George Dickel 9 Year Old Hand Selected Barrel (Caskers Staff Pick)
Introduction to George Dickel Whiskey
George Dickel is a renowned Tennessee whiskey brand, founded in 1870 by George A. Dickel in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Known for its smooth and rich character, the brand emphasizes traditional craftsmanship and the distinctive Tennessee whiskey process — including charcoal mellowing, also called the Lincoln County Process — which sets it apart from bourbon and other whiskeys.
The George Dickel 9 Year Old Hand Selected Barrel is a special expression sourced from barrels personally selected for quality and flavor. This particular version, labeled as a Caskers Staff Pick, highlights a single barrel chosen by Caskers’ expert team, ensuring a premium and unique tasting experience.
I. What Is George Dickel 9 Year Old Hand Selected Barrel (Caskers Staff Pick)?
The George Dickel 9 Year Old Hand Selected Barrel is a barrel-strength Tennessee whiskey aged for nine years and bottled without chill filtration, designed to showcase the distillery’s craftsmanship at a higher proof and fuller flavor. The Caskers Staff Pick designation means this particular barrel was handpicked by the team at Caskers, a respected online spirits retailer known for curating excellent whiskey selections.
- Age: 9 years
- Proof: Usually around 108 proof (54% ABV), though exact proof can vary slightly by barrel
- Type: Tennessee whiskey
- Mellowing: Charcoal mellowed (Lincoln County Process)
- Bottling: Non chill-filtered, natural color
II. George Dickel 9 Year Old Hand Selected Barrel: Production & Distinctive Features
A. Distillation and Maturation
George Dickel is made using a mash bill primarily consisting of corn, rye, and malted barley. After fermentation and distillation, the whiskey undergoes the Lincoln County Process: a charcoal mellowing step where the spirit is filtered through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal. This step imparts smoothness and distinct flavor characteristics.
Following mellowing, the whiskey is aged in new American white oak barrels for nine years, allowing it to develop deep, rich flavors and a robust body.
B. Single Barrel Selection
Unlike standard releases, the 9 Year Old Hand Selected Barrel is a single barrel bottling, meaning the whiskey in the bottle comes from one specific barrel. This allows for more nuanced and unique flavor profiles. Caskers’ staff select barrels they believe offer the best balance of flavor, smoothness, and character.
C. Bottling Strength and Filtration
This expression is bottled at barrel proof, around 108 proof, offering boldness without excessive harshness. It is non chill-filtered, preserving natural oils and flavor compounds, contributing to a richer mouthfeel and complexity.
III. Tasting Notes and Flavor Profile
A. Appearance
The whiskey typically pours a warm amber with golden hues, reflecting the years spent maturing in oak barrels.
B. Nose
The aroma of the George Dickel 9 Year Old Hand Selected Barrel is rich and inviting, featuring:
- Vanilla and caramel sweetness
- Oak and toasted wood
- Notes of spice, such as cinnamon and nutmeg
- Hints of dried fruit and toasted nuts
- Slight smokiness from charcoal mellowing
C. Palate
On the palate, the whiskey is full-bodied and complex:
- Sweet corn and caramel upfront
- Spicy rye notes with pepper and clove
- Oak-driven flavors with vanilla, coconut, and baking spices
- A touch of smoky char, balanced by fruity undertones of apple and pear
- Creamy mouthfeel with moderate heat from the proof, warming but not overpowering
D. Finish
The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of:
- Warm spice and oak
- Sweet vanilla and caramel
- Subtle smokiness
- Drying tannins that provide structure without harshness
IV. People Also Ask: FAQs About George Dickel 9 Year Old Hand Selected Barrel
1. What is the proof of George Dickel 9 Year Old Hand Selected Barrel?
The proof typically hovers around 108 proof (54% ABV), but it can vary slightly depending on the barrel. This barrel proof strength allows for a full-flavored experience while maintaining balance.
2. How does George Dickel 9 Year Old compare to other George Dickel expressions?
Compared to standard George Dickel No. 12 or No. 8, the 9 Year Old Hand Selected Barrel offers greater depth, higher proof, and a more intense flavor profile due to its age and barrel selection. It is richer, spicier, and fuller-bodied, ideal for whiskey enthusiasts seeking complexity.
3. Is George Dickel 9 Year Old Hand Selected Barrel worth the price?
Generally, yes. Its age, single barrel status, and high proof make it a premium offering in the George Dickel range. While it commands a higher price than the standard bottlings, many reviewers and consumers find the quality and flavor justify the cost.
4. How should I drink George Dickel 9 Year Old Hand Selected Barrel?
Best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water to open its aromas and flavors. It can also be enjoyed with a large ice cube to slightly mellow the intensity without diluting the complexity.
