Dickel’s bonded expressions continue to arrive at a healthy clip of about one per year since the 2019 launch of the series. This new 2024 version was distilled in Spring 2011 and bottled after 12 years in the barrel.

There’s no particular twist with this release (two prior releases were drawn from the same casks but at different ages), so without further ado we can jump right into it.

From the start this is a soft and friendly whiskey, gentle to the point where it almost feels bashful, innocuous. Aromas are a classic mix of roasted peanuts, caramel corn, light gingerbread spices, followed by touches of fruit — apples and pears, with crumbles of brown sugar. Moderated barrel char adds a slightly smoky tone, but it’s about as mild as it gets.

The palate is soft and initially quite fruity, again heavy with apples and layered with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, and finally caramel. An initial rush of torched creme brulee sweetness finds balance in a layer of spice and, eventually, toasty barrel char, burnished with cloves. Brown butter and toasted coconut offer plenty of sweet, dessert-like character as the finish builds, with a late-game reprise of peanutty Cracker Jack. The buttery, almost oily, body pushes through into the lasting finish, which offers a soothing, almost honeyed quality. Thoughts of melted vanilla ice cream linger.

It’s been a long time since I’ve encountered a whiskey that felt so subdued and simple, yet immersive with its seductive length. (A long-gone barrel pick of Blanton’s I once reviewed immediately comes to mind.) This isn’t some barn-burner that will have you gesticulating wildly at your drinking buddies as you pick out flavor note after flavor note, but it is something that I think will stick with you in the best possible way nonetheless. (Especially at this price.)

100 proof.

A- / $45 / georgedickel.com 

George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey Bottled in Bond 12 Years Old (2024)

$45

9

Rating

9.0/10