George Dickel Bottle in Bond
Hey, fellow whisky wanderers!
So, I recently dove into the back of the cabinet to pull this long-neck bottle out. George Dickel Bottle in Bond 13 Year Whisky, and let me tell you, it was quite the adventure! Now, I’m no whisky expert—I can’t go on about the ins and outs of distillation or the intricate details of aging in charred oak barrels, blah, blah, blah. You know what I'm talking about if you have ever gone on a tour(s). What I can do is share how this particular bottle made me feel, and, boy, did it make me feel things!
First off, I bought my first bottle during covid. At that time, this bottle was “allocated.” It was also voted Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2019, most recently Double Gold in 2022, and my brother-in-law and I agreed! This whisky is like a warm hug from an old friend you haven’t seen in years. It’s bottled at 100 proof, which means it packs a punch, but it’s a friendly punch, like a playful nudge from your best bud. The first sniff was like walking into a room where someone’s baking vanilla cookies, and there’s a hint of that toasty caramel goodness in the air. It immediately put a smile on my face. And to be honest, I always smell this and feel like that’s all I smell, so don’t let the others fool you when they nudge their head and say, “Smooth… Oakey.”
Taking the first sip was like diving into a pool of complex flavors. This deep, rich orchid hue, perhaps simply lounging, carries hints of vanilla and a subtle hint of toasted caramel. And just when you think you’ve figured it out, bam! A little spice kicks in, reminding you that this whisky has layers, like a really delicious and complex character in your favorite book.
The finish? Oh, it sticks around, lingering like the last guest at a great party, not wanting the night to end. It’s not entirely smooth, but it’s satisfying and leaves you nodding to yourself, thinking, “Yeah, that was good.” However, temper your expectations when it comes to winning over the father-in-law. His verdict, delivered with a jesting twist in his text, declared, “ Hey! your dickel ain’t worth a nickel with George Dickel!!!” Even if opinions differ, this sure does make you laugh. Isn’t that the point of sipping on whisky?
Let me be clear: In my opinion, every whisky is a great whisky, but not every whisky is for everyone; enjoying this whisky is not about flexing your connoisseur’s muscles or dropping fancy whisky knowledge. It’s about the experience, the stories you tell with a glass in hand, and the warmth that spreads through you with every sip. This bottle may not be for you. However, my first favorite was Jack Single Barrel Select, which is still a fan favorite. So, if you’re looking for a whisky that feels like a good friend, tells a great story, and warms you up from the inside out, George Dickel Bottle in Bond might be your next favorite chapter in the book of whisky adventures.
Keep sipping, friends, and remember: the best whisky is the one that brings you joy.
Cheers to a dram good time! 🥃✨
The Details:
Proof: 100 • Mashbill: 84% Corn • 8% Rye • 8% Barley • Aged: 13yrs • Price: $50
Brown Water Rating Scale:
Nose: 2 • Palate: 4 • Finish: 3 • Uniqueness: 3 • Value: 5 • Overall: 3.4
This is a 5-point scale based on my own preferences. This was also tested by my father-in-law, another whiskey lover. 