When it comes to the world of spirits, there are often discussions and debates on various categories and types of liquor. One such question that often arises is whether George Dickel is a whiskey or a bourbon. To unravel the mystery behind this popular Tennessee drink, let’s dive into the details.
The Basics: George Dickel
George Dickel is a well-known brand in the world of distilled spirits. It has gained a reputation for producing high-quality bourbon whiskeys that are enjoyed by whiskey enthusiasts all around the globe.
The Mashbill and Age
In order to understand whether George Dickel is a whiskey or bourbon, we need to explore its mashbill and aging process. According to the vital stats provided, this particular George Dickel expression is an 8-year-old bourbon whiskey. The mashbill consists of 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley. This combination creates a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other whiskeys and bourbons.
Proof and Price
Proof plays a significant role in categorizing a spirit. George Dickel’s bourbon whiskey is 90 proof, which means it contains 45% alcohol by volume (ABV). The suggested retail price (MSRP) for a bottle of George Dickel is around $30, making it an affordable option for those looking to enjoy a quality bourbon whiskey without breaking the bank.
Appearance and Aroma
Now let’s discuss the physical characteristics that define this specific release of George Dickel. The bottle itself is the standard George Dickel design, while the liquid inside displays a sun tea color, characteristic of Tennessee bourbon whiskeys. Upon nosing, one can detect a delicate mineral note accompanied by a touch of fruity sweetness, adding complexity to the overall olfactory experience.
Tennessee Whiskey vs. Bourbon
At this point, you may be wondering whether George Dickel falls under the category of Tennessee whiskey or bourbon. Tennessee whiskey, like bourbon, is a type of whiskey that undergoes a specific distillation and aging process. However, there is one crucial difference that sets Tennessee whiskey apart – the Lincoln County Process.
The Lincoln County Process
The Lincoln County Process is a unique charcoal filtering method that Tennessee whiskeys, including George Dickel, undergo before aging. This process involves filtering the newly distilled spirits through a charcoal bed made of sugar maple. The result is a smoother and mellower flavor profile, distinguishing Tennessee whiskey from its bourbon counterparts.
Conclusion
Based on the information provided, it is clear that George Dickel is indeed a whiskey, specifically a Tennessee bourbon whiskey. The mashbill, aging process, proof, and price point all align with the characteristics of a bourbon. However, the distinct Lincoln County Process that George Dickel undergoes differentiates it from traditional bourbons and classifies it as a Tennessee whiskey. So, if you want to enjoy a well-crafted and flavorful spirit, George Dickel’s bourbon whiskey is certainly worth exploring.
