George Dickel Hand Selected Barrel 9 Year Old Tennessee Whiskey: A Singular Expression of Cascade Hollow
Discover the exceptional depth and refined character of George Dickel Hand Selected Barrel 9 Year Old Tennessee Whiskey. This highly sought-after offering represents the pinnacle of George Dickel's craftsmanship, allowing connoisseurs to experience a unique expression of Tennessee Whiskey directly from a specially chosen barrel. Each bottle tells the story of a single, extraordinary cask, matured for nearly a decade in the tranquil Cascade Hollow.
Like all George Dickel whiskies, this Hand Selected Barrel expression begins with a traditional sour mash composed of 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley. Following distillation, the distillate undergoes the signature Lincoln County Process, where it is chilled to 40°F (4°C) and mellowed through 10-12 feet of sugar maple charcoal before being laid down in new, charred American oak barrels (typically #4 char for staves, #2 for heads). This "charcoal mellowing" process, unique to Tennessee Whiskey, imparts its characteristic smoothness.
What makes the Hand Selected Barrel series so special is the individual selection of barrels by the distillery team, often including the Master Distiller, for their exceptional balance, complexity, and unique flavor profiles. Aged for a minimum of 9 years in the single-story rickhouses of Cascade Hollow, this extended maturation allows the whiskey to fully develop its rich character. Bottled at a robust 51.5% ABV (103 Proof), each bottle is individually numbered, ensuring its authenticity and highlighting the distinct nature of the single barrel from which it came.
Key Characteristics:
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Hand Selected Single Barrel: Each bottle comes from a unique, individually chosen barrel, offering a distinct flavor experience.
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Aged 9 Years: Matured for a significant period, contributing to deep complexity and smoothness.
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Tennessee Whiskey: Undergoes the signature Lincoln County Process (charcoal mellowing) before aging.
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High Corn Mash Bill: (84% corn, 8% rye, 8% malted barley) provides a sweet and rich base.
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Robust Proof (51.5% ABV / 103 Proof): Delivers a full-bodied flavor with a satisfying warmth.
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New Charred American Oak Barrels: Imparts classic vanilla, caramel, and oak notes.
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Non-Chill Filtered (often): While not explicitly stated for all releases, many single barrels maintain more of their natural oils and flavors.
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Individually Numbered Bottles: Highlights the exclusivity and unique origin of each bottle.
Tasting Notes:
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Appearance: Deep, ruddy amber.
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Nose: Rich and inviting, with prominent notes of sweet caramel, vanilla, and honey. Underlying aromas of toasted oak, creamed corn, and a surprising hint of tart green apple and baking spices (cinnamon, allspice).
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Palate: Luxuriously silky and viscous, coating the mouth. Flavors of sweet maple, pecan, and dark berries blend with classic vanilla and a robust oak presence. Notes of cocoa, burnt sugar, and a subtle spice (black pepper, cinnamon) add layers of complexity.
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Finish: Long, warming, and remarkably smooth, despite the higher proof. Lingering notes of caramel, honeyed apple, candied pecans, and a delicate hint of wintergreen, providing a truly satisfying and nuanced conclusion.
Awards & Recognition:
George Dickel's Hand Selected Barrel program consistently garners high praise and awards, reflecting the exceptional quality of these individual cask selections:
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Highly Rated by Critics: Often receives scores in the low to mid-90s from prominent whiskey reviewers.
- Praised for its exceptional value (when available at typical pricing) for a single barrel, aged expression.
- Contributes to George Dickel's overall recognition as the 2023 Wine Enthusiast Spirit Brand of the Year, highlighting the strength of its entire portfolio.
Overall Impression:
George Dickel Hand Selected Barrel 9 Year Old Tennessee Whiskey is a must-have for enthusiasts seeking a unique and deeply flavorful sipping experience. Each barrel offers its own subtle variations, making every bottle a discovery. Its meticulous production, extended aging, and robust proof combine to create a Tennessee Whiskey that is both profoundly complex and exceptionally smooth. Enjoy it neat to fully appreciate its intricate layers, or with a splash of water to unlock even more nuanced flavors.
