George Dickel 9 Years Hand Selected Barrel Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Tennessee, USA
Type: Tennessee Whiskey (not a bourbon)
Distillation and Maturation Process: Utilizes the Lincoln County Process, which involves charcoal filtering for extra smoothness. This particular process includes chilling during the charcoal filtering, a technique inspired by the observation that whiskey produced in winter had superior quality. The whiskey is aged for 9 years in fresh casks, which is notable for American whiskey.
Age Statement: 9 years
Color and Bottle Design: The whiskey has an impressive color, though specific details about the color or bottle design were not elaborated upon. The bottle cap is marked with the age statement ("9"), and the signature of the master distiller, John R. Lunn, is featured, indicating his contribution to the product before leaving the distillery.

General Profile: Intense and strong, with a balance of sweetness, oakiness, and smoothness. The whiskey is described as having a heavy vanilla tone and significant oak influence.
Specific Notes: The flavor profile includes vanilla, caramel, woodiness, and dark fruity notes. As the tasting progresses, flavors of nuts, dark chocolate, and cacao emerge, with a spicy and robust character that is more pronounced than in other selections from the distillery.
Comparison: It is suggested that this whiskey is more intense and packs more punch than the Barrel Select variant, with a stronger emphasis on woody tones and a bit of bitterness in the aftertaste.

The Lincoln County Process is highlighted as a defining characteristic of Tennessee whiskey, distinguishing it from Kentucky bourbon. The adaptation of chilling during this process is a unique aspect of George Dickel's production, inspired by seasonal observations.
The transition of the master distiller role from John R. Lunn to his protege, Alison Henley, is mentioned, adding a personal narrative to the distillery's story.

Tennessee whiskey's distinction from bourbon and its competition with Kentucky straight bourbon is discussed, emphasizing the cultural and geographical identity of this whiskey category.
The Lincoln County Process is identified as a key element of Tennessee whiskey's identity, reinforcing its regional significance.

"It's just amazing how round they can pack it," and "It's the maximum in sweetness oakiness also combined with this smoothness," highlight the reviewer's appreciation for the whiskey's balanced and robust flavor profile.
The reviewer's correction from "strong bourbon" to "Tennessee whiskey" underscores the importance of distinguishing between these two American whiskey categories.

George Dickel 9 Years Hand Selected Barrel is a Tennessee whiskey characterized by its use of the Lincoln County Process, including a unique chilling technique.
Aged for 9 years, it offers an intense flavor profile with strong vanilla, oak, and caramel notes, along with dark chocolate and cacao as it develops.
The whiskey's production story includes interesting details about the distillery's practices and personnel changes.
It holds cultural significance as part of the Tennessee whiskey tradition, distinct from Kentucky bourbon.
The review praises the whiskey's robustness and balance, making it a standout choice for those who appreciate a strong, flavorful American whiskey.

For Whiskey Enthusiasts: Those with a deep appreciation for the nuances of American whiskey and an interest in the production techniques that distinguish Tennessee whiskey from bourbon.
For Flavor Chasers: Individuals seeking a robust, intensely flavored whiskey with a complex profile of sweetness, oak, and smoothness, complemented by darker tones of chocolate and nuts.
For Collectors: The age statement and the story behind the master distiller transition may appeal to collectors interested in unique or transitional bottlings from established distilleries.