Notes: The other Tennessee Whisk(e)y- (there are only two to begin with and Jack Daniels is the other). This distillery is much smaller and produces smaller batches of older whisky (on average) than its competitor. It is double-distilled first in a column still then a pot still, then aged in new charred oak barrels. In their charcoal mellowing, they first chill their whisky which leads to filtering out heavier elements missed by others.

This whisky also uses a higher proportion of corn than most bourbon, proprietary yeast strains and single story warehouses -all of which contribute to the uniqueness of the whisky. This is a straight (unblended) sour mash bourbon with the charcoal filtration. Now part of the Diageo portfolio, it is gaining more traction and presence in the market.

This is a special bottling that was part of the Bourbon Heritage Collection others Dickel Products include: Dickel No.8, Dickel No.12 , and Barrel Select.

Appearance: Dark copper in the bottle slightly darker than the No.8, bronze gold in the glass.

First Impression: Heavy corn presence, leather, vanilla, char, grain influence amidst galangal, trace of anise, signature lack of phenols and other “off” smells you get with some grain distillates, only good whiskey smells.

Taste: Slightly light body, slightly astringent, dash of sweetness and then a heavy charcoal/ash taste with oak/pepper finish more than the No.12. Charcoal oak and malt medium-to-long dry finish. Smooth for all of that leaving a warm glow.

Drinks: Interesting variant for any bourbon or rye drink. May require fiddling with recipe proportions to taste.

Cigar:Joya de Nicaragua or a Rocky Patel Robusto or Torpedo size.

Bottle: Basic clear glass, slightly bell shaped thin neck with faceted neck. Name of whiskey (and type) is pressed into the glass. Old-style script with gold edging is printed on the black label. Simple layout and fonts give it a antique feel. Real cork closure and hefty flared bottom with pressed design give it a nice decanter feel.

Final Thoughts: Very pleasant interesting variation on a theme. A more muscular version of the other Tennessee whisk(e)y, more concentrated, but smoother.

Website: http://www.dickel.com

Lots of details and pictures with a comprehensive history and background. Lots of merchandise including such things as scented candles (?!).