I received this bottle as a gift and I couldn’t wait to try it. If you’re used to bourbon, this is a really different flavor. A rich caramel hue in the bottle and glass, it pours somewhat oily, leaving traces on the glass when you swirl it. My first pour was neat, in a glencairn glass. The initial nose is one of strong alcohol, with a bit of burn on the scent. Once past that, there are some background touches of wood, spice and cinnamon. On tasting, you’re hit with a mouth of alcohol burn initially. It is almost overwhelming. I took a rest and then had another sip, swishing it in my mouth. I picked up some oak and spice, but the heavy pure whiskey taste was still dominant. To open it up a bit, I added aboit a half teaspoon of room temperature water. This is where all the flavors start coming through. After the water was added, I let it sit for a couple minutes and then sipped again. Leather, caramel, coffee and some nice spices were then evident. The water really cuts the burn and allows the other flavors to emerge. It offers a lovely warmth, a full mouthfeel and at the end, gives some hints of creme brulee and caramelized sugar. I would love this whiskey on a cold evening, sitting by a fire. It’s definitely one that will stay in my rotation.
@mhock66 Thank you for this review. George Dickel No. 12 is always in my cabinet and I find it vastly superior to Jack Daniels, as well as Bulleit. "Elevated," as you wrote, is absolutely correct. I enjoy the finish in particular as the sweetness levels off, reminding me of a dissolving buttery caramel that I loved as a kid. I have enjoyed it neat, as well as with one single ice cube during our Indian Summers here in San Francisco - perfection. Can't beat the price tag, too!
Dickel 12 always has a place in my collection. I find the price range of $25 to $30 to be perfect for this whisky.