5. Where can I buy George Dickel 9 Year Old Hand Selected Barrel?
Availability is limited as it is a single barrel, limited release. It is often available through select retailers such as Caskers and specialty liquor stores. Online retailers and auctions may offer bottles, but prices can vary.
6. What makes Tennessee whiskey different from bourbon?
Tennessee whiskey, like George Dickel, undergoes charcoal mellowing (Lincoln County Process) which removes impurities and imparts smoother character and subtle smoky notes. Bourbon does not require this step, though both use similar mash bills and aging methods.
7. What is the mash bill of George Dickel 9 Year Old?
While exact proportions are proprietary, George Dickel uses a mash bill rich in corn (usually ~84%), with rye and malted barley making up the rest. This mix gives sweetness balanced with spice and complexity.
V. Reviews & Critic Opinions
A. Expert and Consumer Reviews
- Whiskey Advocate praised the 9 Year Old Hand Selected Barrel for its bold character, highlighting the “beautiful balance of oak, caramel, and spice,” and appreciating its “smooth finish with just the right amount of heat.”
- Distiller.com users rate it highly for its rich vanilla and toffee notes, often comparing it favorably against more expensive single barrel bourbons and Tennessee whiskeys.
- Many bourbon and whiskey forums appreciate its “drinkability” at higher proof and its distinct charcoal-mellowed profile.
B. Strengths Highlighted in Reviews
- Rich, complex flavor profile uncommon at this price and age
- Smooth despite barrel proof, thanks to charcoal mellowing
- Unique single barrel nuances from cask selection
- Long, satisfying finish with pleasant spice
C. Potential Drawbacks Noted
- Some find the high proof a bit intense without water or ice
- The smokiness from charcoal mellowing may not appeal to bourbon purists
- Limited availability means bottles can be costly or hard to find
VI. How Does George Dickel 9 Year Old Hand Selected Barrel Compare to Other Single Barrel Whiskeys?
When placed alongside other single barrel bourbons and Tennessee whiskeys, George Dickel’s offering holds its own by balancing proof, age, and mellowing process.
- Versus Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon: George Dickel is usually higher proof and includes the mellowing step, leading to smoother smokier notes, while Blanton’s is sweeter and more bourbon-forward.
- Versus Four Roses Single Barrel: Four Roses typically showcases fruity and floral rye notes; George Dickel leans more toward caramel, oak, and subtle smoke.
- Versus other George Dickel barrels: The 9 Year Old typically shows more depth and complexity than younger George Dickel expressions.
VII. Serving Suggestions and Pairings
A. Serving Suggestions
- Neat in a tulip glass or Glencairn glass to capture the aroma
- Add a few drops of water to open the nose and soften the palate
- Large ice cubes can be used for a chilled but not diluted experience
B. Food Pairings
- Smoked meats (ham, brisket, smoked sausage) complement the charcoal mellowing
- Rich desserts like pecan pie, caramel flan, or dark chocolate enhance vanilla and caramel notes
- Spiced nuts and aged cheeses make excellent accompaniments
VIII. Frequently Asked: Additional Questions
1. Is the George Dickel 9 Year Old Hand Selected Barrel gluten-free?
Yes, distilled spirits like whiskey are generally gluten-free because the distillation process removes gluten proteins. However, people with severe gluten allergies should consult a doctor.
2. What bottle size does it come in?
Typically, the 9 Year Old Hand Selected Barrel comes in standard 750ml bottles.
3. Does the barrel proof vary between different hand-selected barrels?
Yes. Because these are single barrel releases, each barrel can have a slightly different proof, usually in the range of 100-115 proof.
4. How long has George Dickel been using the Lincoln County Process?
Since its founding, George Dickel has emphasized the charcoal mellowing process, which defines Tennessee whiskey.
IX. Conclusion
The George Dickel 9 Year Old Hand Selected Barrel (Caskers Staff Pick) is an exceptional Tennessee whiskey for enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike who seek a robust, flavorful experience. Its nine years of maturation, barrel strength bottling, and careful barrel selection by Caskers combine to deliver a rich, balanced whiskey with complex aromas and flavors.
The charcoal mellowing process sets it apart from bourbons, offering a smooth, slightly smoky character that complements the sweet vanilla and spice notes. While its higher proof demands respect, many find it approachable with or without a touch of water.
Though limited in availability, those lucky enough to find a bottle of this handpicked single barrel will enjoy a premium whiskey reflecting both tradition and thoughtful curation.
For those who appreciate the art of Tennessee whiskey and seek bold, distinctive flavors with age and proof, the George Dickel 9 Year Old Hand Selected Barrel is a highly recommended choice.

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