George Dickel Barrel Select

[TNbourbon]

...Is it possible the barrel purchaser has some proof options?..

Well, it's a question I've never asked directly, so I can't discount it. Seems odd, though, that I've never seen an instance of it occurring around here, though nearly every large liquor store has its own barrel of (94-proof) JDSB.

[craigthom]

Well, it's a question I've never asked directly, so I can't discount it. Seems odd, though, that I've never seen an instance of it occurring around here, though nearly every large liquor store has its own barrel of (94-proof) JDSB.

Not that odd for retailers, since they'd get more bottles to sell at the lower proof.

[Attila]

Thanks for those notes, Mark. Very interesting!

[Attila]

I'll take a stab at a comparison of the two, if you all dont mind.

JDSS
Proof: 100
Age Statement: None (as a single barrel whisky, it should not be too difficult for JD to provide this info!)
Batch size: Single barrel
Date: released 20 April 2007
Aroma: Corn, Char, and Cotton Candy
Taste: very broad dried banana chip flavor in the background, with honey, leather and dried fruit.
Dropping an ice cube or two can help make this whisky more approachable.

GDBS
Proof: 86
Age Statement: None
Batch: (10 barrels)
Date: "Hand selected" 2006
Aroma: Char and vanilla with light citrus
Taste: Vanilla extract. No fruit or grains other than corn, which comes across very rich. I have finally figured out why I always think VANILLA, VANILLA when I think about this whisky. Its the aftertaste. For me, I always wonder where the vanilla went when I take my first sip, but by the end of my glass, I am stunned by its richness of vanilla. The intensity of the vanila is on the aftertaste.
I wish this whisky was a bit higher proof, because I like my whiskies with ice. I often find myself lamenting that the ice has watered down this whisky a bit more than I prefer. Despite this draw back, I prefer this to the JDSS.

[Martian]

I read somewhere that the Barrel Select is 10-12 yrs. I get vanilla, cinnamon and butterscotch. It's very lush with long legs and slightly astringent. The finish to me is definitely butterscotch that lingers on the back of the tongue. I like it a lot, but it's over twice the price of the No. 12 and not twice a good.

[Jono]

Thanks for the tasting notes...definitely something to look for...sounds like a nice addition to the collection.

[HighTower]

Nice notes David,

The current JDSS I have open is raging with banana chips all over it, so much I find it hard to drink.

I like the GDBS, maybe if you want it "on the ice" without watering it down, throw it in the freezer for a while and try that.

Scott

[Attila]

raging with banana chips

Y'know, I found myself munching on banana chips while drinking JDSS the other day. It was intense.

Will try the freezer solution.

[Attila]

George Dickel Barrel Select (43%) hand selected in 2006
Appearance - red inflected gold body
Aroma - sweet woody vanilla jumps out.
Flavor - More of the vanilla, with grain on the mid-palate, and a very, very oaky finish, there is something lightly sweet, lighlty apricot perfume that stays on after the finish. Nice!
Conclusion - Far and above the best Tennessee I've had (blows the doors off of JDSS).

George Dickel No. 12 (45%)
Appearance - same as GDBS
Aroma - significantly more restrained aroma than the GDBS, not so much vanilla, but do get some oak, grain, some crackers and a resin flavor thats not on the BS.
Flavor - Again the resin flavor is here overlaying the oakyness. The oakyness is where I find the similiarity between this and the BS. Also apricots here.
Conclusion - Excellent whisky, but the aroma and concentration of vanilla flavor from the BS wins the day hands down.

[Josh]

Indiana isn't a control state, I just can't find it anywhere around here. I really hope it's around, because I've heard some very good things, I'd love to find a bottle.

I got a bottle at Kahn's in Indianapolis several months ago. Also...

Available in Kansas at 38.00. Haven't tried it yet, as I like the 12yr at about half the price.

Dickel 12 is Dickel Number 12, not 12 y/o.