, robust flavors of dark chocolate bring out the whiskey’s sweetness and richness.
- Cheeseboard: A selection of cheeses, especially aged cheddar or blue cheese, pairs wonderfully with the whiskey, balancing its sweetness and boldness.
Remember to always drink responsibly and experiment with different combinations to find your favorites. Cheers!
Conclusion
In my experience with George Dickel Bottled in Bond releases, I’ve found them to be quite enjoyable and impressive. The age statement, which changes with each release, adds to the intrigue and excitement. For instance, the 2021 release came in at 13 years, which was two years older than the 2020 release.
When comparing different releases, like the 11-year-old and the 13-year-old, it’s important to remember that age isn’t the only factor affecting taste. While I may personally lean towards sweeter bourbons, I can appreciate the balance and complexity that each Dickel Bottled in Bond release offers.
- Aroma: The nose of these whiskeys is usually rich and inviting, with a noticeable presence of roasted peanuts, caramel, and spice notes.
- Palate: Dickel Bottled in Bond whiskeys tend to deliver a deep and delicious flavor profile, highlighting their distinct character and boldness.
- Finish: The finish is often marked by the emergence of cloves and lingering roasted peanut character, with different releases offering varying degrees of balance and intrigue.
As a whiskey enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for great expressions, and in my opinion, George Dickel Bottled in Bond fits the bill. The reasonably priced, annually-released offering has become a mainstay for many whiskey lovers, including myself.
With releases like the 2020, distilled in fall 2008 and bottled at 11 years of age, and the 13-year-old 2022 edition, Dickel’s top-shelf Bottled in Bond offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a long-time George Dickel fan or just starting to explore their whiskeys, I believe you’ll find satisfaction in exploring these impressive bottlings.
