A Perfectly Balanced (Yet Potent) Exclusive Dickel Single Barrel

The Tennessee whiskies of George Dickel have developed a significant following of late, so we’ve lined up several single cask expressions to meet the demand. This most recent arrival is tailor made to charm bourbon drinkers, as it is loaded with toasty grain notes, baking spices, and a healthy dose of sweetness (but not too much!). At under $45, there’s significant value going on here.

George Dickel “K&L Exclusive” 9 Year Old Single Barrel #L7233K1007 Tennessee Whiskey (750ml) ($44.99) – When you talk to passionate bourbon drinkers today, most of them are looking for the rich, sweet, boldly flavored, high-proof editions that seem to have completely evaporated from today’s market. Part of the reason the Van Winkle expressions (and the Weller bourbons by default) became so beloved, besides the pull of pop culture, has to do with their sweeter profile due to the lack of rye grain in the mash bill as a balance. While not technically categorized as bourbon (Dickel goes by Tennessee whiskey even though it qualifies as such), the distillery’s high corn, low rye mash of 84% corn, 8% rye and 8% malted barley results in a whiskey brimming with sweetness, with less of the peppery and herbaceous elements. The only thing that’s ever kept Dickel from becoming the next big thing in the American whiskey scene is the low proof, but that’s where the company’s single barrel program comes in: each K&L selected single cask of Dickel comes with a 9 year age statement and 51.5% ABV, dialing up the sweetness and sending serious bourbon fans into a frenzy. Barrel #1007 is the corniest of the bunch (in a good way) with lots of sweet grainy aromas and notes of buttered popcorn with baking spices on the palate. It’s never sweet or overtly rich, however, in spite of those characteristics. The finish is spicy and lively with hints of barrel char and rich oak that linger for minutes. It’s a whiskey for those looking for bourbon-like alternatives that still retain their favorite flavors.